Thanks to my anonymous pals out there who alerted me to the reviews of “Godspell” and “Romeo and Juliet” that are available online at some of the alternative media outlets in town (GayRVA and Richmond.com, respectively).
I really enjoyed reading both of these reviews. A well-written rave is always fun to read but I also have a tinge of envy with space that online writers have at their disposal. Not being constricted to a set number of words (me and Rich at Style) or column inches (the T-D reviewers) or minutes of airtime (WCVE folks) allows Ms. Jewett to write with enthusiasm and insight on “R&J” and for Mr. Mitchell to bring some historical / critical background to bear in his discussion of “Godspell.” They are lucky to have the space and we readers are lucky (IMHO) to have writers who care enough to use that space to enhance their reviews. Brava!
2 comments:
Hi Dave,
While I agree that it is nice to see a longer review not inhibited by space restrictions, I must disagree with you that both reviews are well written. Sure, what they wrote was nice, informative, and clear, but I am more concerned about what they didn't write. I believe that a review must mention and critique the designs and technical elements of the production, especially if there is no restriction on the amount of space available to write... These parts of a production are equally important to a shows success and failure. I have seen countless shows where these elements, sets, lights, costumes, sound... have been pivotal to the storytelling. The designer's craft truly can make or break a production. The amount of hard work that designers put into theatre productions cannot be overlooked. They work just as hard as the actors and directors.
Besides a quick mention of the costume design for Romeo and Juliet, neither review mentioned anything about the technical elements. It is very unfair to not acknowledge the designers work, whether good or bad. Thanks for letting me put in my two cents!!!
RE: Anonymous."Besides a quick mention of the costume design for Romeo and Juliet, neither review mentioned anything about the technical elements. It is very unfair to not acknowledge the designers work, whether good or bad. Thanks for letting me put in my two cents!!!"
There apparently was scenic designer or lighting designer for "Romeo and Juliet". The technical director had to work with out designs (and did a great job (IMHO)). Thus, there could be no mention of designers for R & J other than the wonderful costume design. I do agree, design and technical work are often under recognized. The work of the actors and directors is often greatly augmented by designers who are working on the process often times long before a production is cast.
On a moderately related note, I feel that any good actor (clearly a review is not the place for this I just feel it worth mentioning) should be ever gracious to, not only designers but, the crew and producers who work tirelessly in the background. Personally, I believe one of the things that makes theatre great is the collaborative process. With out a costumer there are no costumes, with no producer there is no production, with no light board operator, there are no lights cues, with no technical director designs aren't implemented and you have no set, no musicians and you've got one boring musical, etc.
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