Just when you think life can’t be any better, William Randall Beard walks into the room.
You know, there’s a lot of hoopla surrounding his review of Thoroughly Modern Millie at Bloomington Civic Theatre — and a lot of opinions about his opinions. There’s a number of odd, interesting comments at the Strib website, and there’s this little dust-up over at Callboard.org.
Beard seems to have followed a great checklist of how not to review a show:
- Show up ready to throw the musical itself under the bus before you see the production? Check.
- Be close friends with the former Artistic Director, and repeatedly bring up your unhappiness with his dismissal? Check.
- Apparently sit near said former artistic director and talk through the entire show (this is rumored on the Strib comments — I know rumor isn’t perfect, but it makes my story more interesting)? Check.
- Spend the first several paragraphs of the review discussing your take on what happened at the theater in an attempt to justify your take on the show? Check.
- Use the word “razzmatazz” in your review (I know this isn’t really a legit entry, I just think it’s a douchey thing to say in a review)? Check.
- Praise everyone who has previously worked on a show with the former Artistic Director and take a huge shit on everyone new? Check.
See, that’s all stuff I actually don’t care at heart about — at heart, it’s really just one jerk’s opinion — I just like to point it out because it’s assholish behavior. Although it sure seems like if Mr. Command had helmed the show, Mr. Beard would have probably overlooked the Asian stereotypes and flimsy plot in lieu of more razzmatazz.
THAT’S NOT THE POINT. What everyone seems to be missing in this whole discussion, is that this is not the first time that Mr. Beard has overlooked his unbiased responsibilities as a critic to review a show which he clearly has personal ties to. It’s just that the last time he did it, it was for the Pioneer Press.
Kind of actually makes you miss Max Sparber, don’t it? Who can’t enjoy a critic calling another critic out on their shit?
Kurt
