Dear Ms. Varnell,

Perhaps you were watching a completely different production than I was that evening. Sitting next to me was an elderly couple who seemed to be memorized by the beauty of the entire show. I am not mistaken when I mention that I saw tears streaming down their faces, as if they were transported into another place for the 2 ½ hours of live theatre, and as an audience member I was brought in with the beauty of this classic being retold on stage.

I am unsure of where you sat that evening, but the overall sentiment throughout the audience from where I was sitting (center orchestra, near the back of the theatre) was sentimental and sweet, and I couldn’t help but notice how wonderful the audience responded to the sheer talent and devotion of the cast and crew.

How often is an all-Asian cast produced in our Pacific Northwest region, with actors spending their free time to put on a magical story? The truth of the matter is, as the artistic director mentioned in the beginning of the show, Flower Drum Song is hardly produced with the fact that it is a feat to find a cast full of willing Asians to share the story Rodgers and Hammerstein intended. Be grateful that you have the privilege of seeing theatre with a set of different eyes; quite unique to the typical shows produced over and over again.

Your mention of the play lacking a need to show “skin” is an unawareness of the demographic of who watches the theatre at this venue, as most of the patrons are over the age of 50. Raunchy skin showing dances may be your cup of tea, but not for the person who spent money expecting a normal Rodgers and Hammerstein experience. I found that those nightclub numbers were spot on, highlighting the importance of story telling, versus making the audience queasy with discomfort of the ensemble women showing off more than they expected. I personally come to live theatre to see the magic of the story, and if I may be honest, my opinion is stronger than any theatre critics. I am the one that calls my friends to support the importance of arts being put on (regardless of the fact that it is “community” theatre, as community theatre is just as important as any professional organization), and to bash the importance of this kind of theatre is disrespectful and unnecessary.

If you took a second to introduce yourself to the receiving line of Asian actors in the lobby after watching the show, you’ll see just how inspiring and motivated of a cast they really are, and how their purpose was to give back to the community the best way possible.

This isn’t Broadway. Your purpose as a local reviewer is to engage the potential patrons to want to see this production, not to derail them from it. If you would like to participate in such review writing, please consult Ben Brantley from the New York Times entertainment section. His job is to create or break productions, your job is to highlight the good and let the audience decide for themselves whether of not it “needs more skin.”

Thank you for your time,

Michael C.

Michael,

While I appreciate the exceptional caliber of your response, I feel I must disagree with at least one thing you said, and it's an argument I've seen on these pages before. But if you think it through its ramifications, I suspect you'll actually wind up agreeing with me.

You wrote, "This isn’t Broadway. Your purpose as a local reviewer is to engage the potential patrons to want to see this production, not to derail them from it." Whether this is Broadway or not, I believe our purpose as theatre critics is twofold: first, to serve as consumer advocates, warning potential audience members away from shows they might not enjoy in favor of shows they probably will; second, to improve the quality of local theatre by suggesting areas in need of improvement. I didn't see the show in question, so I can't say whether I agree with Joann's remarks. But what I can say is, it's in her job description to make them. We're not cheerleaders, and we aren't here to act as commercials for every show that hits the boards. Just like you, we admire some productions more than others, and we're required to say so. It's not our job to give "E's for Effort." You're right to say community theatre is as important as professional theatre, but you're still entitled to your money's worth, even from a nonprofessional show. I'm not saying you didn't get entertainment value from this show; it sounds like you enjoyed it very much. But I don't buy the argument that we critics should never discourage people from seeing a show. This isn't Broadway, but it is an area rich with theatrical talent and expertise. We have a right--according to our editor, an obligation--to expect the very best from it.

Respectfully,
Christian Carvajal

I am amazed by the irresponsible journalism written by this writer. Show more skin? If I'm not mistaken, this is a show for all ages and not a strip club that sits in the downtown area of Tacoma. I think you missed the whole point of this musical. It's a love story with a mixture cultural awareness in America. You heard the words "taking clothes off" and you focused your review on a burlesque show gone bad.
I attended the Sunday matinee show and noticed that the crowd gave a long standing ovation to the cast after a spectacular show. I also stood up and couldn't wait to thank the cast for a job well done. Showing more skin (which is in big bold letters titled in your article) is not the main focus here. What were you watching?

