Didn't like the Chaperone — Page 3

I think the big "struggle" here is that if people don't like a show that you liked, it somehow lessens or taints your own experience of it.

It shouldn't!

I absolutely loved "Drowsy," but the fact that others didn't won't lessen my memories of it in the least.

Celebrate your individuality!

I feel badly that others don't get the same "bang" out of it that I did, but hopefully they will someday with some show.

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Again: My question is "How or why have so many critics been almost universally duped?" They don't critique a show premiering in Chicago based on it's Broadway potential; they judge the merits of the show independat of its final destination (Mary Zimmerman's "Silk" for example). I did due diligience looking for bad reviews for some out-of-towners coming to NYC before TDC began previews and in the mainstream media it was difficult to find pans. Discussion boards have been something else. This is what I find puzzling. Generally, you can find as many critics who hate a show (proportionaely) as those who have seen it but in this case there are quite a few theatergoers who loathe the show while there have been almost no hideous reviews in the press.

I find that puzzling.

One of my dearest friends was a critic for 20 years. (Many of you are sick of my mentioning this, I'm sure...but there's a reason.) What I learned from spending many evenings in the theatre with her is this: Critics are no different from you and me...except they have columns.

Well, on a Message Board, EVERYBODY has "a column." So we're going to get everything from the overly effusive to the hyperbolically scathing.

I say read a lot and familiarize yourself with posters you respect if you want to read Board "reviews." That's what I do. I still don't always "agree" with them, but I do always respect them.

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Miguel Bennett is seeing the show for the first time "in a few weeks."

I suggest you take Miguel Bennett's opinions with a grain of salt.

I have not see the show and have no opinion of it. I'm only sharing my opinions of reviews in general.

MB, I suggest you wait until the show is over before you have a CCB since there is no intermission. You may go stark-raving mad after all that caffeine.

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I must admit I heard some pretty much all negative things about the show from people who saw it here in L.A. (most of my friends did...they advised me not to go so I didn't)

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Michael Bennett---L.A. critics are FAR from easy to please. There is a different sensibility out here, I'll give you that. But several "highly praised" shows from New York have come out here and TANKED both critically and commercially. I think it's just another example of the "East Coast/West Coast snobbery" showing.

Be careful yours doesn't show either.

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Tiny-Toon must be insane.

You know, I've met a lot of people seeing shows and talked to them about shows they have seen.

A lot of them raved about BKLYN and their faces just lit up...to the point I couldn't say I hated it.

And I thought about it. I can see how people like it (I can't defend that because I hated it, personally). Anyway, every show, no matter how bad, finds an audience (eventually). And if one person likes the show, then let them.

Now, I have to agree with BobbyB et al. He is bringing up the point that BKLYN's biggest fan hated Drowsy. You, the reader, can take that as it is...If you did not like BKLYN, ignore Tiny's opinion.

If you liked BKLYN, decide for yourself.

I do think it is rude, however, to tell people not to buy tickets for a show when you yelled at people who trashed BKLYN.

I am one of those people who enjoy most things I see. I guess I can always find something in a show (like Ramona in BKLYN!). But I also can find and point out faults in a show. I usually ignore them.

I think, for me, DRACULA is the perfect example. So what I liked it? I don't think it is close to perfect. But I enjoyed it for what it was. Would I recommend it to people? Yes. But I would first tell them what I did not like about it...to the point where I wonder why I even like it.

But the fact is, I like what I like.
I like to think I am able to say, "I enjoyed it...even though the show is a trash heap" or "I loved it, it's high art!"

People here (myself included sometimes) get so wrapped up in trying to write a perfect review to show up the "professional" critics...the published ones...you forget who you are writing for: Readers of a message board.

I try to point out everything in detail and include an honest opinion. There's always someone out there who will agree with you.

Updated On: 4/15/06 at 03:29 AM

Just because Tiny Toon liked BKLYN, it doesn't mean his opinion is not valid. Brantley liked Melanie Griffith in Chicago and he is still the "most important" critic in the American theatre. I hated BKLYN myself, but still, his opinion counts like anyone elses.

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