earlier today a lively discussion was had regarding the value of local theater reviews. all manner of things were pointed out and discussed. this is really a hot button issue in our town mainly a result, i think, of the high level of passion held by a number of people who practice their art in community theater. some strongly in favor of it and some are strongly against the practice. I think three salient points were made. First, that consistent glowing reviews are nothing more than pandering. Second, that negative reviews are mean spirited. and third, that neither one of them really offers what a local review is intended to accomplish; a opportunity for learning and growth. at one point some folks pointed out that they could not remember reading any consistently negative reviews. I called into question in one of the comments that we at least had to acknowledge that there were instances of snarkiness. I was challanged to point out specific examples, which I thought I did. Anther individual suggested that I certainly can not lay claim to resorting to being snarky. for the record, i would be a fool to deny it. as a matter of fact am am by nature prone to that short thing. One of my favorite memories is when someone described me my saying you all those things you want to say, but make the choice not to. well gene says them. i am not proud of it, and i have as of late made an attempt to limit the snark. mike murdock, the poobah (no snark intended) called me out on it and strongly suggested that i stop. the end moral of this story is, it really is not at all productive to be extremely negative in you assessment of a show or a performance. It is wrong of me and it needs be realized that it is wrong for anyone to do. I am very uncomfortable with saying negative things in print, no matter how gingerly i might be able to say them. because,quite frankly, my theatre friends and my family and my church congregation are the sum total of my social life. if i post anything, it will always be in the vain of job well done if i truly believe that to be true. at times i will feel the need to point out to individuals what i felt fell short. but i will only do it in a private message. the others of you who feel you need to write comments positive and constructive have my blessing to do so. thanks for wading through this oracle.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 02:51:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015