Jim, I think you are missing the flavor of the Volcano. Under the "about us" section is the statement ..."Tacoma and Olympia's only edgy, irreverent and thought-provoking alternative newsweekly." Notice the word, irreverent!

Christian,

Perhaps you've taken this chance to assume too much about my predisposition in theatre. I have been an active participant and viewer of theatrical arts for many years now, and I receive pleasure knowing that I come to watch live theatre to experience it fully, and unabashedly proclaim that critics are only as strong as their pull of their viewers. I sincerely hope that your viewers understand that you are ONLY a perspective, and not the end-all-be-all.

Please do not make assumptions about your readers. And please do not make any assumptions about me. I must highlight how I agree and believe that your role is to act as a liaison between consumer and product. But I find it disheartening to hear that you disagree with my sentiments about the critic's job being a consumer advocate of the POSITIVE truth speaker manner. It is counter productive bashing a production that rendered no expectation of a negative attitude. Producers do not put up shows thinking "I hope that the audience HATES this production," but your staff has made it impossible to think of this production as anything more than just "another example of community theatre."

No, Michael. This is the truest form of real theatre. If you want perfection, watch a movie. 20+ Asian actors, an always exceptional administrative TMP staff and a standing ovation last Sunday speaks volumes. And a normal patron (such as myself) talking about how passionate I am about this work speaks the strongest.

Why try to disempower a NON-PROFIT organization from rightfully finding more patrons to fill the houses to continue on with the beauty of live theatre? Do you think you are helpful saying "please do not support this show that this organization is putting on because it's just not as good as I wanted it to be as a critic."

With the way that the economy is acting lately, less people in those seats because of your "truth-telling" rights will undoubtedly make it more impossible for our community members to have the chance to put on shows in the future.

The last comment left by "Dany" is clearly unnecessary. Your job is to be irreverent, but your organization is not built on attempting to dismantle an important part of our culture: live art.

I challenge you to watch this production with your own two eyes. I cannot assume that you will, but with the fact that TMP has announced being sold out the following two Sunday matinees, perhaps your words are really just that.

Words that have no influence, but angry viewers who call you irresponsible for disrespectful journal writing.

Michael C.

I wonder why Ms. Varnell herself hasn't responded this post started because of HER review... Perhaps a bit ashamed to have written such callous words?

Ms. Varnell,
Although i respect your argument, I too have written a lengthy review of my own. It may be too long to post but please review it here. I think it coincides with your findings. http://bit.ly/sex

Uhm, I saw Flower Drum Song on Broadway in 2002, and from what I remember, it was pretty much the same choreography that Robert Longbottom intended.

Hmmm.......

if this Broadway-caliber production did not "show skin", are you saying they're wrong too?

Michael C. - At the risk of assuming, which you’ve derided Carv from doing, I’m assuming that by using the word callous you are calling my remarks “cold blooded and indurate to public opinion”. “Indurate to public opinion” assumes that I (a.) took a public opinion poll AND (b.) that I wrote my review with the express intent of completely disregarding said opinion). Since you do not know my intent or my writing process, you have assumed much about me.

So now that we’re all a bunch of kettles . . .

I have to agree with Carv that as a critic, it is not my job “to give ‘Es for Effort’”. I would have been amiss if I said that having an all-Asian cast automatically trumped the rest of the show. Regardless of the ethnicity of the cast, director, technical crew, orchestra or anyone else involved in theatre there are standards that should be adhered to or the review/critique is meaningless. As a theatre teacher in my day job, I would be doing a disservice to my students if I said that they don’t have to work as hard because they are a minority. The real world tells us that the opposite is true. Regardless, you’ll notice that remarks about the cast were, for the most part, glowing (aside from the two actors whose choices were more distracting than enhancing). Any negativity is in the aesthetic choices made by the director.

