More on JC
Thu, 25 Apr 2002, 09:41 pmWalter Plinge21 posts in thread
More on JC
Thu, 25 Apr 2002, 09:41 pmTo those who ever thought the review master was in the show...alas you are wrong. The review master doesnt realise they spoke to me after the show but they did. They also sat in front of me at Hamlet it would appear.
Now as to a little contradition of the review master.
I was really not happy with the Cross situation in JC and yes mistakes happen and yes people are killed injured , whatever. Other safe guards needed to have been in place...not just one bolt as it were.
Backstage crew should also be wearing shoes and at times not all of them were. Cast should not be incharge of set assembly crew should(as was evident with the cross episode) After all cast have enough to do.
The sound was less than fabulous, some of the priests could not be heard at all (Apparently no mics)_, mics had intermittent cutting in and out...reminissant of some Les Mis tec difficulties...gee I wonder why
The scaffolding on the set looked a bit flimsey and was distracting when the priests hit the rail and the whole thing shook.
One of the Guards had so much trouble seeing in the gloomy light and with a face mask he not only tripped up a ramp he then stumbled on a step as well....which made for some chortles in the audience.
So yes I thought JCSS was Fantastic as I stated the night I saw it but.....there were some staging and tec difficulties that did draw away from a polished performance and religate the show back to the status of "community theatre" is the prefered term.
This may all sound a bit harsh but I assure you it is directed only at tecs and crew who have a responsibility not only to the audience but also to the health and safety of the crew and actors which is paramount. It is all to easy to hide in the dark and become a bit lax with time
Now as to a little contradition of the review master.
I was really not happy with the Cross situation in JC and yes mistakes happen and yes people are killed injured , whatever. Other safe guards needed to have been in place...not just one bolt as it were.
Backstage crew should also be wearing shoes and at times not all of them were. Cast should not be incharge of set assembly crew should(as was evident with the cross episode) After all cast have enough to do.
The sound was less than fabulous, some of the priests could not be heard at all (Apparently no mics)_, mics had intermittent cutting in and out...reminissant of some Les Mis tec difficulties...gee I wonder why
The scaffolding on the set looked a bit flimsey and was distracting when the priests hit the rail and the whole thing shook.
One of the Guards had so much trouble seeing in the gloomy light and with a face mask he not only tripped up a ramp he then stumbled on a step as well....which made for some chortles in the audience.
So yes I thought JCSS was Fantastic as I stated the night I saw it but.....there were some staging and tec difficulties that did draw away from a polished performance and religate the show back to the status of "community theatre" is the prefered term.
This may all sound a bit harsh but I assure you it is directed only at tecs and crew who have a responsibility not only to the audience but also to the health and safety of the crew and actors which is paramount. It is all to easy to hide in the dark and become a bit lax with time
Walter PlingeThu, 25 Apr 2002, 09:41 pm
To those who ever thought the review master was in the show...alas you are wrong. The review master doesnt realise they spoke to me after the show but they did. They also sat in front of me at Hamlet it would appear.
Now as to a little contradition of the review master.
I was really not happy with the Cross situation in JC and yes mistakes happen and yes people are killed injured , whatever. Other safe guards needed to have been in place...not just one bolt as it were.
Backstage crew should also be wearing shoes and at times not all of them were. Cast should not be incharge of set assembly crew should(as was evident with the cross episode) After all cast have enough to do.
The sound was less than fabulous, some of the priests could not be heard at all (Apparently no mics)_, mics had intermittent cutting in and out...reminissant of some Les Mis tec difficulties...gee I wonder why
The scaffolding on the set looked a bit flimsey and was distracting when the priests hit the rail and the whole thing shook.
One of the Guards had so much trouble seeing in the gloomy light and with a face mask he not only tripped up a ramp he then stumbled on a step as well....which made for some chortles in the audience.
So yes I thought JCSS was Fantastic as I stated the night I saw it but.....there were some staging and tec difficulties that did draw away from a polished performance and religate the show back to the status of "community theatre" is the prefered term.
This may all sound a bit harsh but I assure you it is directed only at tecs and crew who have a responsibility not only to the audience but also to the health and safety of the crew and actors which is paramount. It is all to easy to hide in the dark and become a bit lax with time
Now as to a little contradition of the review master.
I was really not happy with the Cross situation in JC and yes mistakes happen and yes people are killed injured , whatever. Other safe guards needed to have been in place...not just one bolt as it were.
Backstage crew should also be wearing shoes and at times not all of them were. Cast should not be incharge of set assembly crew should(as was evident with the cross episode) After all cast have enough to do.
