Curtains down for Gilligan’s disco

Saipan’s most frequented disco spot is quitting while it’s ahead.

After four years of providing upbeat night entertainment to hundreds of the island’s outgoing block, Gilligan’s disco at the Hyatt Regency Saipan is drawing down its curtains this Saturday, for good.

“We’ve been examining where our business is going in the next six months and I don’t think we can continue with Gilligan’s as it is now and still be successful. Rather than wait for things to not be successful, I came to a decision that yes, it’s a good place, many people have supported it, but every product has a certain life,” Hyatt Food and Beverage Manager Malcolm Omond explained.

But Mr. Omond cleared that the decision to stop six nights a week of live musical entertainment at the Gilligan’s Entertainment Center was not due to commonly perceived reasons such as management failure or low sales.

“None of these expressions are applicable,” he assured.

To many, Gilligan’s disco has indisputably been considered the hang out for dancing and social interaction, catering to varied groups of people ranging from island residents to tourists.

For years, it has served as a venue where Saipan’s diverse cultural backgrounds have converged for nights of fun and live entertainment.

“If you’re managing things carefully, you know when something has to come to an end. And you know when you should revitalize it, or whether you should stop it and introduce something new,” said Mr. Omond.

Gilligan’s disco has drawn quite a number of frequent party-goers who, until this day, has remained loyal to the quality of services it offers.

“Everybody has a great attachment to Gilligan’s which I really appreciate. And I have always enjoyed great support from many folks out there. For that, I say thank you very much,” he said.

But the end of Gilligan’s disco is expected to open up more opportunities for new business ideas, according to the F&B manager.

From the beginning of April until Summer, Hyatt will be cranking up its pool of resources to carefully examine the feasibility of other business ventures that’s anticipated to reinvent the concept of classy entertainment Gilligan’s has been known for.

“From now until Summer is generally not a busy time for the hotel so it would be a good time to make some changes,” he added.

Hyatt has assured that it has every intention of putting up an alternative form of attraction at the entertainment center. The management guaranteed it will have something lined up for night time recreation at the Gilligan’s before Summer this year arrives.

To culminate the exit of one of Saipan’s favorite past times, a grand celebration has been slated for the weekend. This Saturday, hundreds are expected to join Gilligan’s disco as it caps four years of success.

The last call party will highlight live music from Hyatt’s in-house show band, Muzart, who also bids the island farewell.

“We will be featuring quizzes, games, and giving away prizes. We’ll be reliving lots of good and fun times. I hope a lot of people come and help us celebrate. It’s not a wake, it’s a party!,” Mr. Omond invited.