I, contrary to what you have stated, DO understand that the TMP’s target audience is over the age of 50. In fact, I did not write my review for the older patrons who have season passes and will attend the performances regardless of what I write (whether they read my reviews or not). MY target audience is a late teen to late 30+ crowd who may not ever plan on seeing a show at TMP or anywhere else. The perspective I have is of a mid 30’s, female, technical and performance theatre teacher who has been involved in theatre or musical staging for the past 32 years.

As far the burlesque acts in the show . . . I made a point in my review of stating “Burlesque does not have to be seedy or even have complete nakedness to be effective. The real beauty of burlesque is in the theatrical style of the dance moves paired with fabulous costumes and a TON of attitude.” The second sentence is what I hoped my readers would focus on. The director had an amazing opportunity to add to an already beautiful story and create greater contrast between Mei Li and Linda. You, having seen the production, know that this is important since Ta is having a hard time choosing between the flashing and sexy Linda and the demure and beautiful Mei Li. As the night club acts were staged, there was really nothing that Mei Li couldn’t have done and still been modest. I challenge you to see the Sondheim musical ‘Gypsy’ (there is a film version starring Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood). The first couple burlesque acts that Gypsy Rose Lee performs are very appropriate for an audience of ANY age and, had Linda’s acts been similar, would have been much more aesthetically pleasing. It’s the art of the tease that makes burlesque so beautiful of an art form â€" NOT the exposure. Unfortunately, the contrast wasn’t created and, in fact, detracted from the show.

My review stated, “good example of community musical theater in Tacoma. The production was solid, but it could have been better with a little more skin” You argue that I am disempowering local theatre by the use of the word “community”. Let’s be honest. It is. That doesn’t mean that it can’t or shouldn’t be GOOD (which you will notice, is exactly what I wrote). You chose to focus on the line “a little more skin” which I had hoped my readers would realize is a catchy phrase written to spark interest or controversy (which your comments indicate I have successfully done). Community theatre can be every bit as powerful as Broadway. In fact, it can be much more powerful because talent knows know area code and local theatre (community or professional) is much more accessible. However, if a theatre charges $25/adult, $23/discount, and $18/child, the hope is that they are presenting a production that is worth the price. I have seen and reviewed many plays at Tacoma Little Theatre as well. Their ticket prices are cheaper and I have seen several productions there that I felt were on par with any professional company. In my reviews I focus on the talent/skill/etc. If the performance exceeded community theatre standards, I say so. If it meets or is below those standards, I’m not going to shirk from stating that just to spare someone’s feelings or drum up business.

I do appreciate your passion about local, community theatre and your willingness to open yourself to critique. Had the performance moved me as much as the patrons that you mentioned, I would have written my review with that slant. In reviewing a play, I am there to critique the many different facets of the show, good or bad, and not allow myself to sit back and get lost in the story. If didn’t care about performances at the TMP, I wouldn’t review them. I choose the shows I want to review. I make this choice based on my desire to see shows I will probably like because it increases the chance that I will be able to write a more favorable review.
As you can see, I am clearly not ashamed of my comments and clearly stand by my original review. To settle your curiosity, I had not replied because I was amused to see where the comments were going.

Jack, the link you provided redirects to a Rick Astley video on YouTube. If you wouldn’t mind submitting a better link, I will definitely read your review.

To Ms. Varnell,

You've surely outdone yourself. Thank you for taking the time to explain your extensive credentials to your readers... and to me.

Your defense mechanism has sparked my willingness to understand how important your opinions really are to everyone coming thru those doors. You've convinced me.

Thank you.

Michael C.

Joann,

You take yourself far too seriously. This is apparent with the blatant sarcasm strung across the board of these comments. Pick up the pieces of your ego, and express your vast knowledge, expertise and knowledge on your classroom. At least those kids have a grade on the line... they'll listen to you, guaranteed. :)

To Michael C., Jim C., Jack M., M. Lewis and to all those who speak up and point out this sort of irresponsible journal writing, thank you.

Andrew

Dear Ms. Varnell,
I can appreciate your opinion as this is America. You seem to have a personal vendetta against Mr. Rake. I would appreciate a review of the overall production rather than putting down specific people. Maybe you could express those personal dislikes to the people themselves and review the show as an effort of a communty of many.
If you see something that YOU think can be better - I encourage you to donate your time, talents, and efforts to help improve the situation. Those who complain or put others down without doing anything to improve things seem to be judgemental and unhappy people in general. Focus those passions to a positive purpose and give rather than take. This can be applied to theatre, schools, community, pretty much anything. I encourage you to contribute rather than complain.

