I should and would hope that this passed weekend's production of The Music Man was as succesful as it could be. I wish I could have gone to see it, but I did get to see bits and parts on the early morning news. I have worked with Todd and Maureen in the past, and they are both very talented, well respected people. The Music Man is a great, classy piece, and I'm sure the cast did everything they could to full potential. However, they're stage and means are much larger than the Oakland, and would most definitly look like a Broadway production on a stage of that size. Being part of the cast of Reefer Madness, I will say that its the type of show that wouldn't necesarily translate as well on larger stage. Reefer Madness, along with many other shows the Oakland offers, are way better off in a smaller, more intimate setting. To even compare the two types of shows and their theatre setting is just plain dumb. It is scarily obvious that we have two completely different places advertising two completely different things. I hope we're all smart enough to get that, yes? As for the choice words about my friend and director Rob Joki, whom I have known for a little over ten years now...take it somewhere else. Rob is highly thought of around these parts, so you better watch your words. I've worked on many shows with many directors, and Rob is BY FAR one of the hardest working directors I have ever met, having costumed and had the show up on its feet in a little under a month. Rob also has some of the better vision I've seen in a long time in Youngstown. But that's just my opinion. If you agree with me, great! Rob has done his job. If you disagree, great as well! Rob has also done his job here. Getting your reaction, whether good or bad, is what the theatre is all about, or it was supposed to be. I suggest we leave physicalities out of the matter. Jokes about weight, sexual identity, race, color, religion, whatever...are a big NO in my book. Don't let it happen again, children.
And do I feel that any mention of Reefer Madness in a review about The Music Man was needed and neccesary? Really...no.
This isn't a contest people. We're all in this together.
Ok guys...this is just completely ridiculous at this point. Hi, I'm Shawn Lockaton, and I guess you could call me a "youngstown theater vet" as well. I have sat back in ironic anticipation for many years just WAITING to read what ignorance and stupidity would pop up on here next. I have managed to keep myself out of many disputes on vindy.com for the past few years. Really, its been entertaining, I must say. But this has really managed to make its way to the top of my "to-do" list. I can't just sit back and laugh at this one. Not anymore. Because lines have been crossed, and somebody's integrity has been threatened. And I can't, of course, let you say ugly and vile things about my friends, now can I youngstowng2009? I have performed at pretty much any theatre in the youngstown area. Youngstown Playhouse, The Oakland, YSU, Kent, TNT, Salem, and yes, even Easy Street. While I might prefer to do shows at select theatres moreso than others, I do love each of these theatres for different reasons. Which is what draws me to what this argument is really about...preference. If you don't prefer the type of show the Oakland produces...then don't come. Period. It's that simple. I for one feel very honored and blessed to have so many local theatres in our dreadful little area that are willing to offer you their talents and passions--for free nonetheless. What's wrong with having such a broad range of theatre? That's what its really about isn't it? The celebration of diversity? Continued below...
‘Music Man’ will delight fan base
I should and would hope that this passed weekend's production of The Music Man was as succesful as it could be. I wish I could have gone to see it, but I did get to see bits and parts on the early morning news. I have worked with Todd and Maureen in the past, and they are both very talented, well respected people. The Music Man is a great, classy piece, and I'm sure the cast did everything they could to full potential. However, they're stage and means are much larger than the Oakland, and would most definitly look like a Broadway production on a stage of that size.
Being part of the cast of Reefer Madness, I will say that its the type of show that wouldn't necesarily translate as well on larger stage. Reefer Madness, along with many other shows the Oakland offers, are way better off in a smaller, more intimate setting. To even compare the two types of shows and their theatre setting is just plain dumb. It is scarily obvious that we have two completely different places advertising two completely different things. I hope we're all smart enough to get that, yes?
As for the choice words about my friend and director Rob Joki, whom I have known for a little over ten years now...take it somewhere else. Rob is highly thought of around these parts, so you better watch your words. I've worked on many shows with many directors, and Rob is BY FAR one of the hardest working directors I have ever met, having costumed and had the show up on its feet in a little under a month. Rob also has some of the better vision I've seen in a long time in Youngstown. But that's just my opinion. If you agree with me, great! Rob has done his job. If you disagree, great as well! Rob has also done his job here. Getting your reaction, whether good or bad, is what the theatre is all about, or it was supposed to be.
I suggest we leave physicalities out of the matter. Jokes about weight, sexual identity, race, color, religion, whatever...are a big NO in my book. Don't let it happen again, children.
And do I feel that any mention of Reefer Madness in a review about The Music Man was needed and neccesary? Really...no.
This isn't a contest people. We're all in this together.
Shawn
May 11, 2009 at 3:23 a.m. permalink suggest removal
‘Music Man’ will delight fan base
Ok guys...this is just completely ridiculous at this point.
Hi, I'm Shawn Lockaton, and I guess you could call me a "youngstown theater vet" as well. I have sat back in ironic anticipation for many years just WAITING to read what ignorance and stupidity would pop up on here next. I have managed to keep myself out of many disputes on vindy.com for the past few years. Really, its been entertaining, I must say. But this has really managed to make its way to the top of my "to-do" list. I can't just sit back and laugh at this one. Not anymore. Because lines have been crossed, and somebody's integrity has been threatened. And I can't, of course, let you say ugly and vile things about my friends, now can I youngstowng2009?
I have performed at pretty much any theatre in the youngstown area. Youngstown Playhouse, The Oakland, YSU, Kent, TNT, Salem, and yes, even Easy Street. While I might prefer to do shows at select theatres moreso than others, I do love each of these theatres for different reasons. Which is what draws me to what this argument is really about...preference.
If you don't prefer the type of show the Oakland produces...then don't come. Period. It's that simple. I for one feel very honored and blessed to have so many local theatres in our dreadful little area that are willing to offer you their talents and passions--for free nonetheless. What's wrong with having such a broad range of theatre? That's what its really about isn't it? The celebration of diversity?
Continued below...
May 11, 2009 at 3:20 a.m. permalink suggest removal