The sound was less than fabulous, some of the priests could not be heard at all (Apparently no mics)_, mics had intermittent cutting in and out...reminissant of some Les Mis tec difficulties...gee I wonder why
The scaffolding on the set looked a bit flimsey and was distracting when the priests hit the rail and the whole thing shook.
One of the Guards had so much trouble seeing in the gloomy light and with a face mask he not only tripped up a ramp he then stumbled on a step as well....which made for some chortles in the audience.
So yes I thought JCSS was Fantastic as I stated the night I saw it but.....there were some staging and tec difficulties that did draw away from a polished performance and religate the show back to the status of "community theatre" is the prefered term.
This may all sound a bit harsh but I assure you it is directed only at tecs and crew who have a responsibility not only to the audience but also to the health and safety of the crew and actors which is paramount. It is all to easy to hide in the dark and become a bit lax with time
The Review MasterFri, 26 Apr 2002, 11:12 pm
Re: More on JC
I would certainly like to see you again Carol!
How about brunch sometime, for real? Send me an email and we'll catch up. Also, although I did reassure the cast and crew of
Playlover's JCS that accidents do occur and to "move on" - I agree with you that it can be a dangerous scenario to have accidents occur on set. Nothing should be more privileged than the saftey of cast and crew members, and also of the audience members if I do say so!
That is something to think about.
The Review Master
AJSat, 27 Apr 2002, 12:48 pm
Re: More on JC
Just a couple of things:
I agree that crew should not be walking around barefoot.. even though the Subiaco Theatre backstage area is rampant with squeaky floorboards, taking one's shoes off didn't help any.
The cross situation looked brilliant and luckily it worked perfectly almost every night. There was in fact one crew member helping to hoist the cross into place - he was dressed so he wouldn't look out of place. That said, it would have been highly disruptive in that scene to have 4 crew members walk onstage to put it up.. there were enough people onstage already.
Sometimes cast need to pitch in and help crew when its appropriate. I don't think you should excuse actors just because they have lines to learn!
I agree that crew should not be walking around barefoot.. even though the Subiaco Theatre backstage area is rampant with squeaky floorboards, taking one's shoes off didn't help any.
The cross situation looked brilliant and luckily it worked perfectly almost every night. There was in fact one crew member helping to hoist the cross into place - he was dressed so he wouldn't look out of place. That said, it would have been highly disruptive in that scene to have 4 crew members walk onstage to put it up.. there were enough people onstage already.
Sometimes cast need to pitch in and help crew when its appropriate. I don't think you should excuse actors just because they have lines to learn!
Walter PlingeSun, 28 Apr 2002, 02:25 am
Re: More on JC
As an unseen member of the crew I was well aware of the problems associated with the cross and the staging. There was actually more than just one stage hand on hand to help crucify JC without killing him before his time. The set builder was there every night puting him in place so he didn't come to an untimely end. The cast and crew were also well aware of the lighting states and although scenes were often dark most knew thier places. Even professional actors need to get themselves out of situations in poor lighting, even in professional gigs. I have seen poor acting and poor lighting, sound and staging in professional shows. It could be the reason why Subiaco Theatre Centre no longer uses its revolving stage.
Sound was a different kettle of fish. Working with a live 4 piece "band" and with a drummer who refused to tone his sound down did not help the mics, either body or hand held. I had no association nor saw "Le Mis" but if you did you would know the vagaries (not spelt right) of live and mic'd sound.
And by the by no stage hand worked on stage with bear feet.
Carol I think you need get new glasses
Sound was a different kettle of fish. Working with a live 4 piece "band" and with a drummer who refused to tone his sound down did not help the mics, either body or hand held. I had no association nor saw "Le Mis" but if you did you would know the vagaries (not spelt right) of live and mic'd sound.
And by the by no stage hand worked on stage with bear feet.
Carol I think you need get new glasses
Walter PlingeMon, 29 Apr 2002, 10:53 am
Re: More on JC
Hi,
I have been wondering wether to write something about Jcs or not for a while now but after reading the last few entries that have been posted I have decided to. JCS was my first musical and I had the most fun I have ever had in my entire life. FAir enough it only spans a short 17 and a half years but I honestly can say I was sad to see the end. I love being on stage and find it a release from home life, work and uni because you can be someone else and put yourself in someone elses shoes. I love being on stage because it makes others laugh, cry, smile and feel good!!! The reviews that we received for JCS were amazing and I am proud to say that my first `community' theatre production was with playlovers and the gorgeous people that playlovers have. But that is what it is!! A community theatre production. THe cast, directors (musical and stage) and crew have come together because thay love doing what they do. We love entertaing and making others laugh, smile or cry. Why has everything been taken so seriously?? WHy do you continue to critise, and review the show a week after it has finished??
