The opening of our next show, Next Fall, is just around the corner. Rehearsals are becoming more intense, and tech week has begun. Preview shows are this weekend, and the official opening is November 2. Not only are the cast and crew preparing for the audiences coming to the show, but they are also preparing for the critics.

Actors, directors, and designers have many people to please when a show is up and running, and they must do so consistently. But, in the first few days of the opening of a show they also have the opinion of the critics to contend with. The critics review can make or break a show. The cast and crew try not to think about it, but the truth is, most wait with baited breath to read what the critic has to say.

Why?

Theatre critics are consumer advocates. They are there to let people know if a show is worth the money audiences will spend to see it, which is a big consideration in these financially troubled times. Their opinions carry weight, but what is their real goal?

Educated constructive criticism is what a theatre critic is supposed to provide. He or she takes into consideration the skill levels of all those involved in putting a show together. Are the actors professionals or are they new to the stage? Is the setting for the show realistic or is it supposed to be minimalist, or cartoonish. If there is singing and dancing involved, can the actors’ successfully carry a tune and tap their toes at the same time? These are the things they take into consideration.

The good critic does not publish intentionally cruel words, but states the facts as he or she perceives them on the night he or she visits. If, on the night in question, the actor fumbles his lines, the critics may state that the actor appears to need more rehearsal time. While the actor and director may not believe it necessary for the extra rehearsal, and want to chalk the flubs up to nerves, maybe the actor wouldn’t have flubbed if he or she was more comfortable with the material.

But is the theatre critic the end all be all? No! The theatre goers themselves are critics as well, and their opinions are more important than the singular critic, for it is they that will go out and tell their friends whether to see a show or not. General audience word of mouth is the type of criticism that decides whether a show is successful or not.

When Next Fall previews this weekend, the cast and crew of the show, as well as the Robert (Marketing Manager), Maile (Box Office Manager), and Dan (Executive Director), hope that the audiences who see it go out and tell all their friends what a great show it is and to go see it.

The critics review is important. The general audiences review is even more important. But, if you genuinely want to see a show do! Be your own critic! Come and decide for yourself if a show is good or not. Come and see Next Fall. You are just as valuable a critic as an official theatre critic.