I look forward to seeing your name on the volunteer list.

Barb

People, people, people. I am tired of hearing you refer to Joann Varnell's prefectly reasonable review as malicious. She is not "complaining." She is reviewing this production--as is her job, and the job of all critics, you see.

She should not be expected to apologize for her opinion. If we are not allowed to have opinions on art, then why does art exist?

--Rev.

I have seen many shows at Tacoma Musical Playhouse and while some have been not quite perfect yet still very good, others have been outstanding and moving.In both cases, the effort behind the finished product was wholeheartedly positive and heartfelt. For the most part when it comes to Ms Varnell, her output and finished product is usually negative in tone and often times downright mean. She has also shown a tendancy to follow tangent ideas that she seems to think are of key importance (burlesque, community theatre sound equipment, ect) and rant about that particular aspect while neglecting to address things more central to the actual show.
Ms. Varnell believes her job as a critic who chooses to review only the shows she wants to is to apparently "call it as she sees it". This is a comment board and I've chosen to comment and I see it this way, she is a cranky and nasty reviewer who mainly attempts to deter her readers from seeing shows she decides in her opinion aren't of good quality. I have read her list of credentials as she attempted to defend them and am unconvinced that she really has an opinion that emanates from a well informed, or qualified place.

Sara. think about what you just wrote. how is sound equipment a 'tangential idea' to a MUSICAL??? If i can't hear or understand the words people are saying/singing I'm pretty sure that IS of key importance. Second, of COURSE this reviewer is cranky...she had to sit through almost three hours of mediocre community theater. She did her best to highlight good things the director brought out, and fulfilled her job as a reviewer to identify the bad. Seriously, TMP needs to figure out their sound situation. I saw Rent there too, and it was pretty awful. Nothing is more distracting than actor that sounds like they're singing through a pillow. I love how none of these reviewers seem to defend the actual production or address the issues brought up in the review, but rather take turns trying to attack the character of the reviewer...this is why she is professional, and clearly, all of you are not.

Gerald, as I stated in my first comment, this is a comment board and I have chosen to comment. I don't consider myself a reviewer and never implied that I was-I am a person who understands that extremely good sound equipment is very expensive. The reason I believe that ranting about the sound equipment is tangent, is simply because community theatres usually can't afford them. I know that TMP certainly can't. She can criticize those kinds of things every time she sees a show there and maybe even slow ticket sales and perpetuate revenue worries, or she can critique the actual music numbers and give us a better idea of what the show includes. She often finds something negative as a theme and lets it color the entire review, even of shows with bright and wonderful acting and music. I basically think that what people are saying on this comment board is that mean people suck, and most people don't think that ms. varnell's reviews are helpful or relevant.
Also Gerald, if you think that what TMP is offering is sub-par, lets see you produce something better-seriously lets see it.....

Dear Readers and disrespectful people who have left comments on this page,
You need to get in check, and read what Ms. Varnell is stating, she did not put anything about being "naked" she just said they need more attitude. If this were your job (theater CRITIC) you have to critisis these performances. Most of you have the wrong idea. TMP does have a very spotty sound system, and saying stuff like they cant afford it is BULL! they charge $250 dollars for camps and other after school activites. So, if you are saying they cant afford it, it is a musical, and you can not hear it! its a musical not a poem reading. Dear Jack Meehof, you are very disrespectful, with a crude sense of humor. "Ms. Varnell, Although i respect your argument, I too have written a lengthy review of my own. It may be too long to post but please review it here. I think it coincides with your findings. http://bit.ly/sex" I hope i have made my point....... and SCENE

--KDizzle

Excuse y'all for your cruel comments! being a theatre critic myself, i think all of you should be proud of the innapropriate behavior and ridicoulous posting! my father once told me that to be critical is to be cold. so next time you think about insulting my fellow criticures i suggest you watch ou!