Hmmm, congratulations, Milan. Apparently someone out there recognized the fact that you actually DO know what you're doing. Very few of them post on Vindy. com, but it's good to know that you're appreciated. Keep up the good work.
Oh, and I heard that over 1,000 people attended "Titanic" opening weekend alone. The house I was in was the biggest I've seen since "Grease" last year. Kudos to the Playhouse. And the standing ovation the show received was neither obligatory or filled with "golf claps". The audience was on their feet before the curtain was even lifted for company bows.
And I understand that the Playhouse will be producing "Glengarry Glen Ross" this summer. Talk about a show that no one has the courage to touch. I can't wait to see it. Just looking at who is in the cast from the poster in the lobby, that show should be out of this world.
Explain to me exactly where I made any kind of Oakland/Playhouse comparison or argument. Feel free to quote me, because you won't find a single comment posted by myself that makes any reference to the Playhouse/Oakland rivalry. My previous posts merely stated my opinion on the production of "Monty" that I attended and that everyone should stop crying so much when they receive criticism from a theater critic. The only Playhouse reference I made was to point out that Milan's reviews of Playhouse shows contain criticism as well.
Second, I saw "Titanic" this weekend and was thoroughly impressed. I can see how there may have been some technical snafus on opening night. But they weren't there at the performance I saw on Sunday. The show moved seemlessly. Joe and Sis were absolutely touching. The large ensemble numbers were some of the best sounding I have ever heard in local theater. 65 people certainly can create a powerful sound. I think I was hoping for a little more carnage in the second act, but that's just me. On the whole, the show was wildly ambitious and well delivered. I agree with Rob, Brandy and Shawn really stood out to me. Some of the dialogue was a bit stilted, but after reading the program I saw that many were appearing in their first show or had very little stage experience. This was a heck of a show with which to get their feet wet. (Pun intentional. Sometimes I'm just so clever I have to pinch myself.)
I liked the majority of the music. The book itself was a little weak. Not a lot of character development. But I liked Milan's way of seeing it as a series of snapshots. (Btw, the lighting during 'In Every Age' was eerie and emotionally powerful. It was truly the "choke up" moment of the show).
Overall, "Titanic" was easily the best musical I've seen in the area this year. Just on the grand scope of the production alone. This show is truly a "spectacle". For the record, I've seen 11 musicals at 6 different theaters this season. So I think my opinion is pretty objective. But objectivity is something that seems to be lacking on this board.
I'll just say this, and it's because I checked. Curtain call on opening night happened at 10:48. I checked my watch. You may have started at 8:05, granted. Houses are often held, especially opening night. I'll concede the 2:50, but it was at least 2:45-ish. Granting you 3 minutes to hold curtain, which I think is a fair assessment.
Trust me, I saw another show tonight that had a 1:30 first act that should have been 1:20 with proper pacing. What I saw at the Oakland seemed like it should have gone about 2:30, 2:35 with proper holds for laughter. And yes, there was a lot of laughter. I was one of those who laughed. It was an observation.
I'm sorry that I came off so strong. I just think that if we agree to bear it all on the stage, we need to be thicker skinned. Seriously, the harshest review I've read in the last year was Milan's assessment of Joey Monda in "Biloxi" at the Playhouse. Go back and read that. Or re-read his review of "Luv". Those were harsh. Much harsher than anything you perceived in this review.
*repost* The one weak link in the ensemble is Monda's Epstein, who never convinced me that he was a New Yorker (there's no attempt at an accent whatsoever), a rebel or an intellectual. Monda, who played class nerd Eugene in the Playhouse's recent production of "Grease," seems to be reprising his earlier role. This time it doesn't work.
I didn't see Joey post anything about that assessment. And it seems that if he had been that direct towards one of your actors specifically you, or the other Oakland supporters on here, would have flipped a lid. Stop feeling so vilified. Go back and read, Milan was pretty unkind to the leads of the last two shows at the Playhouse as well. There are a handful of talented directors in this town, and you are one. He called "Dog" one of the most enjoyable productions in recent memory, didn't he?
It's just a review. Clearly, we only read what we want to hear sometimes.
