We're at places people...

The review for a recent performance is in: http://wweek.com/editorial/3351/9881, not so good. Here is the deal, the performance is good very talented people putting themselves out there I am disturbed by this review in that it doesn't properly capture what went on that evening (I know, the bad ones never do!) Here is the deal, the reviewer was 10 minutes late for a 1.5 hour show, the audience loved it, there was some great singing namely by my colleagues Natasha, Michael, Deb and Richard. I was not at my vocal best (something the reviewer could and should have mentioned instead of the vague insinuation that the cast was not up to the music.) He miss-represents the story (Adina doesn't like Belcore that is the crux of the opera), he uses uselessly vulgar language "Adina, who harbors a wet spot for hunky Steve Belcore" and is rather creepily coming on to the guy who plays Belcore. Are you kidding me?

Call a spade a spade, a company whose mission is to produce easily assessable opera using local talent did just that. Yes, there are things that could be improved, why not mention those things? How about mentioning how a few thousand dollars from a donor would help production value e.g. wheezy upright piano? I know, I am too personally involved to be objective but, well, shut the fuck up, it is my blog! If you want objectivity read somewhere else. Is it opera? Not in the strict sense, it does however present the music and themes of one of the most beloved bel canto operas to a new audience.

Here are several things that I hate that somehow found their way into this review:

Ax Grinding, don't be manipulative, its ugly the world doesn't need any more liquored up, self important queens. Try counseling, don't spew your issues all over the cultural scene. If ther is an issue, put it out there!

Dick Jokes, we get it, you are a horny gay man and there was an attractive straight guy on the stage, get over it. BTW, who talks about wet spots in pants? Gross...

Patronizing comments: "has talent" WTF! You must be kidding me? Of course she has talent you idiot! She wrote a great show, produced a great show directed a great show. To boot she has won the Met Auditions, Lieber awards and toured with the Merola Program to mention just a few minor accomplishments. If you don't like the show say why (don't give me some bull shit about depth of character! Have you ever read the libretto of the original? Terrible character development!)

Are you reviewing or commenting?

Be clear! This is utterly confusing. Point out what is really wrong, there is more to writing than sarcasm (reader, shut up, that is why I am not a writer.) A critic/reviewer has several purposes, first endorse what is good using their education and personal experience, second educate giving your readers evidence of why something is good or bad, third entertain by writing in an engaging manner. You have failed at two of the three. Perhaps the show was bad, why? Be specific! What would make it better? What actually happened? Oh, and who actually uses the words "de rigeur"? No more pretension, this is Portland, there is already enough of that shit in the black hair dye wearing, emo listening, TBA watching kids that are allowed to aimlesly roam the streets of the Pearl!