Although I know I am biased, I regard JCS as a success. Can't we just leave it at that and get on with the next shoW??
Thanx
`the riot'
I have been wondering wether to write something about Jcs or not for a while now but after reading the last few entries that have been posted I have decided to. JCS was my first musical and I had the most fun I have ever had in my entire life. FAir enough it only spans a short 17 and a half years but I honestly can say I was sad to see the end. I love being on stage and find it a release from home life, work and uni because you can be someone else and put yourself in someone elses shoes. I love being on stage because it makes others laugh, cry, smile and feel good!!! The reviews that we received for JCS were amazing and I am proud to say that my first `community' theatre production was with playlovers and the gorgeous people that playlovers have. But that is what it is!! A community theatre production. THe cast, directors (musical and stage) and crew have come together because thay love doing what they do. We love entertaing and making others laugh, smile or cry. Why has everything been taken so seriously?? WHy do you continue to critise, and review the show a week after it has finished??
Although I know I am biased, I regard JCS as a success. Can't we just leave it at that and get on with the next shoW??
Thanx
`the riot'
crgwllmsMon, 29 Apr 2002, 11:50 pm
Tell the rabble to be quiet, we anticipate "the riot".
`the riot' wrote:
> Why has everything been taken so
> seriously?? WHy do you continue to critise, and review the
> show a week after it has finished??
> Although I know I am biased, I regard JCS as a success. Can't
> we just leave it at that and get on with the next shoW??
Why waste your breath moaning at the crowd?
Nothing can be done to stop the shouting.
If every tongue was stilled the noise would still continue;
The rocks and stones themselves would start to sing...
[%sig%]
> Why has everything been taken so
> seriously?? WHy do you continue to critise, and review the
> show a week after it has finished??
> Although I know I am biased, I regard JCS as a success. Can't
> we just leave it at that and get on with the next shoW??
Why waste your breath moaning at the crowd?
Nothing can be done to stop the shouting.
If every tongue was stilled the noise would still continue;
The rocks and stones themselves would start to sing...
[%sig%]
Walter PlingeWed, 1 May 2002, 11:06 am
Re: More on JC
`the riot' wrote:
>
> the gorgeous people that playlovers have. But that is what it
> is!! A community theatre production. THe cast, directors
> (musical and stage) and crew have come together because thay
> love doing what they do. We love entertaing and making others
> laugh, smile or cry. Why has everything been taken so
> seriously?? WHy do you continue to critise, and review the
> show a week after it has finished??
> Although I know I am biased, I regard JCS as a success. Can't
> we just leave it at that and get on with the next shoW??
> Thanx
> `the riot'
Reviews such as the ones here are made public so that the people involved know what the audience think worked or didn't work and, hopefully, may keep some of this in mind when they put on another show. I know personally, as a budding actor/director who would love to do professional work, I'd love to know what I do well and what I need to improve on.
Besides, if all the critiques are toned-down and therefore inherently dishonest, what's the point of reading them?
Anyway, from what I've read (and I'm from Vic and haven't seen the show), it sounds like you did a great job! I wish I could've seen it.
Cya!
CB
>
> the gorgeous people that playlovers have. But that is what it
> is!! A community theatre production. THe cast, directors
> (musical and stage) and crew have come together because thay
> love doing what they do. We love entertaing and making others
> laugh, smile or cry. Why has everything been taken so
> seriously?? WHy do you continue to critise, and review the
> show a week after it has finished??
> Although I know I am biased, I regard JCS as a success. Can't
> we just leave it at that and get on with the next shoW??
> Thanx
> `the riot'
Reviews such as the ones here are made public so that the people involved know what the audience think worked or didn't work and, hopefully, may keep some of this in mind when they put on another show. I know personally, as a budding actor/director who would love to do professional work, I'd love to know what I do well and what I need to improve on.
Besides, if all the critiques are toned-down and therefore inherently dishonest, what's the point of reading them?
Anyway, from what I've read (and I'm from Vic and haven't seen the show), it sounds like you did a great job! I wish I could've seen it.
Cya!
CB
AlanWed, 1 May 2002, 03:25 pm
Who are you RM?
RM,
You seem to be doing a pretty good job concealing yourself. :))
So far it has been established through the few parties that do know your identity - that you are a writer of some kind, a male stretching the tender age of between 28-33...... I would like to have mates that give only "that much" information. Will you not let on anything else for the rest of us? I would appreciate more reviews in future.....
