Donald V. Calamia ([info]critic_don) wrote,
@ 2008-05-04 20:43:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
TO DOUBT OR NOT TO DOUBT...

I just found out that there's yet another DOUBT on this year's schedule! The Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland has scheduled it for July 18-Aug. 7. So NOW the question is: Do I go check THAT one out, too?

And how will THEY handle that troublesome ending?


(Post a new comment)

Oy
(Anonymous)
2008-05-05 08:51 pm UTC (link)
Don,

I’m writing here to address your most recent review of OY since it’s impossible to post anonymously at EncoreMichigan (something that may want to be addressed). Frankly, I am dumbfounded by the review. Perhaps the play completely changed in the hours between the 5:00 pm Saturday show I attended and the opening night you attended but it would’ve taken a miracle.

The Saturday matinee was marked by general silence from the audience except the man next to me trying to convince his wife that they should leave at intermission (they stayed on – but I’m sure the dinner afterwards was frosty between the two). Overall, the work was stale, disjointed, on occasion offensive and distinctly unfunny. To carry on the Yiddish theme – the play was utter drek.

It is difficult to difficult to figure out entirely where to place the blame for such a production, but the playwright, actors and most certainly director must be held accountable. As an actor, I understand that bouncing from one character to another can be a difficult task. However, the integral aspect to comedy is timing. Even if the characterization isn't entirely there, timing can save a sketch. But the timing was just not there. Scenes felt simultaneously rushed and dragged out. There were no “moments” – no point where the audience felt true connection with a possible exception of A Trolley Named Tsuris as you mentioned in your review. Here the actors were actually able to develop their characters and comedy could emerge. Though, had it not been for the familiarity of the Williams classic, this too would have fallen flat.

This sketch, unfortunately was too little too late. Previous sketches were poorly executed and occasionally bordered on scatological. The “show-stopping” costume in Eve & Adam – is exactly as you described. It stopped the show leaving a disturbingly indelible image and prevented the show from moving on. Even worse, if the director desperately wanted Adam’s genetelia revealed (why I can't say), why not use something more clever and appropriate like a dill pickle or a Hebrew National hotdog? The disturbing descent continued with Hufano’s masturbatory hand motions later in the show. The other memorably-unnecessary costume was Moore’s gold lamay track suit worn when he plays God. His appearance screamed “pimp,” while his demeanor felt wronged CEO. Costumes are supposed to aid and reveal aspects of a show. These two costume choices completely pulled the audience from the sketches.

It’s difficult to say what about Orloff’s script attracted the Jewish Ensemble Theater. It plays in stereotypes and unlike good comedy, never exposes them. Instead Jews are portrayed as xenophobic and cloistered, afraid to associate with any non-Jew. Parents and children are continually bitter towards each other. Others are vindictive, immoral and constant whiners. There is no tenderness within the script, no moment of kindness. It is purely a derivative and harmful portrait of Jewish life.

As a devotee of good theater, a positive review of OY is an embarrassment. As a Jew, a positive review of OY is insulting and potentially dangerous.

(Reply to this)(Thread)
Re: Oy
[info]critic_don
2008-05-06 05:53 pm UTC (link)
Rather than respond to this here - since this doesn't pertain to the subject of this blog entry - the response can be found here: http://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=276.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)
Re: Oy
(Anonymous)
2008-05-06 07:02 pm UTC (link)
Thank you for the response. We obviously saw two very different shows. The "loving" hand of the playwright was absent in my performance and instead came out more as disgust and bitterness toward the religion.

As for anonymity - I would have loved to be able to put my name on a review, but in doing so, I would alienate many artists that I may end up working with in the future.

(Reply to this)(Parent)
More doubt?
(Anonymous)
2008-05-06 06:24 pm UTC (link)
Well, there is a really nice beach out there. Perhaps it could be an excuse for a day trip...

(Reply to this)(Thread)
Re: More doubt?
(Anonymous)
2008-05-06 06:25 pm UTC (link)
Ahem, sorry. I forgot to log in, or I would have signed my name to the previous post.

Bridgette

(Reply to this)(Parent)
well done
(Anonymous)
2008-05-07 10:34 pm UTC (link)
omg.. good work, bro

(Reply to this)

Create an Account
Forgot your login?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…