tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.comments2023-03-31T04:23:16.361-07:00SW WA Stage & Theater Arts ReviewSW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-65763299708138304772014-06-09T07:50:27.590-07:002014-06-09T07:50:27.590-07:00Thank you so much, Glendyne! Sorry, for the error....Thank you so much, Glendyne! Sorry, for the error. I wasn't informed. So exciting.SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-51526927766976663082014-06-08T21:48:07.425-07:002014-06-08T21:48:07.425-07:00Actually I was happy to get an email that Love Str...Actually I was happy to get an email that Love Street Playhouse IS doing a children's camp... they are doing Cinderella: The Untold Story. Glendynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09321325562253378933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-53229316344872219912014-05-12T11:06:09.127-07:002014-05-12T11:06:09.127-07:00Jolly Rogers, I agree with you, but would also say...Jolly Rogers, I agree with you, but would also say that nothing was said that they probably don't hear (and/or say) on a daily basis. Things being as they are.SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-25707778370640434022014-05-11T18:59:42.105-07:002014-05-11T18:59:42.105-07:00Thank you so much for your honest review - when I ...Thank you so much for your honest review - when I attended the show I honestly felt very uncomfortable hearing some of the language and innuendo... I feel like that sort of thing is out of place in a high school play, but most people think I'm "too old-fashioned." Maybe if more people speak up, they will re-think the standards they have for their productions? You don't have to sink to that level - in fact, in my opinion, it cheapens the experience. Otherwise it was a great play, with lots of talent- but makes it hard for me to recommend it to friends and relatives when the content/language isn't something I feel comfortable with...JOLLY ROGERShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00400778501066719932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-21551683360413288592014-05-11T07:12:45.616-07:002014-05-11T07:12:45.616-07:00Thank you for your gracious thanks Kristina. You&#...Thank you for your gracious thanks Kristina. You'd be surprised how few take the time to do so (but every once in while someone will tell us what we did "wrong" lol). GregSW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-21266998685619800792014-05-10T23:04:00.851-07:002014-05-10T23:04:00.851-07:00This is such a great review! Thank you for coming ...This is such a great review! Thank you for coming to see our play and for also mentioning me by name in the review. The cast and I have put our hearts into this show and I'm glad that you had an amazing time!<br />- Kristina CoxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-2752182558108547542014-05-06T09:23:14.511-07:002014-05-06T09:23:14.511-07:00We really enjoyed this ren faire. The day was most...We really enjoyed this ren faire. The day was mostly warm and sunny, but we had some wind and rain, too. The costumes abounded and were nice to see. Music was good and the battles were fun as well. A good study in Medieval times.SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-87157273618533867742014-04-26T18:36:49.845-07:002014-04-26T18:36:49.845-07:00I agree the intention of the acting was to give it...I agree the intention of the acting was to give it all sameness. I was actually shocked at the playfulness the father played with Gabe. The Giver is one of my favorite books, I was concerned at how it would come off in play form. I was mostly pleased with this interpretation that did not veer from the original writing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18028868759231033443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-12498078609295635592014-02-21T16:21:04.471-08:002014-02-21T16:21:04.471-08:00Sky Ring MADE the show! I feel Shakespeare's...Sky Ring MADE the show! I feel Shakespeare's vocal styling difficult to follow unless one is already familiar with the plot. Young students may not understand the timing and nuances, so his work is difficult for young performers. This was a very good show for the style and I applaud the effort. Again, tho, Sky Ring nailed it!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18028868759231033443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-34837675101196701492013-11-15T13:18:49.442-08:002013-11-15T13:18:49.442-08:00From a respected local theater veteran: "...d...From a respected local theater veteran: "...don't they understand the concept of a review? Cant all be kisses LOL."Gregory E. Zschomlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17778465954523979920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-67827549523056585572013-11-12T22:18:12.044-08:002013-11-12T22:18:12.044-08:00Tim:
