Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 19:44:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: JUS480@AOL.COM
Subject: Desert Stages
To: mspt@asu.edu
your a real jerk, of all the things to make fun of you make fun of the plays that these children slave to work on, did you see there production of the wizrad of Oz? That was a wonderfull play, everybody loved it, and as Capt. Verdo, I signed autographs. You sir, ought to be ashamed of talking so poorly of a mere child's theatre. and if it was that horrible, then let it be so. You sir, are far more horrible that the will ever be.
W/ B ( write back!)
Sincerly justin,
(Capt. Verdo 4.00 early cast)
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 08:31:42 -0700
From: "Mark S.P. Turvin, M.F.A." <mspt@asu.edu>
Subject: Re: Desert Stages
To: JUS480@AOL.COM
Justin,
Next time, please READ the review that I have posted, rather than just skimming and blasting.
I did not review a CHILDREN'S THEATRE. I reviewed a theatre company that was producing a decidedly ADULT play, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. And producing it badly, as even friends of mine in the cast of that show had to agree.
I'm sure that your production of the "The Wizard of Oz" was wonderful. I've heard that Desert Stages produces very good work with children. I have decided, though, that I will not review children's theatre, as it is unfair to judge those just beginning in theatre. It was through a children's theatre very similar to Desert Stages that I began working in theatre, and I'd rather encourage, not critique, companies that are opening up the arts to the youth.
As for your calling me horrible, well, there are probably plenty of other actors, directors, and theatre technicians who would agree with you. I didn't become a theatre critic to win any popularity contests. I believe in the theatre, though, and I believe that everyone involved should strive to do their best. I applaud those that do so, and I rant against those who don't, as they hinder the process of making the theatre community in Phoenix befitting of the sixth largest city in America.
I refuse to give high marks to a theatre company for their decidedly bad performance, just because they've done good work with children in the past. That's not fair to the theatre company, or the audience members that I might wrongly steer into the theatre, who then wonder why something that bad could be given good notices. I refuse to lower my standards. And, if you were to have sat through the show you speak of, you might well have avoided sending me this stinging, badly spelled note. I'm not sure how old you are, but it's never too early to learn that presentation is everything.
Break a leg in this and other future theatre endeavors,
Mark S.P. Turvin, Theatre Critic for:
1) Aisle Say--The Internet Magazine of Stage Reviews and Opinions <http://www.escape.com/~theanet/AisleSay.html>
2) AARO--Arizona Art Review Online <http://www.primenet.com/~mychele/aaro/table.html>
Member of the American Theatre Critics Association
Goldfish Publishers: http://129.219.50.115
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 19:25:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: JUS480@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: Desert Stages
To: mspt@asu.edu
Dir Sir,
I am sorry for my un-phisiological attempt of shoot first, and ask questions later. Desert Stages is well known for it's children's plays, and I too must admit that the adult theatre is not very good at times. But if you do ever plan too see a children's theatre play, I would personally provide you with the ticket. I suggest that you go see their play " The Butterfly's Day" Gerry Cullity wrote everything of the play himself, and it's wonderfull. Even if you don't critique it, I would very much be obliged to have as a member of the audience.
W/B(Write Back)
Sincerly,
Justin Malkiewicz