From Deseret News archives:
Utah theatergoers have a whole lot to be happy about
Having been in this chair since February, I'm getting a better handle on things. And, so far, I'm loving it.
I've seen roughly 40 shows, from professional to community; from big rousing musicals to intimate one-man shows; from Logan to St. George; and a handful of Broadway musicals to top it all off.
So I thought I'd write a midyear, state-of-the-theater address and give you a few impressions after eight months on the job.
• Utah theatergoers are lucky. We have so many options, so much to choose from. There really is something for everyone, which can be tough as it stretches the entertainment dollar even thinner.
• Utah audiences could use just a bit more focus during shows. I have loved my e-mail exchanges with readers who read my various columns on audience behavior and have their own stories to share.
• Many of the theaters are tremendously dependent on volunteers, who happily step up to the plate; show after show after show. Thank you!
For example, ERICA HANSEN (theater writer). Nothing is more annoying than trying to look up the actor who is knocking your socks off and having to wade through a long list of ensemble actors.
Don't get me wrong, ensembles make or break the performance, they matter immensely. But in the show "Wicked," for instance, having several Ozians listed before Elphaba or Glinda, simply because of the alphabet, doesn't make sense.
• The Utah theater community is passionate. Very passionate. It takes its shows seriously, it takes its performers seriously and it doesn't like negative things being said. Who does, really?
That puts me in an interesting position. On the one hand, my goal is to always encourage people to go see a show. On the other hand, theatergoers are interested in a truthful opinion about where they should spend their hard-earned dollar.
Throw into the mix that my reviews are read by those very performers, their parents and friends the next morning, and it's a tricky spot ... almost a no-win situation.
I would like to thank those readers who take the time and care enough to e-mail me directly with their comments, thoughts, opinions and questions. I've had many enlightening exchanges with fellow theatergoers as we flush out what's good and bad, the best verbiage to use and what you're looking for in a review. Thank you for your help go see a show!
Comments
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday 4:23 a.m.
- Utah Jazz going green with unis 4:17 a.m.
- Celtics stop spurs 4:15 a.m.
- Utah Jazz gameday 4:14 a.m.
- Harpring's NBA career is over 4:11 a.m.
- Past Mr. Football winners 4:09 a.m.
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch 4:08 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 2:50 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 2:48 a.m.
- SUU campus briefs 2:47 a.m.
- Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- Aggies shoot past Cougars
- Mitchell said to share LeBaron traits
- Phoenix signs off on LDS temple
- BYU prof a 'Top Global Thinker'
- Toddler dies trapped under mattress
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- Aggie 'D' holds BYU to season low
- Crews to seal Nutty Putty Cave
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
406 - Max Hall issues apology
393 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
361 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
287 - Utes won't respond to Hall
278 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
217 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
188 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
175 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
159
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the holiday retail season...
You can escape reality in a trip to the theater. However, cellular...
I laughed at the names that were given to the snakes, such clever names. I...
I used you to really hope you were always kidding with your political posts....
RE: Anon @ 5:47 There is a BIG difference between freedom of and freedom...
The only ones that are disturbed are the liberal media that hates guns so bad...
Matt it has been awesome to have you here as a player and role model. I hope...
I'm a USU grad, and saw a great shirt about US not you! "DEE GLEN SMITH...
Hey look, Jazz Cop and CL are agreeing with each other on back-to-back...
Hey, the papers are going bankrupt because of their inability to adjust their...
Matt, you will be truly missed. Thanks for showing us what playing with real...
Good job to all the ladies this season. Hard work and determination has it's...


You can be the first to comment on this story.