tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post774270711420074431..comments2023-05-04T04:20:10.423-04:00Comments on Dave's Theater Blog: Nine…days from ChristmasDave Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554650648344826824noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-80953425410370715532009-12-16T12:34:08.828-05:002009-12-16T12:34:08.828-05:00Comparing a show to "watching a small, cute a...Comparing a show to "watching a small, cute animal struggle for its life" is not good journalism. It's hateful for the sake of being hateful.<br /><br />And as for the "bunch of big words that tumble out of actors' mouths, causing little brains to shut down", well...in case Ms. Burruss wasn't aware - it IS Charles Dickens. It's not exactly "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish." Give children some credit - they like to be challenged, and big words actually force you to sit up and pay attention.<br /><br />Of course, Sondheim writes complex music and his shows don't do well because it forces the audiences to THINK, and in today's world, that's asking too much - we simply want to be mindlessly entertained.<br /><br />Ms. Burruss is entitled to her opinion. I, however, do not agree with how she put it out there.Sandra D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-51050537090383233962009-12-16T11:36:10.950-05:002009-12-16T11:36:10.950-05:00I'm sorry to say that my busy holiday schedule...I'm sorry to say that my busy holiday schedule has kept me from seeing some shows I'd love to see, such as Theater IV's Christmas Carol. Because I know it's chock full of artists I respect and admire, some of whom are cherished friends as well.<br /><br />Yet I also struggle with balancing the stresses of the holidays with the joys of visiting with family and friends we're too busy to devote time to seeing at other times of the year. I can appreciate the ambivalence of the holiday season, and Mary's review seems to reflect some of that. <br /><br />So in my own attempt to be non-Grinchy, and not having seen this production, I'll balance my view of the matter this way: As artists (actors, designers, directors, production staff), we work together to present something that most audience members will appreciate and be glad that they devoted their time and money to come and enjoy. From what I've heard overall from those who've attended, Theatre IV's Christmas Carol has succeeded quite well in that regard. On the other hand, a critic must give their own honest impression of a production. I might not always agree with Mary (sometimes I do, sometimes not), but I greatly respect the fact that she says exactly what she thinks. We're living in a society where too many people are quick to shoot down those who don't see things the same way. So kudos to Mary for her candor - because if she says she loves a show, you can believe she really loves it!<br /><br />And that's my two cents. Given the economy, it's about all I can spare!<br /><br />To all my friends in the theatre community - artists, patrons, what-have-you: Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.<br /><br />Now go see a show if you can!Frank Creasyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302762603707230845noreply@blogger.com