Community theater actors thrive on reviews. We wallow in self indulgent preening when we get a good review. We despair in chest pounding, wailing fits of anger when we get a poor review.
Our show? Great stuff. Reviewed in three papers, we got consistently positive critiques of our performances. All recommended folks go see our show.
A couple of the better comments? – – –
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
One thing I know from my theater experience is that it’s not enough to simply act like the character, but one must become the character, thinking and feeling as they would. This cast was incredibly convincing. They truly became the characters.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
There is no question that Broadway could learn a great deal from community theater, especially GnuKid’s Theater Group. Gifted local theater removes the special effects and production numbers and replaces that hyped aspect with highly personal acting, in this case, perfect zaniness.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
the motley crew...with indian boy up front
We were, of course, thrilled. It’s very likely that one of the reasons we had near sold out houses for the run of the show was because of the reviews.
The leads got glowing reviews that reveled in their acting and comedic brilliance. The other supporting actors got great reviews. The chorus – – to me the true stars of the show wonderfully playing multiple roles each – – were called out for praise by all the critics.
And it’s reviews like that, coupled with big audiences who laugh honestly, loud, and long, that makes it seem – – not just worthwhile – – but magic.
Me?
Not glowing, but pretty good in my book.
I got a “…flawless accent and perfect comedic timing.” (which, actually, is pretty damn good).
I also got a “…suitably crazy…”.
And finally, a “…loony, yet authoritative…”.
I shared the latter with Daughter Person who commented, “Hmm, that perfectly describes your parenting style as well.”
<sigh>
Yep, she’s my kid.
<big, cheesy grin>
Tags: Daughter Person, feeding off the media, happy words make happy actors, they love me!, they really love me!
The Wilds of Ohio 
November 5, 2010 at 00:49 |
” … Okay class, put away your Stanislavski textbooks, and observe the screen for a REAL acting lesson. It’s Gnukid’s legednary yet loony performance in The Producers! Get ready to discuss, and then prepare your own ‘suitably crazy’ comic role for 10% of your final result…” M. G. Burger, Drama Teacher.
November 8, 2010 at 17:54 |
[laughin’] absolutely. except i think it should easily be 33% of the final grade.
November 5, 2010 at 05:39 |
Well done, you! Glad to hear all the gears meshed. And, excuse me, but what do you mean *community theater actors thrive on reviews?* That would be ALL actors! I use to date actresses. When you’re dating an actress, you have to keep the positive reviews coming. Otherwise, you have a meltdown on your hands.
November 8, 2010 at 17:55 |
yep. we actors all tend to play ‘hide and ego seek’.
November 5, 2010 at 06:09 |
it’s a bit of crack, ain’t it? sounds like this was a fabulous experience – kinda like golf, and “the shot that keeps you coming back”. so, when’s the next audition?
November 8, 2010 at 17:56 |
it was a bit of a rush that i didn’t expect. but, i’m now so used to ‘playing’ in life that i’m not going to dive in and do show after show. will take a break until spring and see what’s around then.
November 5, 2010 at 06:39 |
Loony yet authoritative is the image I strive for at work
November 8, 2010 at 17:56 |
well, you’ve certainly achieved that on your blog. but, do your charges actually recognize that you’re loony?
November 6, 2010 at 22:37 |
Way to go gnukid. Ain’t no feedback like positive feedback.
November 8, 2010 at 17:57 |
thanks, rob. it does jazz me up to hear good stuff like that. i’ll be back.