by Stan Dyer

Created on: October 27, 2007

Recently, while reading a local nespaper, I came across an article by a theatre professional concerned with inaccuracies in theatre reviews. The author questioned why critics exist at all. It was a clever article from a different point of view, but, instead of successfully arguing his point, the article served more to support the point of view he opposed. Critics, like actors, exist not only to assist the laws of supply and demand, but to serve them as well.

One important aspect many people overlook about critical reviews (and all reviews for that matter) is that good and bad are secondary to the fact that someone took the time to write the review at all. Time is money to us all and it takes an hour or so to write a good review. Besides, even if a review seems unfavorable, it is still free publicity, and publicity gets people talking. When people start talking, it sparks interest. If people do not talk, interest may wane. Where would the actors be if people all lost interest in theatre? Where would critics be with nothing to criticize?

Personally, I review everything. I review movies, theatre, restaurants and just about anything that is different, unusual and noteworthy. If I go somewhere with the intent of review and I get a bad product, I will just not spend my time writing about it. On the outside chance I showed up on a bad day, I go back and try again. If I keep getting a bad product, I not only do not review it, I stop going. In that way, I and other reviewers assist supply and demand. Likewise, an actor's performance can do the same. I understand that if I don't like the product, there's a good chance other people won't either, and there really is no need to say anything at all. Nature will run its course and I can spend my time on more important concerns.

The big problem with theatre in this city now is that there is so much of it. That increases the pressure on theatre companies to consistently provide an excellent product to attract the dollars and many theatres just can't keep it up. Personally, I have dropped season tickets I held for a long time because of a theatre's inability to maintain the quality of performance I expect and I pay for. Now, that doesn't mean I am the all-seeing God of theatre and my word is law, but I do refuse to spend my money for an average, lackluster performance. If other people disagree, they are free to spend their money where they please and as they choose, but I'll be taking my entertainment dollars where I find the

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