How Critics Hype can ruin a show.- Page 2

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 6/6/16 at 7:49am

I might be in the minority that don't read reviews(critics or anyone) at all before seeing a show. If it looks interesting to me I will see it. If I know of someone in the show I will see it. If it looks stupid to me I won't see it. 

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/6/16 at 8:00am

Jane--I think you will like Fun Home.

[nsguy45]

Posted: 6/6/16 at 9:42am

The way Brantley raved about Honeymoon in Vegas in previews, you'd think it was another South Pacific. When it eventually opened on Broadway, it flopped and flopped hard.

[Kad]

Posted: 6/6/16 at 9:54am

I typically read reviews just to get some analysis of a production- rarely to form a decision on whether or not to attend, which is one I arrive at on my own based on my own knowledge of what I like.

If anything, word of mouth is what has a greater effect on whether I would attend. I knew that Tuck Everlasting would probably not be up my alley, but the fact that no one I knew had much in the way of a positive word for it cemented my decision not to buy a ticket. And, word of mouth is what really builds hype these days. Would Hamilton be a phenomenon just with its critical praise, without legions of adoring audience members? Probably not. Wicked received mixed reviews but is a bonafide worldwide smash thanks to it striking a cord with audiences.

By basing your theatergoing decision on a review, you're basing your decision on the thoughts of one person who may have radically different taste than you. There's no "hype" there. You're just weighting one opinion far more than it is probably worth to you.

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/6/16 at 10:37am

nsguy45 said: "The way Brantley raved about Honeymoon in Vegas in previews, you'd think it was another South Pacific. When it eventually opened on Broadway, it flopped and flopped hard."

You're conflating two things: artistic merit and box office success. They often have nothing to do with one another.

[hork]

Posted: 6/6/16 at 11:32am

I saw Book of Mormon based on all the rave reviews. I didn't like it, but I don't feel like the hype "ruined" the show for me. I just didn't agree with it. It happens. I'm still baffled by the acclaim for that show, but whatever, life goes on.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/6/16 at 11:34am

I agree with Hork on BOM.Sorry Drama