I just like to go out and see good shows. Some shows I agree with the review, some I don't. But the reviews don't dictate where I go to see shows. I've seen enough to know that the Oakland, the Playhouse and New Castle usually deliver a superior product.(and the TNT occasionally) True, they all have hiccups in their seasons. But for consistency, they are the best. I never said that "Monty" was a bad show. I saw a show that was rough, but I knew could be better. I felt the review reflected that. I just wanted someone to own up to the fact that the show didn't change the face of local theater. Those shows don't come around a lot. "Bat Boy" was amazing. "Sweeney Todd" was amazing. But I wasn't amazed by "Beauty" or "Monty". I'm entitled to my opinion.
And seriously, I checked my watch. That wasn't a guess. That was real time.
If the show comes in at 2:35 closing weekend instead of the 2:50 of opening night, does that mean that Milan was right? Or does it mean that the show he reviewed had pacing problems? Please, post us the production time of the show on the last Saturday. You can explain yourself then.
Ummm.... was at opening night. You were the first to criticize Milan's assessment of "dependently great" for Eric, Rob.
And "several minutes" did not go by after Kenny Brown's numbers. It was more like 10-15 seconds. But thanks for exaggerating.
I have read many reviews on this site. Rob, you were the only one so insecure that you had to litter this board with your insecurity. Many shows receive lack-luster reviews. Only you need to validate yourself by posting back, only because this site gives you the ability to re-post.
Seriously, you are an embarrassment to everyone in this town who does shows. Most do it for self-satisfaction. Apparently you only do it for glowing reviews.
Btw, I just wanted to say that I apologize for calling Tony Scarsella by the wrong name. I know that Tony Genovese does shows too and I simply swapped their last names in my head. You were very entertaining, Tony. Good job.
Pa. man charged with performing sex act on a lamb
I didn't know that KY was now marketing MINT petroleum jelly.
January 25, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Theater faces final curtain
The $50,000? that probably covered the heat and electric bill for about 2 months last winter.
January 6, 2009 at 7:28 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Blitz insider - interview with John Caparanis
Dear God,
Retire already Krappy. Your show is unlistenable and you've turned into a cranky old man when anyone dares disagree with you.
Seriously, he's awful.
October 31, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Vindicator theater critic receives state award
Hmmm, congratulations, Milan. Apparently someone out there recognized the fact that you actually DO know what you're doing. Very few of them post on Vindy. com, but it's good to know that you're appreciated. Keep up the good work.
September 1, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. permalink suggest removal
‘Titanic’ more than just spectacle
Oh, and I heard that over 1,000 people attended "Titanic" opening weekend alone. The house I was in was the biggest I've seen since "Grease" last year. Kudos to the Playhouse. And the standing ovation the show received was neither obligatory or filled with "golf claps". The audience was on their feet before the curtain was even lifted for company bows.
And I understand that the Playhouse will be producing "Glengarry Glen Ross" this summer. Talk about a show that no one has the courage to touch. I can't wait to see it. Just looking at who is in the cast from the poster in the lobby, that show should be out of this world.
May 29, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. permalink suggest removal
‘Titanic’ more than just spectacle
Whoa Whoa Whoa there, Mgen.
Explain to me exactly where I made any kind of Oakland/Playhouse comparison or argument. Feel free to quote me, because you won't find a single comment posted by myself that makes any reference to the Playhouse/Oakland rivalry. My previous posts merely stated my opinion on the production of "Monty" that I attended and that everyone should stop crying so much when they receive criticism from a theater critic. The only Playhouse reference I made was to point out that Milan's reviews of Playhouse shows contain criticism as well.
Second, I saw "Titanic" this weekend and was thoroughly impressed. I can see how there may have been some technical snafus on opening night. But they weren't there at the performance I saw on Sunday. The show moved seemlessly. Joe and Sis were absolutely touching. The large ensemble numbers were some of the best sounding I have ever heard in local theater. 65 people certainly can create a powerful sound. I think I was hoping for a little more carnage in the second act, but that's just me. On the whole, the show was wildly ambitious and well delivered. I agree with Rob, Brandy and Shawn really stood out to me. Some of the dialogue was a bit stilted, but after reading the program I saw that many were appearing in their first show or had very little stage experience. This was a heck of a show with which to get their feet wet. (Pun intentional. Sometimes I'm just so clever I have to pinch myself.)
I liked the majority of the music. The book itself was a little weak. Not a lot of character development. But I liked Milan's way of seeing it as a series of snapshots. (Btw, the lighting during 'In Every Age' was eerie and emotionally powerful. It was truly the "choke up" moment of the show).
