Interview with Michael Riedel re: the press being out of the TONYs!

[sundaymorning6am]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 10:51am

I was able to ask Michael Riedel a few questions last night and thought you'd be interested in reading what he had to say, enjoy!


Updated On: 8/2/10 at 10:51 AM

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:03am

Interesting read, thanks. (Though I don't think you can refer to him as a critic - he doesn't actually review shows. He is a theatre journalist/reporter/commentator.)

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 2:06pm

That was a very interesting read, indeed, thanks for posting. He was very responsive which is good, even if he does come off as incredibly angry, bitter, and bitchy.
My favorite quote: "Let the three women in Mamma Mia run around in space suits if that?s what they thinks makes for good television."

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 2:18pm

For example, they demand that you nominate four shows in every category, even though there are some shows, like Shrek, that are garbage, and don?t deserve the nomination.

[AlgonquinProd2]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 3:15pm

Terrific interview, thanks for sharing!

[sundaymorning6am]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 3:56pm

Thanks, guys! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 6:22pm

I know he pisses people off, but I have to say, I LOVE his candor. He tells it like it is.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:26pm

He has been spot on about this entire Tony voter situation. I wish other critics would start taking his lead and making some noise about this decision.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:38pm

Other press do not want to be associated with Riedel. Riedel is basically making a case for why press SHOULD NOT be there: because they are fairweather. Riedel is backstage, given free seats, and is in the press room at the TONYS and since this announcement he has shredded the TONYs professionalism as well as the productions. He is making a great argument why the press do not deserve any special treatment. Some respectful dialogue is necessary to remedy this, not throwing a hissy fit and taking his toys and leaving. He's a brat.

Plus, no reviewer worth there salt would start trashing shows because they are no longer TONY voters. They do it for the love of theatre. They still get comps to many shows, so who cares. In essence, they are no different than us, why should they vote?

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:42pm

"why should they vote?"

Because they are the closest thing to an impartial voter that we will ever be able to find, and they are the individuals most likely to have actually seen all the shows.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:49pm

Since when is voting impartial? The Oscars and Golden Globes are practically purchased every year now. This is nothing new and the TONYs are simply following suit.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:51pm

Are you seriously comparing a professional critic to BWW posters? They're a hell of a lot more qualified than the people on BWW to judge a production. To equate them to John Q. Public is a bit of an insult.

And, like Colleen said, at least they don't have a vested interest.

If this decision stands, never again will a small show ever win a Tony award.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:53pm

1. They have no financial stake
2. They are terribly knowledgable -- even if you don't agree with them.
3. They see more shows than most of the voters over the entire season.


I think it's a shame. I'm curious what prompted this decision. The producers want/need the reviews....so they only respect their opinions when it is in their favor. Grow up!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 7:54pm

There are many people on here who are more knowledgeable than some theatre critics. Maybe not as articulate, but certainly well-spoken. In many aspects, press are simply theatre fans who are excellent wordsmiths.

I'd take some of the reviews on here over Brantley's anyday.

[geniuswithADD]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 8:04pm

And you're encouraging them to be the same as anything else? Since when is theatre "the same as everything else"?

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 8:08pm

WickedRocks could be a professional critic. His reviews are so knowledgeable, I feel like I am reading a professional review.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 8:10pm

Im just saying it is falling in line with everything else, and it is futile to fight it. All mediums (theatre, film) are businesses and this is the trend. Theatre is not exempt. I dont agree, but it seems the way it is going.