Submitted by Fred on

Local Theater

Categories
Lifestyle

Last Friday we went to a local theater production.  Although all the contributors were professionals and the ticket cost not insubstantial, the experience fell far short.  

Thank goodness it was a two act play and we could look forward to bolting at the intermission.  I say "we" because it was not just me who was disappointed.

The main problem or deficiency was that one of the four actors did not seem to be comfortable with or know her lines.  As she struggled (and we suffered) one could see the other 3 cast members valiantly struggle trying to cue and help her.  

Mercifully, the lights went down signaling intermission and we quickly made our escape. 

My only question is whether the second act played to an empty theater....

 

The Theater

Comments

Daniel Schwartz

A cringe worthy moment. I would feel bad for the actors but would likely leave too.
Paul Napolitano

Don’t lose faith in local theater!

Our local theater at Hubble Hall in Cambridge New York upstate is truly phenomenal. I would say two shows were good, three shows were very good and two shows were extraordinary. In fact, the performance of madame butterfly was declared to be the best he ever saw, by my father-in-law, who has seen it many times.

Submitted by Liz_Saldana on Thu, 02/01/2018 - 21:18

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Liz Saldana

You did the right thing. If it wasn't enjoyable, there was no reason to waste more time than you had. Hope the next show you see is fabulous!
Fred Klein

The next night we saw Arlo Guthrie and there was an intermission and when he returned he amazed me by saying "You're all still here."

Submitted by Judy_Mauer on Thu, 02/01/2018 - 21:33

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Judy Mauer

I have been known to leave at intermissions - and the worst is when there ian't one and you have to tough it out.
Victoria Drogin

Paul beat me to it about our local theatre upstate. They pull from local colleges (Albany) and mix with opera and theater touring troops. It’s really special.
But definitely off-off-Broadway can be hit or miss. :)
Norman Spizz

If they fire that actor I’m available for the part
Corey Bearak

There were no reviews even on line to guide you?
In such “scenes” I prefer to focus on those who are making it; makes the experience better.
ODEY RAVIV

What was the play?
I saw a community theater production of Hamilton creator Miranda’s In the Heights that was fun! Roll of the dice without review or word of mouth.

Submitted by NeilHollander on Fri, 02/02/2018 - 10:07

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Neil Hollander

Is this a new pattern ? This kvetching ? This is post 75 years of age behavior . My mother started kvetching around age 75 . Oh and was the venue in EYW ? New York ? Did the Milkman like it ? So a couple of things . Might she have been a last minute stand in ? The flu is going around . And why wait til admission to Bolt ? As in Usain .Switch the thought process from the struggling actress. Concentrate on things like the set, the other actors , the moment , your date . Let's see , what else ? Were you expecting Streep and Pacino ? Did you have dinner before or after . One of my rules : Carry a flask of whiskey at all times.

Hollander Sends

Submitted by Fred on Fri, 02/02/2018 - 20:49

In reply to by NeilHollander

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Fred Klein

All 4 of us agreed and they are younger than 75. Even Trey would have retired.
Ellyn Finkelstein

Best to leave and go grab a drink and a bite to eat. I would not give up on local theatre though as some shows are very good.

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