I don't usually make retractions, but I ...Tim:<br /><br />I don't usually make retractions, but I feel your concern is just. I have done so only because you have been so kind with me and have made some good points. I try not to be arrogant, by the way, but I do tend to be rather opinionated. Thank you for your willingness to dialogue. Sorry that I assume wrongly. ~GregSW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-22888104350482561432013-11-12T20:54:01.347-08:002013-11-12T20:54:01.347-08:00I believe that Agatha Christie (wisely, writers DO...I believe that Agatha Christie (wisely, writers DO improve) continued to refine the character of Insp. Japp in several novels (though he disappeared from her plays). Perhaps the BCC )also wisely) took these into account as well as the earlier work. <br /><br />And aren't all critics arrogant? ;) Okay, so I take responsibility for my actions/words AND I take issue with Christie rather than with the director and actor. My apologies.SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-83553187446266452152013-11-12T20:14:05.994-08:002013-11-12T20:14:05.994-08:00Ah, I see why you were so jarred. When the butler ...Ah, I see why you were so jarred. When the butler announced the arrival of Inspector Japp, you were expecting the BBC's version of Japp. But the BBC's well-rounded Japp from 1989 is quite different from Agatha Christie's broadly comedic Japp from 1929. The TV screenwriters basically fabricated their version of him out of thin air, based only loosely on the "real" Japp's appearances in a few of Christie's early works. (See the first paragraph of the "Inspector Japp" article on Wikipedia.) We couldn't have made our Japp similar to the BBC's version even if we'd wanted to deviate from Christie's vision of him, since his crass lines and back-slapping stage directions in "Black Coffee" simply wouldn't have supported the BBC's characterization.<br /><br />In your response to my comment, you try to soft-pedal your review's heavyhanded treatment of me by saying that it's simply a matter of differences of interpretation. But your published review actually says something quite a bit more harsh than that. In your review, you don't even allow for the possibility that my portrayal is the result of any thoughtful interpretation on our part at all (the director's and mine). Rather, the only explanation you can offer (and, incredibly, you DO decide to offer it rather than to wisely avoid speculating) is that the director must have started with an interpretation similar to your own, but then I as a one-trick-pony actor subverted her wishes, and she was too weak-willed of a director to stop me. You imply, in other words, that our portrayal of Japp could only have been arrived at through a combination of gross incompetence on the part of actor and director, rather than by a collaborative artistic choice by actor and director.<br /><br />That's more than a little insulting. If your interpretation is different from ours, that's one thing. But it's nothing short of arrogant of you to assume that only gross incompetence can explain how someone might end up with a different opinion from your own.<br /><br />I assure you that we did arrive at our interpretation through thoughtful reading and discussion of the script (which you have not read, despite your claim to be a theater critic familiar with Agatha Christie). And I stand behind our result. Do you still stand behind your description of my portrayal as "abysmal" and "grossly miscast"?<br />Tim Kleinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04872913127969677806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-9008794250805241132013-11-11T10:12:09.337-08:002013-11-11T10:12:09.337-08:00Tim, thank you for your comments. It was not inten...Tim, thank you for your comments. It was not intention to be mean to you or Amanda or Magenta, but I truly was jarred. I am, BTW, familiar with the mystery writer Agatha Christie, and I suppose you are right that I shouldn't put her in a box, so to speak. I have not read the script for "Black Coffee" but I am familiar with Japp from BBC. I have not seen him played as you played him and I am not opposed to that interpretation, but I would have made the other characters more caricature as well. It was too much of a change, but that's simply MY artistic interpretation.SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-40312628448079133452013-11-10T23:31:00.460-08:002013-11-10T23:31:00.460-08:00Agatha Christie is not a genre, but a playwright (...Agatha Christie is not a genre, but a playwright (among other things). And in this particular play, she did indeed write my character as a back-slapping, lewd boor of a police inspector, obliviously and comically out of place in posh surroundings. Whether or not it fits with your view of her work, that jarring contrast is an example of broad comedy written by Agatha Christie. I assure you it's quite deliberate, and not the result of my inability to play any other type of role, or of a weak-willed director unable to rein in an overly exuberant actor.<br /><br />-- Tim Klein<br />Tim Kleinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04872913127969677806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-24247663664100153502013-10-25T09:16:14.868-07:002013-10-25T09:16:14.868-07:00LOL Mr. Moore, Yes, maybe a bit old to be the pare...LOL Mr. Moore, Yes, maybe a bit old to be the parent of such a youngun, but NEVER too old to pick up the terrifying hobby of acting. You did a fine job (and thanks for encouraging the kids), keep it up! See you next time.~ the other GregSW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-4499919702219698532013-10-25T09:15:03.359-07:002013-10-25T09:15:03.359-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-29916705053392949392013-10-24T23:22:29.998-07:002013-10-24T23:22:29.998-07:00Of course I was (at 66, with virtually no acting e...Of course I was (at 66, with virtually no acting experience and hadn't danced since Junior Cotillion) too old to be Pinkalicious' dad, but the joy of helping kids bring the fantasy of this silly story to life was worth every terrifying moment, and why I love community theatre. - Greg Moore (Mr. Pinkerton)Greg Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15007205937746232683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-24948926900254711792013-10-19T17:25:38.810-07:002013-10-19T17:25:38.810-07:00Dorinda, thank you for your comments!