Overall, "Titanic" was easily the best musical I've seen in the area this year. Just on the grand scope of the production alone. This show is truly a "spectacle". For the record, I've seen 11 musicals at 6 different theaters this season. So I think my opinion is pretty objective. But objectivity is something that seems to be lacking on this board.
May 29, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Oakland’s ‘Full Monty’: too long, but enjoyable
Rob,
I'll just say this, and it's because I checked. Curtain call on opening night happened at 10:48. I checked my watch. You may have started at 8:05, granted. Houses are often held, especially opening night. I'll concede the 2:50, but it was at least 2:45-ish. Granting you 3 minutes to hold curtain, which I think is a fair assessment.
Trust me, I saw another show tonight that had a 1:30 first act that should have been 1:20 with proper pacing. What I saw at the Oakland seemed like it should have gone about 2:30, 2:35 with proper holds for laughter. And yes, there was a lot of laughter. I was one of those who laughed. It was an observation.
I'm sorry that I came off so strong. I just think that if we agree to bear it all on the stage, we need to be thicker skinned. Seriously, the harshest review I've read in the last year was Milan's assessment of Joey Monda in "Biloxi" at the Playhouse. Go back and read that. Or re-read his review of "Luv". Those were harsh. Much harsher than anything you perceived in this review.
*repost*
The one weak link in the ensemble is Monda's Epstein, who never convinced me that he was a New Yorker (there's no attempt at an accent whatsoever), a rebel or an intellectual. Monda, who played class nerd Eugene in the Playhouse's recent production of "Grease," seems to be reprising his earlier role. This time it doesn't work.
I didn't see Joey post anything about that assessment. And it seems that if he had been that direct towards one of your actors specifically you, or the other Oakland supporters on here, would have flipped a lid. Stop feeling so vilified. Go back and read, Milan was pretty unkind to the leads of the last two shows at the Playhouse as well. There are a handful of talented directors in this town, and you are one. He called "Dog" one of the most enjoyable productions in recent memory, didn't he?
It's just a review. Clearly, we only read what we want to hear sometimes.
I just like to go out and see good shows. Some shows I agree with the review, some I don't. But the reviews don't dictate where I go to see shows. I've seen enough to know that the Oakland, the Playhouse and New Castle usually deliver a superior product.(and the TNT occasionally) True, they all have hiccups in their seasons. But for consistency, they are the best. I never said that "Monty" was a bad show. I saw a show that was rough, but I knew could be better. I felt the review reflected that. I just wanted someone to own up to the fact that the show didn't change the face of local theater. Those shows don't come around a lot. "Bat Boy" was amazing. "Sweeney Todd" was amazing. But I wasn't amazed by "Beauty" or "Monty". I'm entitled to my opinion.
And seriously, I checked my watch. That wasn't a guess. That was real time.
May 11, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Oakland’s ‘Full Monty’: too long, but enjoyable
Oh, btw.
If the show comes in at 2:35 closing weekend instead of the 2:50 of opening night, does that mean that Milan was right? Or does it mean that the show he reviewed had pacing problems? Please, post us the production time of the show on the last Saturday. You can explain yourself then.
May 8, 2008 at 3:59 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Oakland’s ‘Full Monty’: too long, but enjoyable
Ummm.... was at opening night. You were the first to criticize Milan's assessment of "dependently great" for Eric, Rob.
And "several minutes" did not go by after Kenny Brown's numbers. It was more like 10-15 seconds. But thanks for exaggerating.
I have read many reviews on this site. Rob, you were the only one so insecure that you had to litter this board with your insecurity. Many shows receive lack-luster reviews. Only you need to validate yourself by posting back, only because this site gives you the ability to re-post.
Seriously, you are an embarrassment to everyone in this town who does shows. Most do it for self-satisfaction. Apparently you only do it for glowing reviews.
You should be ashamed of you petulant behavior.
May 8, 2008 at 3:56 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Oakland’s ‘Full Monty’: too long, but enjoyable
Btw, I just wanted to say that I apologize for calling Tony Scarsella by the wrong name. I know that Tony Genovese does shows too and I simply swapped their last names in my head. You were very entertaining, Tony. Good job.
May 6, 2008 at 4:09 a.m. permalink suggest removal