Message Board Celebrity Of The Day (Part I) - papalovesmambo- Page 113

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:09am

Margo! The fount of theatre knowledge!

Congratulations, Margo!

[Craig]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:35am

Congratulations Margo!!

[Mamie]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:50am

Until Margo comes here (assuming he does come - he may decide to avoid us altogether!) I've decided to relist one of my favorite MargoChanning postings. The subject (of course) is CRITICS:

"scholarship, erudition, discernment, taste and experience"

OK, that describes Michael Feingold, head critic for the Voice for almost 35 years, who, even when I don't agree with him, I enjoy reading, respect his opinion and even learn from on occasion. John Lahr (New Yorker), John Heilprin (New York Observer) and Linda Winer (Newsday) are also eminently qualified.

That also describes John Simon, who has been reviewing for New York Magazine and other publications since the beginning of time and despite a very impressive vocabulary, has shown himself to be a racist, homophobic, misogynist bigot, who's opinion on anything, least of all the American Theatre, cannot be trusted (at least by me).

That also describes Clives Barnes, NY Post critic and former Times head critic who has reviewed theatre and dance even longer than Simon (since the 50's at least) and seems to be easily confused and gets lost trying to follow most shows (the fact that he falls asleep at nearly every show he's supposed to be reviewing -- I've seen him passed out on several occasions -- is probably to blame). He, like many, needs to retire.

That also described the all-powerful Ben Brantley, who's writing skills are mediocre and who's critical acumen leaves a lot to be desired, IMO. He also is frequently snippy and mean for no apparent reason -- qualities contemptible in a man who has the ability to single-handedly close shows and destroy reputations (unlike any other ctitic in the American Theatre).

That also describes Howard Kissel of the Daily News, about whom the kindest thing I can say is that he's a hack with no influence whatsoever.

Then there are folks like Elyse Gardner (USA Today), Roma Torre (NY1), and several others who are simply unqualified, lacking the experience or scholarship for the job (I once heard Torre actually say on the air, that she "doesn't like the classics" -- and she's a CRITIC? I'd have fired her on the spot)

The current slate of theatre critics is a truly sorry lot -- probably the worst we've ever seen in this city. Bring back the days of Walter Kerr, Frank Rich, Howard Taubman, Kenneth Tynan, Benedict Nightingale -- terrific writers with great analytical skills, experience, a sense of theatrical history and coherent writing styles, which meant the reader could actually ascertain their opinion and the reasons behind that opinion, allowing the reader to determine whether or not he wanted to see a particular show. With most of today's critics, Brantley included, you can finish reading one of their badly written ramblings and at the end still have no idea whether they liked the show or not, (or what specifically was bad or good about a show that lead them to their non-opinion).

The fact is, there is better writing on this board some days than what we now put up with from some of the major dailies and weeklies -- clear, to the point, with a lucidly expressed opinion. Some of these so-called journalists should take note.

Updated On: 2/2/06 at 10:50 AM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:52am

I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy . . .

To even post on the same thread honoring Margo.

We are so lucky to have Margo post on this Board, and what a well deserving MBCotD.

Congrats Margo!

[DG]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:53am

Thanks, Mamie - and it actually answers one of my questions!

Look through the rest of your Margo library and see if you can answer the others!

Of course, seeing what he's put in print might REALLY make him hide

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:54am

Margo, Margo, Margo...

What can I say?

Congrats!

[PalJoey]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:55am

Wouldn't it be loverly if the New York Times made Michael Feingold their 1st-string critic and our Margo their 2nd string?

Think how many readers would look FORWARD to reading reviews!

If I ran the zoo...

[robbiej]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:57am

Has the stupid bitch even shown up yet?

She probably sittin' in bed...eating Rocher and smoking Benson and Hedges 100's.

Stupid bitch...YOU GONNA BURN!

[Mamie]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:58am

Oh sweetie - I would (for no other reason than I love to read them!) but I have no time. I put off doing ANYTHING yesterday and I've got to get to work. I just stopped in to see if Margo had logged on.

[DG]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:11am

Robbie'll smoke him out.

Wait, that didn't come out right.

Well, maybe it did.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:13am

Who is MargoChanning?

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:21am

Margo is a celebrity every day - what is the point?

[DG]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:23am

brd - he has shied away from direct adoration - so we're trying to force him into it!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:44am

Oh dear. I just noticed this thread a minute ago. Does this mean I'm Queen For A Day? Thanks Mamie and everyone. I'm not good with receiving attention, but I'm certainly flattered by all the kind words.

So what's next? I'm on the hot seat all day getting grilled by the coppers with brass knuckles and rubber hoses?

I'll try to answer some of your questions as time permits. Thank you again.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:47am

Congratulations, Margo!! So happy you finally checked in. I can't wait for some of your answers.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:49am

Margo you have long been one of my favorite posters. I enjoy your articulate, and well read opinions, the depth of your reviews and your all around knowledge of theatre.
I also love it when I see you kid around and be silly like the rest of us.

If there is any one here I would wish to emulate it is you. (I have come close enough to be accused of being you lapdog, and maybe your b*tch on several occasions. )

Congrats to you, although the truth is you are Celebrity of the Day most day.

[DG]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:50am

"So what's next? I'm on the hot seat all day getting grilled by the coppers with brass knuckles and rubber hoses?"

If you're lucky.

Nice to see you - and you'll just have to SUFFER

[robbiej]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:52am

Right? Like she's shied away from ANYTHING rubber in the past.

Stupid bitch.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:52am

Cool.
And contrats!

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:54am

"getting grilled by the coppers with brass knuckles and rubber hoses?"

At long last, a topic upon which I don't feel totally intimidated by when experiencing Margo's breadth and depth of knowledge. I might even be able to contribute something.

Enjoy your day, Margo!

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:55am

Margo..you forgot the chains and whips dear.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:55am

What pieces of theatre would you like to see adapted for the movies, Margo, if any?

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:56am

Oh, Margo ! What can I say, that hasn't been said ? The most informed poster here, always eager to share your knowledge to anyone who has questions ! A wonderful human being, helpful, educated, smart, funny and sweet ! I worship you and I am always eager to read your fantastic posts ! Long may you reign ! *raises glass*

[Plum]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 12:00pm

Hee. I was wondering how long the non-Margo situation would last. Nice to see it's been rectified. Congrats, Margo.

[beacon1]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 12:07pm

Even under interrogation, Margo is the picture of class and style. :o)