Good dialog...Dorinda, thank you for your comments!<br /><br />Good dialogue is what theater (and blogs) are all about, so thanks for joining in "the debate." I agree with your general assessment that we need a variety of themes and topics in theater. I don't believe I made a values judgement as to what was "good" or "bad" in my opinion piece. I meant to say that a couple of theater companies were trying foist a darker dramatic diet upon a public that really didn't want it just because it was "good for us." Just as I used to balk at broccoli when I was a kid, (I DO think there is a place for broccoli) I also think theater is a good place to educate people and share politics and other agendas (from time to time). Biby did a good job of clarifying things and graciously "setting me straight." Broom just wrote me off rather than dialogue. That's what I wanted--dialogue. After all, I have been wrong before. What DOES Vancouver want? That's the question. I guessed (and I may be right; time will tell).<br /><br />And I did not choose to not review Bump's work. I have eagerly offered, but he has declined. I simply do not have the budget to see every play and if I pay to see one that may catch on. lol I provide a free service. I try to give good reviews; I don't just give raving reviews because I get free tickets.That wouldn't be right. BTW, but I also try to be honest so that the PUBLIC can count on me. Sure, I love to boost theater, but, really, I am providing my service to the public. They can choose to ignore me, but many do look to what I have to say. Maybe, it's like I use to use Rex Reed's movie reviews--if he hated it I knew I would like it (with the exception of "Superman," which he liked because he had a cameo in it.) lol And I DO show my support by running PSW press releases.<br /><br />Thanks again for adding your valuable opinion.SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-86940661446017807332013-10-19T16:02:55.692-07:002013-10-19T16:02:55.692-07:00I realize I am coming to this post late but I just...I realize I am coming to this post late but I just had to comment.<br /><br />Greg, as you know I am supporter of this blog. I think its important to lend focus to the theater in our community and feedback, both positive and negative, is valuable to both companies and actors. <br /><br />However, I have to confess I am disappointed in the tone of this argument. It seems to me that you are putting all 'good' theater in one big 'family friendly' box. Now don't get me wrong - I enjoy a family friendly night at the theater as much as anyone - but that is not all that theater is to me. Sometimes I want to leave the kids at home and see something that makes me question or think or weep.<br /><br />I am a local director, actor and patron of theater and I have personally worked with most of the companies you mentioned as well as the now defunct New Blue Parrot and Slocum House theaters. And while its true that Magenta and Lovestreet continue to produce great family friendly theater - I have to say that I also enjoy the 'edgier' pieces they have done just as much as the flufffy stuff (and sometimes more so). <br /><br />Theater, before the advent of netflicks, hulu and cable TV had a much bigger place in our culture. Theater did not only entertain - it also sought to teach, inspire, provoke, move, address, question and cause reflection on the world around itself.<br /><br />Most of all I sincerely believe that 'good' theater inspires discussion (like the one we are having :) Just as a person can be unaffected or moved to tears by a Picaso - if we qualify all 'good' theater as being of only one type - we miss so many opportunities to learn from and connect with each other!<br /><br />As a final note - given your stated preferences for family friendly content and for musicals I am surprised that your choose not to review Makado - performed at both the Heathman and at Lovestreet playhouse or Godspell currently in production under Tony Bumps capable hand both for Pacific Stageworks. Whether reviewed or not, it would be great to have your support. Two more chances to see this show - it runs tonight and tomorrow. <br /><br />Dorinda Toner<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07881001578552643648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-68335794780418763012013-09-23T18:43:15.731-07:002013-09-23T18:43:15.731-07:00Touche and ouch. But, oh so well said and kind Mr....Touche and ouch. But, oh so well said and kind Mr. Biby. And don't think I haven't enjoyed the talent and quality of your productions. I have seen many of them and given them good reviews. Some, which I prefer not to see, I have assigned another reviewer to, which he has also given high marks. <br /><br />You points are well made and I can see their validity, of course. Sorry, I was a bit hard you particularly. I see you are a good sport and I ask your forgiveness and appreciate your graciousness and sincere response. However, I stand by the fact that I (and others)want some "fluff" stuff from those (Clark) who can present it so well. You don't have to foist stuff on us because it's good for us (at least all the time); give us some Capt. Crunch sometimes, Cheerios gets tiresome. I understand that with students, but, hey, you know the saying: You can lead a horse to water... ~Greg<br /><br />PS: Have you considered: 2 contemporary, award-winning, "out-there" (need to experience for students), 1 classic (Shakespeare, Miller, Wilde, etc.), 1 favorite (an occasional musical perhaps) as a seasonal formula? That would round out what students need and keep the ticket-paying public happy.Gregory E. Zschomlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17778465954523979920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-91333900295806146442013-09-20T22:52:48.134-07:002013-09-20T22:52:48.134-07:00Touche and ouch. But, oh so well said and kind Mr....Touche and