Who here feels that by reading this board your opinion of a show is swayed before you even see the s

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:21pm

I have been an on-again off-again reader/poster of this board for two years. And I just returned from NYC seeing six shows on bway 2 weeks ago. (Looped, Memphis, Addams, Behanding, Next Fall, Tenor)

Before I became a reader of the site, I would go into most Bway shows cold. Maybe I would read a paragraph review in the New Yorker etc. But for the most part I would go into a show not knowing what to expect. And for the most part I loved everything I saw.

But now I have caught the Bway bug and following the goings on of Bway has become a relaxing hobby of mine. However, my most recent trip was probably the worst theatre week-end of my life. Besides enjoying a few of the featured performers (Harper, Lane, Welken) and the entirety of Next Fall, nothing was over the top.

Maybe its a down year on broadway, but I think my opinions were swayed because I had read too much about the shows before hand. Or maybe my tastes have become more refined. (I was in NYC last fall and thought N2N and Hair were over the top)

So . . . it a round-about way. I know I don't have to read the board - frankly I am grateful for so many of you whose opinions I have come to greatly appreciate/admire - but I am wondering if others newbies here feel the same way. ??

Thank you -

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:23pm

You know, I feel like this question was asked even before "which came first, the chicken or the egg".

It's an old, tired argument that gets played out weekly.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:26pm

Actually, I think it's a very interesting question that I don't remember seeing asked before.

I'll say that if enough people talk about a show (usually out of town since I try to see things fairly early on here in NY) that yeah, my expectations of it can be higher or lower going in. I've never made up my mind about something before seeing it, but on occasion I have been let down by the hype or really enjoyed something that people have had such joy in trying to destroy.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:27pm

Who here feels that brevity should be exercised more often?

[dshnookie]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:34pm

I cant say that reading the boards has swayed by opinion on a show, but for shows that I'm on the fence about I do look to the boards for member reviews on whether to see a particular show or not.

[zepka102]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:38pm

Nope, I take it all with a grain of salt. I learned way back when I came out of Spring Awakening disappointed. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would based on all of the buzz. Now I go in with my own expectations based on what I see beforehand and form my own opinion.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:39pm

I will read stuff here, but try not to let it influence my opinion on seeing something. I don't even like asking people what to see, because I have an odd feeling I wouldn't like what people would tell me to see.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 10:46pm

I feel the same way as Marianne. I like reading people's opinions, but don't think it really affects what shows I see or what I think about shows.

[Scottsacto]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 11:28pm

I don't know about people that are already in the NYC area, but as a Californian, I have enjoyed hearing peoples opinions of the shows. I come out once a year for a weak and will see about 9 shows and sometimes make it to the Tonys. Unlike people that live in the area, I have room for only so many shows and alwasy have to make some very tough decisions. Chatter on here and other sites has helped me make a couple of difficult choices in the past. I think, though, in the long run you have to go with your gut on things. I will tell you I was WRONG about "Jersey Boys"---wasn't interested in a Frankie Valli Jukebox show. Was surprised when it won the Tony. Saw it about a year later in SF, and totally enjoyed it and the back story that was far more fascinating than I would have thought.

[nealb1]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 11:34pm

It doesn't sway me at all. I enjoy the reviews and appreciate most of the comments.

What I find funny, is when certain people, who think they know everything about theatre - just because they see a lot of theatre, report back on the boards "because they see a lot of theatre and know everything." Now that's funny....

[Jane2]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 11:45pm

No one's opinion about anything influences my own, except for my parents.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/11/10 at 11:55pm

It amazes me how many people decide on whether to see a show based on posts here. If I want to see a show I see it. With that said...A lot of people here are dead on about shows, but I still see a show if I want to see it. Example..."Hot Feet". Everyone was right. But I had to see it for myself and no posts here or anywhere else would have stopped me. I say...see what you want to see and judge for yourself. JMO

[April Saul]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 12:27am

It influences me, sure, because I don't have the time and money to see everything...but I take it with a grain of salt. That said, both the theater boards are very critical. So when I see a show--and this happened with South Pacific, for example--where nobody has a bad word to say about it from the first preview on--I think, that one's probably a hit! But that's the exception...it does really help to get an idea of what a show is like in order to guide me towards the kind of plays and musicals I particularly enjoy.

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 12:31am

I don't think it affects me much. Coming out of a show I rarely completely agree with someone elses opinion/review I read on here.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 12:51am

Do you read professional reviews before you see a show?

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 1:34am

I LOVE reading the boards, but it doesn't influence me at all.

These boards are 100% about OPINION. And, in my opinion, most reviews are too.

Reviewers could dislike something, and it can run for YEARS. (WICKED anyone?)

They can also love something that closes quickly, and is a financial flop.

Theatre is about the performer/audience relationship. Nothing beats it. Like alot of others have mentioned, take things with a grain of salt.

Go to the show, and forumlate your own opinion. Then write your own review, and share it with the boards!

I look forward to seeing THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and sharing my thoughts with the BWW community!

[purtynpynk]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 1:52am

I did look at some of the stuff said on these boards before I made my first trip to New York at the end of January. I just wanted to see what the public opinion is. When it came to seeing the shows I saw, I still went in with an open mind, despite what was said here. I agree with the statement about it being 100% opinion. We all think different things after all.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 6:27am

Influence my OPINION of a show? Not at all. Help me decide whether I want to see a show or not? INDEED. But not simply because people like or dislike it...but WHY they feel that way. THe posters here that take the time to discuss WHY they like or dislike a show are invaluable to me. I can't see everything -- but DO see quite a bit, and it helps me prioritize.

My favorite part of these boards is hearing about shows (Particularly OFF B'way) that may have never even been on my radar.

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 6:51am

Since I only get to NYC twice a year and only can afford two shows per trip, I would say that I am influenced by the opinions
of the members of this Board. An example is A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. I had considered seeing it in May, but the mixed reaction of BWW members made me switch to other shows. As it happens, I will be seeing FENCES and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES next month. I have seen neither show before, so I am excited about seeing them. I would say that the BWW entries steer me away from certain shows rather than toward shows.

[LuPonatic]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 7:26am

well, I still love The Addams Family, if that gives any indication. :P

[tazber]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 7:59am

There are so many obvious biases displayed by posters on here that I take it all with a grain of salt.

I pay attention to the professional reviewers on occasion, but the opinions expressed here are really just for fun.

There are a couple of posters whose opinions I do respect. I usually ask them for their thoughts via PM if I'm really interested though.

[D2]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 10:44am

"My favorite part of these boards is hearing about shows (Particularly OFF B'way) that may have never even been on my radar."

Here's a wonderful new play that just started previews this past weekend. And YES, I AM SHILLING. But this is a witty, funny and truly intelligent script being given a lovely production. The link is from a blogger who apparently attended our dress rehearsal last week. PM me for discount codes.
ENGAGING SHAW at Abingdon Theatre Company

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 10:47am

I don't need to read a review (or even see the show) to know it's no good.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 11:02am

If BWW heavily influenced what I saw or did not see on Broadway, the West End, or on tour, I would have had very little fun in the last seven years. I see what interests me and I'm never ashamed of admitting what shows make me happy.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 4/12/10 at 1:13pm

I this it's wonderful when there is impassioned controversy about a show. If anything, seeing that some people love it and some people hate makes me want to see a show more.