I agree with the comments about professionalism and tact. If there is one thing that I absolutely cannot stand, it's people I've worked with in the past that lack it.
But I am still having a hard time totally agreeing with the manner this was handled. And I feel the biggest lesson that came out of this (having tact) is one that wasn't worth singling out an individual and humiliating them publicly. Much less, making something we all regularly do here at BWW some sort of scandal. The up-in-arms reaction would feel more justified had she attacked another performer or hoped death on someone, or said something
malicious in nature.
But get all high and mighty because this person said something a certain way? I don't buy it. This seems to be more a reaction of "how dare you say anything negative about a production of a Sondheim musical that I reeeeally want to like!"
Even if this absolutely is primarily about professionals having tact in the presence of their peers, then it's even worse because while those who responded to her showed tact, the implications made about her character can only lead to an unfavorable outcome for Morgan. As influential, public people, they knew that and still chose to press "send." I thought one of the most basic ethics practices is to go for the greater good? Something easily achievable by taking the matter offline.
Several years ago, when I was an aide in an elementary school, I made an error and my co-worker scolded me like one of the children in front of parents and other co-workers. Yes, I had made a mistake, and had I been more careful, it wouldn't have happened. I was sincerely apologetic, but also made sure to follow that with the assertion that I did NOT appreciate being scolded in front of parents and co-workers and that, next time, I expect a little professionalism. If she felt it was right scolding me in such a public manner, when any professional would have taken it privately, I at very least could point out her error. Of course, I did it tactfully and privately. In the end, I still had to deal with the humiliation the incident brought me and the mistake I had made wasn't worth that sort of punishment.
If we're going to call out someone for lacking professionalism, we need to make sure we apply it ourselves in doing so. Otherwise, it becomes a show. In this case, at the expense of a brutally honest person who tweeted something that reviews so far have only supported. I will never be so unfair as to say those who responded to have been grossly negligent and horrible, mindless people. Of course not. But if we're going to make a big song and dance over what was said, we've gotta look at all participants.
I'm a huge fan of Patti LuPone, as many of you are, and while I hate to use her personality as an example, I must if it illustrates how hypocritical people are being in blasting Morgan's scandalous lack of professionalism but celebrating the same style of response Patti regularly dishes out that is always said to be lacking in tact but rarely said to be unprofessional.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
