Theater Reviews (and Most Reviews in General)

There's a lot of sleight-of-hand going on in theater/film/music reviews that readers take for granted, but which drive writers crazy. First, reviews need to be zippy and they need to kill. Like music criticism, they need to 1) inform us about the subject matter (in this case, the play) in a language appropriate to the genre and which doesn't put us to sleep 2) sufficiently address the cast, direction, music and scene staging (if extraordinary), history of the play (if it's a revival, etc.) 3) include any outstanding moments/performances. Afterwards, as readers we should get enough of a sense of the play that we can make up our own minds whether or not we want to see it. (This of course is a trick: the writer has cleverly shaped a story that enables readers to see only what s/he wanted us to).

For an example of great theater criticism that hits all these notes and more, take a look at NY Post's chief drama critic Elisabeth Vincentelli's theater reviews (and it's not just because she's my friend):
Vincentelli NYPost

Newspaper Reporting

CLASSROOMS

Check here periodically. Classrooms are subject to change, especially as we enter the critiques of student blogs.


Apr 21 5N-108
H.P. The Charity Bash
Jocalyn Review the Reel
Mary Kiss My Lit
Alexa On the Boards

Apr 26 2s-117, 3pm
Nelida Student Bride
Attyah Traveling Tips
Justin S.I. Band Guy

Apr 28 5N-108
Raymond Bay Ridge Masticator
M.D. Chalk Talk
Krystal Sweetest Desserts
Michelle N. Staten Island Theater blog

May 03 2S-117
Tommy The Fishing Lane
Sue Jazz Nation
James Vamp4
I.N. Bulimic Aftermath

May 05 5N-108
Michelle J. Unraveling Seams
Nicole The Power of Pink
Christine Next Generation

May 10 2S-117
Lisa University of the Unemployed
Julianne This Side of the Verranzano
John Tivo's Worst Enemy
Walaa Hyperactive

May 12 5N-108
Leyna Military Diaries
Becci Bite Me
Vincent Speed Shift
T. Teuta's Lajme

May 17 2S-117, "Pizza Day"
Liz S.I. Arts
Jen Still Standing
Michael SI Advance Blog