Alan
Walter PlingeWed, 1 May 2002, 04:19 pm
Re: More on JC
"Besides, if all the critiques are toned-down and therefore inherently dishonest"
That's a bit of a generalisation don't you think? There are people who tend to exaggerate and lay it on a bit thick.
I agree that it's great to get all this feedback etc.etc.etc. but why wasn't it said during the run on the show? People have left until after the show - now it is too late to correct problems that were stated... perhaps these were unfixable problems, but why keep going on and on about JCSS?
It was a great show and everyone who saw seemed to enjoy it - why is the"tall poppy syndrome" coming out now?
That's a bit of a generalisation don't you think? There are people who tend to exaggerate and lay it on a bit thick.
I agree that it's great to get all this feedback etc.etc.etc. but why wasn't it said during the run on the show? People have left until after the show - now it is too late to correct problems that were stated... perhaps these were unfixable problems, but why keep going on and on about JCSS?
It was a great show and everyone who saw seemed to enjoy it - why is the"tall poppy syndrome" coming out now?
The Review MasterWed, 1 May 2002, 08:03 pm
Re: Who are you RM?
Alan,
The whole idea of being "The Review Master" is so that my identity need not be disclosed. People knowing my age and gender is not a tragedy as I'm sure there are many people that fit that description.
Eventually people will know my identity, a lot of people won't give the slightest. For now I would like to keep anonymous; and yes I do have very good "mates". I will keep the reviews rolling when I have time.
The Review Master
[%sig%]
crgwllmsWed, 1 May 2002, 11:27 pm
Re: the review mystery
RM
Funny to hear you are apparently a contemporary of mine; I had this mental image from your style of writing of someone far older. Also, the "Master" epithet makes me think of a grand old painter like Picasso or someone. Perhaps I know more about you than I realise.
Williams (put us together and we could be a boot store)
[%sig%]
Funny to hear you are apparently a contemporary of mine; I had this mental image from your style of writing of someone far older. Also, the "Master" epithet makes me think of a grand old painter like Picasso or someone. Perhaps I know more about you than I realise.
Williams (put us together and we could be a boot store)
[%sig%]
The Review MasterThu, 2 May 2002, 11:33 pm
Re: the review mystery
crgwllms,
You thought I was much older than that through my writing? I actually take that as a compliment young chap. Boot store? Perhaps I am much older than you thought as I don't quite get the pun??
The Review Master
PamelaFri, 3 May 2002, 10:05 am
Re: the review mystery
Williams....RM....boot store.. .. hehehe.
Thou jarring rump-fed hedge-pig! Pig skin boots!
[%sig%]
Thou jarring rump-fed hedge-pig! Pig skin boots!
[%sig%]
The Review MasterFri, 3 May 2002, 06:40 pm
Ahhh I get it...
Thanks Pamela,
methinks I get it now! How could I overlook something like that? :)
The Review Master
Walter PlingeMon, 6 May 2002, 04:42 pm
Re: More on JC
Well Done 'the riot'!
I too was involved with JCSS, and after the show had finished, I went away for two weeks. I have just returned to find people still talking about it. HOORAY, the show obviously had an impact on its audience - I believe the whole purpose of theatre; to impact on people's lives. But to open the postings to find people quibbling about whether crew wore shoes on stage or not was such a disheartening experience. I would hope people would have more constructive comments - be it positive or constructive ones - about the show. But to criticise and nitpick after the show is over (two weeks now!!!!) when nothing can be done about it anyway, just reiterates this weeks theatre australia survey question - "Do theatre people live in their own little world?" They certainly do, and its not surprising why directors find it so hard sometimes to cast, why would anyone want to join a "community" that flocks to each other's performances only to sit on the net for the following three weeks disecting and criticising what they saw (Or believed they could do better if they had done it!) But did they see, a piece of art that (as in the case of JCSS) over 50 people came together in their own time, unpaid, for the love of it to create a piece of entertainment to please others. ENJOY IT FOR WHAT IT IS!!! Someone wrote earlier that you can learn from this criticism - I fail to see how this to and fro quasi debating can help anyone or anything except perhaps to turn people away from joining the community theatre community, who turn and attack each other at whenever they can.
While I'm on a roll - Review Master - get over yourself and get a real job!
Sorry about that, I believe some things just need to be said.
Have a great day and enjoy life for what it is not what it could be!
