#51
Posted: 4/7/06 at 3:26am
"To me, that means the story wasn't told"
Isn't that what they use previews for? I'm not saying you are wrong... your criticism is quite rational and clearly stated (which can not be said for most others)... or that it can be fixed... but... isn't fixing story clarity one of things previews or going out of town is for?
Also, the comments regarding previews from Michael Bennet are pretty disturbing to me. Yea, you pay full price... but they are previews... most always clearly labeled... and the PURPOSE of a preview is work out all the kinks and fine tune performances... so knocking a show during previews, while certainly your right, is kinda misguided and just sorta smells of bitchy-ness. If you don't want to give the show a chance... don't see it in previews.
Lastly...
"...as far as expectations, many people today seem to have an idea in their head of what a production SHOULD be and if it is not, they aren't willing to accept the director's vision or the playwright's work..."
I think this is a really spot on observation. It seems like a lot of people on this board have said "Oh well Threepenny Opera is supposed to be..." Why dislike the production because of what it doesn't do? Why not like it or dislike according to what appears on stage... not what you miss? I do understand that there is a certain integrity to a peice that should be maintained... but... it seems like a lot of the dislike of this revival... and many others... has a lot more to do with the reviewer's expectations and not the productions short commings.
kmc
Isn't that what they use previews for? I'm not saying you are wrong... your criticism is quite rational and clearly stated (which can not be said for most others)... or that it can be fixed... but... isn't fixing story clarity one of things previews or going out of town is for?
Also, the comments regarding previews from Michael Bennet are pretty disturbing to me. Yea, you pay full price... but they are previews... most always clearly labeled... and the PURPOSE of a preview is work out all the kinks and fine tune performances... so knocking a show during previews, while certainly your right, is kinda misguided and just sorta smells of bitchy-ness. If you don't want to give the show a chance... don't see it in previews.
Lastly...
"...as far as expectations, many people today seem to have an idea in their head of what a production SHOULD be and if it is not, they aren't willing to accept the director's vision or the playwright's work..."
I think this is a really spot on observation. It seems like a lot of people on this board have said "Oh well Threepenny Opera is supposed to be..." Why dislike the production because of what it doesn't do? Why not like it or dislike according to what appears on stage... not what you miss? I do understand that there is a certain integrity to a peice that should be maintained... but... it seems like a lot of the dislike of this revival... and many others... has a lot more to do with the reviewer's expectations and not the productions short commings.
kmc
Jesus saves. I spend.