Critics

Theater critics are unreliable.  Recently The New York Times gave a brilliantly positive review to the new musical 'An American in Paris'.  Two days later I was sitting in a theater next to an elderly couple (I know, I know.  I am elderly now too.  But they were older.) and we got into a discussion about the new season and they mentioned they saw 'An American in Paris' the weekend before.  They were not impressed.  In fact they said it was 'boring'. They admired the dancing and the sets but said they almost fell asleep. So is it worth seeing?
'Finding Neverland' opened two days ago.  This is/was a much anticipated musical with a star-power cast.  The New York Times disliked it. But I just heard ABC News theater reviewer Andy Kenyon give it a rave.  In fact he has convinced me I should grab a ticket before it disappears. The story itself is substantial but this reviewer raved about the actors, the music and all the special effects.  What did the New York Times see that they didn't like?

 I also waited much to long too see 'Honeymoon in Vegas'.  This musical was very well received by ALL the critics.  Yet it did not gel with audiences and has already closed.  I did not act fast enough.

 On Monday night I saw 'Something Rotten!' with a star-studded cast and a star-studded audience too. I never laughed so hard.  Good music.  Brilliant cast.  Costumes, sets, lighting, performances, story, jokes all were first-rate.  I wonder if the New York Times will like it or not.  It opens next Wednesday. In my opinion it is the best musical I have seen in many years and the funniest since 'Spamalot'.  The problem is that The New York Times is so widely read and respected that it can kill an otherwise worthwhile entertainment.  What's the deal with that.  I saw 'Hand to God' Saturday solely based on a rave review from The Times - yet I was the one who was disappointed.  Yes, it had its funny moments and very good performances.  But what was it about?  I did not get much out of it at all.

 Guess I should stop reading the New York Times and go with my gut instincts when selecting plays to see.

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