How much weight do you give to critics/reviews- Page 2

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 8:24pm

"I think the best critic working today is John Lahr (The New Yorker), although he can be a bit spoiler-heavy at times. "

But those are the great ones in the long run. When you look into the archives of a show...you learne everything.

I happen to love the Curtain Up reviews because they include so much info about the show - that, if you missed it, you can almost imaging seeing it with the review.

[best12bars]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 8:54pm

I don't place much weight on any one particular critic EVER anymore. Some of them out there are great writers or explain their criticisms eloquently... but that doesn't mean I agree with their opinions.

I do look at an overall consensus of reviews, though. That might drag me into a theatre, if everyone is raving... or steer me away if absolutely everyone pans it. I'm also intrigued by shows that are split widely with passionate raves and heated damnation all at the same time. That will usually get me to see something, just out of curiousity.

But I don't think critics opinions are any more valuable or important than anyone else's... including my own, for that matter. I'm just as interested in a novice's opinion as I am in a "scholar's." That's one of the things I love most about art, is how it affects different people emotionally, in so many different ways. Education isn't the same thing as passion. Not by a long shot.

[grizzabella]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 9:25pm

To be honest, I don't put much stock in any single critic. I usually look for a trend, to see if there is a general consensus. If a show interests me, I'll probably go regardless of what the critics say, unless the consensus is that it's a complete mess. Then, I think twice about spending the money. However, if I really enjoy particular cast members, I may go anyway.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 12:41am

John Lahr used to have my vote but he's just gone off the deep end too many times in recent years. (His over-the-top and dishonest reviews of a shlocky play called SILENCE, CUNNING, AND EXILE and THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA were particular howlers). So my number one fave at the present time is Michael Feingold, whose reviews are not only erudite and on-the-money but encompass a humanist morality as well. Not to mention that he loves and understands musicals.

Allison MacKenzie
Peyton Place, New Hampshire

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 12:44am

John Lahr is a FANTASTIC writer. I have some books of his -- other material than theatre reviews, but I love his style.