Critiquing the Critics: Feb 16, 2008

So as my schedule has lightened a bit, I've decided to try and post on Saturday's as well. In the spirit of the last few posts, I'm going to try and highlight the best and worst of critics each week, as I see them. Granted, I have not seen all of these productions. None of us have. Exactly why we need critics.

This weeks picks:

Best: Chris Jones' review of Othello in The Chicago Tribune

Yes, I know this probably seems strange following yesterdays takedown of his review of Rent. However, fair is fair and credit should be given where credit is due. Pointing out flaws is useless, fruitless and pointless without highlighting strengths. Well-written, informative, incisive, and engaging, this is a great example of a highly capable critic doing a great job.

Honorable Mention: Kris Vire's review of The Cay in TimeOut Chicago.

It is an extraordinarily difficult task to write a nuanced review of a production in 250 words. To capture the writing, production, strengths and flaws in such a short space is a discipline that no critic should be asked to do. It is unfortunate that this is found in the kids section and not with the rest of its theatrical brethren.

Worst:

Larry Bommer's review of 1776 in The Reader.

I sincerely hope this was a typo. With the new format of The Reader, the only way to tell new reviews is by the little "N" symbol. Though I can hardly blame him if this is actually the full review, I can't imagine a critic would willingly do this. It may be the worst review I have ever seen. In my life. In it's entirety:

1776 Signal Ensemble Theatre's revival of Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone's taut 1969 musical puts flesh on the Founding Fathers, thanks to witty dialogue and a surefire dramatic structure. Suitably sprawling yet concentrated like a diamond, Ronan Marra's 26-member cast plays history as it happened, not as remembered. (LB)

Two sentences. I know they have made cutbacks. I don't have last weeks paper to double check, but, two sentences. It is highly-recommended. Two Sentences.

Honorable Mention:
Chris Jones' review of Rent.

UPDATE: (h/t Dan) So I was able to track down a copy of last week's paper, and it looks like the review of 1776 in this week's Reader was actually a misprint and not a new review. The recent, poor redesign of the Reader leaves no other way to distinguish new reviews from condensed listings if the "N" is misprinted. (Worth reiterating that Bommer is not responsible for the error, nor should a critic be culpable for a two sentence review. That would fall on The Reader.) Below is the original review:

Signal Ensemble Theatre's revival of Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone's taut 1969 musical puts flesh on the Founding Fathers, thanks to witty dialogue and a surefire dramatic structure. A ton of future hangs in the balance here; nothing seems inevitable. Suitably sprawling yet concentrated like a diamond, Ronan Marra's 26-member cast plays history as it happened, not as remembered. Thanks to Andra Velis Simon's confident musical direction, the songs stay as strong as the story (though the orchestra occasionally misfires). Best, the stirring staging showcases veteran character actors like Ted Hoerl, Larry Baldacci, and Vincent L. Lonergan while confirming younger talents. (LB)

So for this week, the revised worst review is Rent and there will be no dis-honorable mention.