Reviews - Yes or No?
Thu, 9 Aug 2001, 06:39 pmGillian Binks28 posts in thread
Reviews - Yes or No?
Thu, 9 Aug 2001, 06:39 pmI enjoy reading intelligent reviews BUT it seems to have gotten to a stage where those who dare to give an opinion that is less-than-glowing get torched. I used to write exactly what I thought but I now refrain from reviewing shows if it would contain more constructive criticism than compliments. Instead I simply compliment those who (or that which) I felt were stand-outs or keep my mouth shut. I'm sure that I am not the only one who does this as many of the reviews read like hyped-up press releases. I don't believe that all these shows being reviewed can be that flawless.
So my question for discussion is this: Do you want to be reviewed by your peers or do you think "If I wanted his/her opinion I'd have asked for it"?
I personally think that as long as the reviewer isn't just being cruel and spiteful (and preferably is not anonymous) that reviews are good for us. After all, if we don't agree with what someone says about us or our show we can always dismiss the review/reviewer (but then again we may just learn something)!
So my question for discussion is this: Do you want to be reviewed by your peers or do you think "If I wanted his/her opinion I'd have asked for it"?
I personally think that as long as the reviewer isn't just being cruel and spiteful (and preferably is not anonymous) that reviews are good for us. After all, if we don't agree with what someone says about us or our show we can always dismiss the review/reviewer (but then again we may just learn something)!
RE: Reviews - Yes or No?
Thu, 16 Aug 2001, 05:28 pm>The Review Master is my name. I would have written nothing but the same if my name was Jo Bloggs, etc.<
You must admit though RM that it is easier to say exactly what one thought when nobody knows who one is! That's why I asked.
>My opinion is my opinion, and yours is yours. That is respectable.<
I was definately not saying anything to the contrary.
>I paid a good $20 a seat for that amateur production and a not far off $36 for the professional production a couple of years ago so I feel I'm entitled to give a completely honest review even if I was perhaps a little harsh.<
Fair comment. I guess it's just that I believe when you go to see an amateur show you can't expect it to be as good as a professional one and, when reviewing, should consider everything accordingly. Surely the director put together the best cast she could from those who auditioned.
I fully agree with you that the actor who played Jean Valjean did not have the required vocal range but there aren't a lot of guys floating around in amateur theatre who do. I also agree with you that the young actress who played Eponine was not really ready for the role but I think that when she is as ancient as me she could be great with training and lots of encouragement.
I agree too, that Fantine and Eponine not being belters resulted in their songs not having the usual impact but, personally, I would much rather hear a young lady with a sweet voice sing in tune than someone who thinks belting is the same as screaming or is tone deaf.
I am by no means saying that you should think as I think. I just wanted to give you some examples of what I thought and why I said what I said in my last posting.
Out of interest, if you were the director, what would you have done if you couldn't find your ideal cast?
>I have seen on the Regal theatre website that you have been cast as Eponine in Music Spectrum's production in October.
Congratulations on that, I can't wait to see it . Seems it will be quite a marvellous production.<
Thank you for your good wishes RM. I hope that you enjoy the show and I look forward to your review!
Cheers,
Gill
You must admit though RM that it is easier to say exactly what one thought when nobody knows who one is! That's why I asked.
>My opinion is my opinion, and yours is yours. That is respectable.<
I was definately not saying anything to the contrary.
>I paid a good $20 a seat for that amateur production and a not far off $36 for the professional production a couple of years ago so I feel I'm entitled to give a completely honest review even if I was perhaps a little harsh.<
Fair comment. I guess it's just that I believe when you go to see an amateur show you can't expect it to be as good as a professional one and, when reviewing, should consider everything accordingly. Surely the director put together the best cast she could from those who auditioned.
I fully agree with you that the actor who played Jean Valjean did not have the required vocal range but there aren't a lot of guys floating around in amateur theatre who do. I also agree with you that the young actress who played Eponine was not really ready for the role but I think that when she is as ancient as me she could be great with training and lots of encouragement.
I agree too, that Fantine and Eponine not being belters resulted in their songs not having the usual impact but, personally, I would much rather hear a young lady with a sweet voice sing in tune than someone who thinks belting is the same as screaming or is tone deaf.
I am by no means saying that you should think as I think. I just wanted to give you some examples of what I thought and why I said what I said in my last posting.
Out of interest, if you were the director, what would you have done if you couldn't find your ideal cast?
>I have seen on the Regal theatre website that you have been cast as Eponine in Music Spectrum's production in October.
Congratulations on that, I can't wait to see it . Seems it will be quite a marvellous production.<
Thank you for your good wishes RM. I hope that you enjoy the show and I look forward to your review!
Cheers,
Gill
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