Recently a show that I am a part of was reviewed by a writer...and I don't fully agree with his perceptions of the show. As an ensemble member, I get to see a large portion of the show from the wings and from the production monitors in the dressing areas. And if I, having seen the show for the past 2 months in rehearsals, can still enjoy it and be captivated by the performers than he can get off his high horse and appreciate the work.
True the book itself has some inherent problems and the score lacks a few things but the actual performance that was given onstage has to be reviewed seperately from all of that. So at the outset, let us discuss a few problems with the Book... the show was originally adapted from a film and had to be scrubbed clean for American audiences Due to the changes the main character isn't afforded the usual character developments...she starts as a naive young woman and she ends as a naive young woman, if not slightly more empowered. The story progresses through vignettes or as a cut-away in movies, scenes melting from one into the other...the problem is that one scene is resolved before the audience is thrust into another. With little, if any, blackouts or scene change opportunities the viewer is unable to formulate thoughts of plausibilty and resolution...and therefore I believe are left wanting more from the scene than is given. The supporting roles are given very little time to create valid stories and connections with the title character. For example, the role of the "Owner" is given very little time in Act 1 to connect with the girls and with the title character, yet at the end of Act 2 is thrust into the limelight and expected to be able to emote with the ensemble. It is as if the writers could find no other way to culminate his work...so poof, magical ending!
But enough about the work itself...our actors, creative team, and crew have been working hard on this project and to allow some critic to come in and tell us how to do our job is ridiculous. I stand by our lead and our ensemble and ask that critic to stand up and show us what he has. You know that old saw, "Those who can't, teach" well perhaps it should be "Those who can't act, critique". When was the last time our critic was on a stage? On a creative team? Write a theater piece? Seems like the only thing he does is write about other peoples flaws!
I have been doing some thinking and decided that reviewers think that they need to be harsh...who wants to read something filled with sunshine and daffodils? Think about it, who is the most talked about judge on American Idol? Simon. Why? Because he is a jerk! No one would like him if he praised everyone... He builds up the tension with back handed remarks and then when he gives praise (often where it shouldn't be given) the crowd goes crazy and a star is born! Hmmm...could that be what our reviewer does? Puts one show down so that his next review can be perceived as a great show? Then again could he be 100% right and the shows he reviews actually are horrible?
But either way, we continue to do our job. We press on and go out each night and give it our best. And hope that the audiences will forgive the often weak story. Maybe they know better than the critic and will love the show for what it is...a great evening of theater.
I know I promised quotes from the rehearsal hall but this was more pressing. Six show weeks begin tomorrow...how exciting!!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment