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<DIV>David, Martin and other readers concerned that the posting of
theatre reviews violates the spirit of NEohioPAL:</DIV>
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<DIV>Read the NEohioPAL Mission Statement (in bold) It notes that the list
exists: </DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>
<DIV><BR><STRONG>1) to promote cooperation & support within the performing
arts community. </STRONG>Make no mistake. Theatre critics love
theater and tend to be its strongest and most vocal advocates, even in
their negative reviews. The posted "Pippin" review--which apparently
inspired this flurry of response postings --most certainly
expresses disappointment in this production and some of the
performances. Nonetheless, it also takes absolute delight in
this musical, reinforces the high standard of theatre typically
found at Cain Park, notes the potential of this cast and staff to
generate a stellar production, and isolates individual performers who were
flat-out brilliant. Most reviews are balanced and highly supportive of the
performing arts. Even the negative ones. </DIV>
<DIV><BR><STRONG>2) to provide a forum for critical opinion and educational
essays in order to promote free discussion of our work.</STRONG> Despite
David's claim that a negative review is a detriment to the business of a local
theatre, most critics would agree that the hue of their reviews does not
significantly impact theatre attendance one way or the other. Even
the powerful critics for the New York newspapers, who unanimously showed praise
on the recent Broadway revival of "Journey's End," could not generate any
audience whatsoever. No, critics inspire and
faciliate discussion. Keeping local theatre as a topic of
critical discussion and public debate is very important for the future
of local theatre. </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT><BR><STRONG>3) to provide arts organizations
and individual artists an easy way to publicize their events thereby making the
whole performing arts community immediately aware of
opportunities.</STRONG> Knowing that a review may be negative,
theatre owners and public relations managers continue to invite critics to
their opening nights. No matter the hue of the review, it is
all publicity. Martin suggested in his posting that reviewers should leave
their reviews to their original outlets, "because it is the ticket-buying
public that needs the information, NOT subscribers to NEOPAL (sic)." I
don't know more avid theatre-goers than those who participate in the performing
arts and subscribe to NEohioPAL. They are also most appreciative of a
well-written review.</DIV>
<DIV><BR><STRONG>4) to create an environment where performing artists can get
assistance from their colleagues for performing arts related issues - borrowing
equipment, selling equipment, finding a prop, etc.</STRONG> Yeah.
Well, I got nothing on this one.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>David and Martin noted that Tony Brown does not post on NEohioPAL, as
if that should be a deterrent for all other critics. Critics write to be
read and, while Tony has the luxury of writing for a paper with a
huge readership and a web presence, many other critics do not. Most
of what is written in posted reviews is interesting and entertaining, but
unavailable to the featured performers and many other NEohioPAL subscribers not
within the readership of these smaller papers. NEohioPAL levels the
playing field.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>David and Martin also noted that they would pay to watch MaryAnn Nagel
and Corey Mach sing the phone book. I would too, even after reading my
review. They're great. But if they did not sing the phone
book to their potential or to the expectations of their audience, I'd be
the first to call them on it. I would then post it on
NEohioPAL. Will readers no longer use their phone books?</DIV>
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