Reviewing the Reviewer

I had a nice online conversation with an actor I had reviewed less than kindly today.  He was very gracious and professional about it.  As I said to him, if I start to fake or water down my reviews just because someone is a friend or colleague, then the review means nothing.  This way, if I give you a good review, you'll know I mean that, too.

But the whole idea began rolling around in my head.  The old "Who Watches the Watchmen" idea.  With that in mind, I would like to re-examine me as reviewer.

For example, I made a point of saying that my wife laughed most of the way through...rather loudly I didn't say.  I mentioned that I found many parts "laugh out loud funny".  That was written as an audience member.  But as I continued to read, I realized that much of the review was written as an actor/director.  That is a dangerous trap to be in.  I consciously try to be objective.  I try to be fair.  I try not to cut my throat with the people I'm reviewing.  But somewhere in the cobwebbed passages of my labyrinthine brain, there are voices saying, "If only I'd directed this." and "If I were the actor, I would have..."  There will be a faint odour of that from any reviewer.

Ultimately I am who I am.  I try to be honest and true and tell my opinion (yes, only and opinion).  I am flawed so my reviews are flawed.  I'm smart so my reviews are generally good.  Whether they match your taste and experience, only time and shared experience will tell.

To any and all I offend- this was not my purpose. To those I have enlightened- you're welcome.  To those I have merely entertained- pass along this blog address and have a great life.  Leave your comments below.

Closing in on Opening Night

Wednesday January 15, 2014
"Four weeks, you rehearse and rehearse
Three weeks, and it couldn't be worse
One week, will it ever be right?
Then out of the hat it's that big first night!"

Cole Porter knew a thing or three about opening nights and the chaos that leads up to them.

Most of the set is done. Most of us hit our lines each night.  Most of us have costumes and props ready to go.  Most of...   Things always get a little crazy as opening night approaches.  With a complex set with complex changes, there are always going to be glitches.  Like actors near castrating themselves on low tables in the dark during a blackout where things have been moved to new places.  Or no handle on the door.  With complex acting relationships between characters (and actors), there are always going to be nights that it "clicks"  or doesn't.  The trick is to keep moving and don't dwell.  Trust that it will be there when the curtain goes up.

On the set of Nevermore it's the same.  Actors with bruises, of body and ego.  Director stressing, as directors do (especially newbies).  Producers kibitzing, as producers do (as they're supposed to do).  Crew just trying to stay alive and keep things moving.  We have a talented cast.  Perfect? No...which is a good thing.  We have a talented director with a vision.  A strong vision is essential, but can sometimes get in the way when there are snags.  The set is lovely, but still a work in progress.  

We open in 3 days.  Whatever happens, it will be amazing!

A new Blog is Born (yawn)

Okay. My massive ego demands that I now share even more drivel in a different area. This blog will be focused on theater and all that goes with it. I'll have actor's notes when I am in a show, tech notes when I'm a "backstager", director's rants when I am directing, and reviews when I am simply in the audience. Production stills will, I hope be posted along with inflated opinions of myself and my contributions. Great for reading when suffering from insomnia.