BOB
I too was involved with JCSS, and after the show had finished, I went away for two weeks. I have just returned to find people still talking about it. HOORAY, the show obviously had an impact on its audience - I believe the whole purpose of theatre; to impact on people's lives. But to open the postings to find people quibbling about whether crew wore shoes on stage or not was such a disheartening experience. I would hope people would have more constructive comments - be it positive or constructive ones - about the show. But to criticise and nitpick after the show is over (two weeks now!!!!) when nothing can be done about it anyway, just reiterates this weeks theatre australia survey question - "Do theatre people live in their own little world?" They certainly do, and its not surprising why directors find it so hard sometimes to cast, why would anyone want to join a "community" that flocks to each other's performances only to sit on the net for the following three weeks disecting and criticising what they saw (Or believed they could do better if they had done it!) But did they see, a piece of art that (as in the case of JCSS) over 50 people came together in their own time, unpaid, for the love of it to create a piece of entertainment to please others. ENJOY IT FOR WHAT IT IS!!! Someone wrote earlier that you can learn from this criticism - I fail to see how this to and fro quasi debating can help anyone or anything except perhaps to turn people away from joining the community theatre community, who turn and attack each other at whenever they can.
While I'm on a roll - Review Master - get over yourself and get a real job!
Sorry about that, I believe some things just need to be said.
Have a great day and enjoy life for what it is not what it could be!
BOB
Grant MalcolmMon, 6 May 2002, 07:51 pm
Re: More on crits
Hi Bob
I wonder why so many respondents in this thread are adopting pseudonyms? I note that the progenitor of this particular discussion posted under what appears to be her real name, but that most of the posts that have followed are anonymous.
Just wondering....
Bob The Builder wrote:
> why would anyone want to join a "community" that flocks to each
> other's performances only to sit on the net for the following three
> weeks disecting and criticising what they saw
> ...
> Someone wrote earlier that you can learn from this criticism
> - I fail to see how this to and fro quasi debating can help
> anyone or anything except perhaps to turn people away from
> joining the community theatre community, who turn and attack
> each other at whenever they can.
If you can't imagine how someone might learn something by having their work discussed and debated, then i guess that's fine. Maybe you should let those of us that still have something to learn just get on with it?
> While I'm on a roll - Review Master - get over yourself and
> get a real job!
:-)
> Have a great day and enjoy life for what it is not what it
> could be!
But that's kind of the point with theatre, isn't it?
The eternal "What If"
Cheers
Grant
[%sig%]
I wonder why so many respondents in this thread are adopting pseudonyms? I note that the progenitor of this particular discussion posted under what appears to be her real name, but that most of the posts that have followed are anonymous.
Just wondering....
Bob The Builder wrote:
> why would anyone want to join a "community" that flocks to each
> other's performances only to sit on the net for the following three
> weeks disecting and criticising what they saw
> ...
> Someone wrote earlier that you can learn from this criticism
> - I fail to see how this to and fro quasi debating can help
> anyone or anything except perhaps to turn people away from
> joining the community theatre community, who turn and attack
> each other at whenever they can.
If you can't imagine how someone might learn something by having their work discussed and debated, then i guess that's fine. Maybe you should let those of us that still have something to learn just get on with it?
> While I'm on a roll - Review Master - get over yourself and
> get a real job!
:-)
> Have a great day and enjoy life for what it is not what it
> could be!
But that's kind of the point with theatre, isn't it?
The eternal "What If"
Cheers
Grant
[%sig%]
The Review MasterMon, 6 May 2002, 08:42 pm
Re: More on crits
Bob,
Well, it is something to consider I must say.
The Review Master
crgwllmsTue, 7 May 2002, 12:49 am
Re: Moron crits
Yes, they're out there; but we try to tolerate them, don't we?
crg
[%sig%]
crg
[%sig%]
Walter PlingeFri, 14 June 2002, 02:25 pm
Re: More on JC
I think it was a wonderful rip off of the 2000 Pinewood Studios film version of the show.
Well done
Well done
GillSat, 15 June 2002, 05:36 pm
Re: More on JC
MM,
You say this as if it is wrong or unusual to perform a musical in a "standard" way.
Sure, Playlovers JC was based on that particular production rather than us donning robes and brown sandals and basing it on the original but why is that wrong?
If you do think that it is wrong how about giving us an informed, intelligent argument for your case rather than just having a dig.
You say this as if it is wrong or unusual to perform a musical in a "standard" way.
Sure, Playlovers JC was based on that particular production rather than us donning robes and brown sandals and basing it on the original but why is that wrong?
If you do think that it is wrong how about giving us an informed, intelligent argument for your case rather than just having a dig.