Before You See That Play, Read the Reviews
So you’re in New York City and plan to see one of the many theatrical productions on Broadway or off-Broadway. There are many plays to choose from and of course, you want to get your money’s worth. Have you ever walked out of the production resenting the time and money you just spent? How do you make the most educated choice? Knowing the plot and the talent involved can help you determine your interest in a particular play. But to learn if it really might be worth seeing, read the nyc play reviews.
What the Reviews Can Tell You
Reviews offer the point of view of someone who has seen the performance, read and knows the history of the play, and understands what to look for. Reviews provide insight into why choices were made regarding the storyline, costumes, stage design, and differences in the script from previous versions of the play. Did the actors deliver their lines comedically or dramatically? What is the production’s cultural and artistic significance?
Reviewers will offer their considered impression of the performance, its aims, and whether it achieved or failed to achieve those aims.
The Reviewers Views Are Educated But Also Subjective
Because a review is written and published immediately after the play opens, it usually lacks deeply thought-out investigations of the play’s meaning and, as such, is somewhat subjective. Perhaps that explains some of the harsh criticism reviewers have received from playwrights and performers. For example, Wilson Mizner is credited with saying, “A drama critic is a person who surprises the playwright by informing him what he meant.”
Play reviews offer educated synopses of plays so that you can make a more educated judgment about which ones are worth you spending your time and money. Nevertheless, remember that you are own best critic and must make the final decision about whether a play is appealing to you.… Read More..