The Lansing Theatre Scene

Lansing has some amazing theatre going on, and often there just isn't enough money to advertise shows the way that they should be to attract the attention of patrons. Often patrons wait to read reviews as well, before they go to see a show - and so I have decided, since I will only likely be working one show this season, and it will only be in a stage manager position, to take some time and actually look at the shows in more detail than I've seen from the local papers.

I realize there are word limits and editors and other hassles that writers have to contend with, but I have found that there has been an increasing severity in the manner local theatre has been judged and it's often been unnecessarily mean-spirited. If a critical comment is justified, that's certainly one thing - but my personal opinion is that reviewers should avoid pointed remarks about an actor's physique and other comments that leave bite marks, and focus more on whether or not the director has carried out the intent of the author and how well the stage has been set to accomplish that goal - acknowledging (or not) the tech involved, as well as the acting itself. One great example is that the set for "Sugar Beans Sisters" of Riverwalk last year was practically an actor in and of itself - Craig Smith's design was brilliant and Carol Ferris showed a sense of humor and detail in dressing it.

I'm excited about the shows I see coming to Lansing for the coming season for all of the theatres in town, and am particularly excited to get a taste of The Renegade Theatre Festival tomorrow. Though the festival started Thursday, and I'll only get a chance to see a few shows, I'm looking forward to them as a bit of a teaser for the new season.

Cheers!