ouch. But, oh so well said and kind Mr. Biby. And don't think I haven't enjoyed the talent and quality of your productions. I have seen many of them and given them good reviews. Some, which I prefer not to see, I have assigned another reviewer to, which he has also given high marks. <br /><br />You points are well made and I can see their validity, of course. Sorry, I was a bit hard you particularly. I see you are a good sport and I ask your forgiveness and appreciate your graciousness and sincere response. However, I stand by the fact that I (and others)want some "fluff" stuff from those (Clark) who can present it so well. You don't have to foist stuff on us because it's good for us (at least all the time); give us some Capt. Crunch sometimes, Cheerios gets tiresome. I understand that with students, but, hey, you know the saying: You can lead a horse to water... ~GregSW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-75556810502557048332013-09-20T22:44:08.422-07:002013-09-20T22:44:08.422-07:00Third, the pieces that Clark College Theater has p...Third, the pieces that Clark College Theater has produced under my direction have been principally award-winning works or works nominated for prestigious awards. Rent, based on Puccini's opera La bohème, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the original Broadway production won four Tony awards and was nominated for several others. Rabbit Hole won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The Broadway production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee won two Tony awards and was nominated for three others. The original Broadway production of Reasons to be Pretty was nominated for three Tony awards. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is one of the most influential modern American plays, winning a Tony Award for Best Play, and considered for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Both Rent and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf have been made into extremely successful films. Thus, the selections made by Clark College Theater under my direction consist primarily of well-known and well-respected works, "deviant" only the estimation of an ideologue with an "agenda". <br /> <br />Finally, I note with some bemusement that you wish that I would "go away" and are therefore disappointed that my tenure case is approaching. If I were a less generous soul, I would view this statement as somewhat of a veiled threat; but I trust that you are aware of the general support I have from the Clark College administration, and that you offer your criticism only in the most Christian open-hearted spirit.<br /> <br />I can’t prevent you from attending our productions and continuing to review our work, but I would ask you whether it serves either one of us if you cannot conduct your reviews in a frame of mind that is free from bias and preconceived notions about what cultural offerings are appropriate for southwest Washington. Consequently, I would hope that the next time you sit in our theater, you do so only with an open mind and willingness to grapple with the serious questions we intend our productions to provoke.<br /> <br />Sincerely,<br /> <br />H. Gene Biby<br />Clark College<br />Theater Program DirectorSW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-36272804062569329932013-09-20T22:43:47.857-07:002013-09-20T22:43:47.857-07:00Second, while I whole-heartedly agree that family-...Second, while I whole-heartedly agree that family-friendly theater should constitute a substantial portion of the theater offerings in any community, it would seem that even by your own recognition, the Vancouver area has a healthy assortment of such offerings. In the opening paragraph of your essay, you congratulate Love Street Playhouse, Magenta Theater, CYT, MPAA and Journey for their family-friendly productions. This leaves the impression that you are troubled not so much by the unavailability of family-friendly shows, but rather the availability of challenging works that are appropriate for mature audiences. It therefore seems that your true desire is a form of censorship. This impression is reinforced by your choice of words -- "deviant" and "agenda", for example – which seem designed to provoke outrage against certain elements of the community that you personally find offensive... (continued)<br /> <br />SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344238053564493627.post-12899699404703111792013-09-20T22:42:57.106-07:002013-09-20T22:42:57.106-07:00Dear Mr. Zschomler,
I read with great interest y...Dear Mr. Zschomler,<br /> <br />I read with great interest your August 29th blog posting entitled "OPINION: It is a Dark Time for SW Washington Theater" in which you criticize Serendipity Players and Clark College Theater for our production offerings that are "darker, [more] deviant and dirtier" than you would otherwise prefer and in which you insinuate that Tony Broom and I are pushing an agenda that Vancouver residents should find offensive. <br /> <br />I find the sentiment expressed in your opinion piece curious for several reasons. First, while I certainly understand your concern over the marketability of particular works, I would remind you that Clark College Theatre has an educational mission beyond appealing to largest possible paying audience in the community. Its principal mission is to prepare students aspiring to careers in the performing arts, and it would be an egregious omission to shrink from the type of material that is presented regularly in the popular venues of most major American cities. It also has a mission to expose the general student population to contemporary cultural and political issues, to initiate dialog about these topics, and to acknowledge the diversity of our student population... (continued)SW WA Stage & Theater Arts Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157301884406453727noreply@blogger.com