#1
Posted: 3/17/19 at 12:15am
And that includes The NY Times.
Updated On: 3/17/19 at 12:15 AM
I realized that I am more anxious to read a Whizzer review than any critic.
#2
Posted: 3/17/19 at 12:46am
I absolutely second this. While I don't always agree with Whizzer's opinion, having a quick reference first night is invaluable in determining what to see quickly, and what can wait. And I always post that it's an honor to be at performances the same night as Whizzer. I'm sure I've been at legit press nights with major reporters, but Whizzer always gets the shout-out.
#3
Posted: 3/17/19 at 12:50am
I always look for Whizzers reviews. Thank you, Whizzer!
#4
Posted: 3/17/19 at 1:01am
There was a show maybe a year or so ago that used one of Whizzer's own words in their pull quote headings.
Great insight to all things. Fine work, Whizzer!
Great insight to all things. Fine work, Whizzer!
#5
Posted: 3/17/19 at 1:07am
Whizzer's reviews are great because (a) he loves the theater, and (b) he is more interested in correctly describing the evening than in showing us how clever he can be.
I wish he could teach classes for other critics.
#6
Posted: 3/17/19 at 3:48am
Now that I've seen a few shows in out-of-town tryouts before Whizzer has seen them in New York, I am actually more impressed with his assessments than I had been before.
It's not that I always completely agree with him, but his evaluations of shows give me a very good sense of their strengths and weaknesses. Whizzer brings a sense of history, given his near-encyclopedic knowledge of the countless shows he's seen, but also has a genuine sense of enthusiasm about seeing new plays and musicals in early previews - and he still seems to get a thrill when he's pleasantly surprised or shocked. Plus, he's never condescending or unkind.
As someone who is having a tough time trying to pick shows for an upcoming trip, I know I will scroll back to find Whizzer's reviews before I finally decide.
#7
Posted: 3/17/19 at 4:10am
Whizzer's reviews deserve a section of their own.
Such insight and balance!
#8
Posted: 3/17/19 at 8:01am
I have loved reading Whizzer's reviews long before I even joined the site as a user. His reviews are no only so well-written, but full of insights into every aspect of the productions.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
#9
Posted: 3/17/19 at 8:01am
100% agree.
#10
Posted: 3/17/19 at 8:15am
Hear! Hear!
#11
Posted: 3/17/19 at 8:20am
Whizzer.... As a career writer/editor and Broadway enthusiast, I have to add that you really should be making a living at this -- or at least turn it into a semi-professional, paying hobby.
#12
Posted: 3/17/19 at 8:52am
Whizzer's reviews are simply a must for me, too and they are truly one of the best things about this board. Wonderfully witty and insightful!
#13
Posted: 3/17/19 at 9:24am
I don’t always agree with Whizzer’s reviews (I actually loved the first preview of Kiss Me, Kate while The Ferryman didn’t quite cohesively work for me), but they are insightful. I too look forward to them.
#14
Posted: 3/17/19 at 9:38am
It's not that I always completely agree with him, but his evaluations of shows give me a very good sense of their strengths and weaknesses. Whizzer brings a sense of history, given his near-encyclopedic knowledge of the countless shows he's seen, but also has a genuine sense of enthusiasm about seeing new plays and musicals in early previews - and he still seems to get a thrill when he's pleasantly surprised or shocked. Plus, he's never condescending or unkind.
Exactly. I appreciate his reviews more than the critics because he does them w a genuine love for theatre while "professional" critics have to deal w the business side- length breakdown for the placement int the paper, pull quotes, etc. Whizzer tells us what he sees and feels w/out getting tangled up in all the other BS.
Thanks- and please keep doing what you do so well.
#15
Posted: 3/17/19 at 3:37pm
As someone who will never get to any shows again, I eagerly scroll down to find Wizzers' post to immerse myself in his/her words. I feel as if I am sitting there beside this person for the first preview.
Thank you for that experience from afar.
#16
Posted: 3/17/19 at 3:45pm
BroadwayWorld should be paying Whizzer for his reviews. So detailed & concise, I've always wondered what Whizzer does for a living and just assumed it involved writing.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
#17
Posted: 3/17/19 at 3:51pm
I couldn't agree more. I get to NYC to see about 6-8 shows each year. His thoughtful reviews often help me decide between productions of interest ... or avoid a likely dud.
Updated On: 3/17/19 at 03:51 PM
#18
Posted: 3/17/19 at 5:00pm
Adding my name to the list of those always eager to read his thoughts.
Even when my opinion differs, his writing is respectful, thoughtful and informative, which is refreshing and appreciated. And many times prompts me to consider my feeling about the show.
Even when my opinion differs, his writing is respectful, thoughtful and informative, which is refreshing and appreciated. And many times prompts me to consider my feeling about the show.
"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."
#19
Posted: 3/17/19 at 5:26pm
YES! So true. And I even had the pleasure of attending a play with him once! Always insightful, genuine, and never, ever full of himself. Glad that this thread gives so many of us a chance to show our appreciation...
#20
Posted: 3/17/19 at 5:48pm
BalconyClub said: "There was a show maybe a year or so ago that used one of Whizzer's own words in their pull quote headings.
Great insight to all things. Fine work, Whizzer!"
Oh, wow! That's so cool. Does anyone know what show it as? Just curious.
Ditto to everything that has been said!
#21
Posted: 3/17/19 at 6:42pm
Add me to the list!
I even get worried when he doesn’t attend a first preview.
Only review that I usually care for is Whizzer even if I don’t agree.
Hurray for Whizzer
I even get worried when he doesn’t attend a first preview.
Only review that I usually care for is Whizzer even if I don’t agree.
Hurray for Whizzer
#22
Posted: 3/17/19 at 6:44pm
Absolute agreement, and one of the main reasons I wish BWW's search function was better is to be able to search their (his?) posts for reviews!
#23
Posted: 3/17/19 at 9:57pm
I hardly ever post. Been in the business almost 40 years, and I definitely check out his reviews and consider them more than any others.
#24
Posted: 3/17/19 at 11:25pm
Where is Whizzer? "Calling Dr. Bombay, right away."
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#25
Posted: 3/18/19 at 12:07am
Just adding to this chorus. Whizzer is a treasure and I always look forward to their reviews.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
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