Comments on: Tantallon Community Players Into The Woods

By: David Monk

David Monk — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 18:32:25 +0000

As the Music Director for Into the Woods, I feel I would be remiss if I did not express my dismay at the level of vitriol in Mr. Ashby’s comments. Several of his comments are so off the mark that one might wonder if he left the theater at certain points during the show. I won’t go into detail on those points, rather, I will let the remaining audiences form their own opinions.
I would offer the following to Mr. Ashby. First, Lance Adell’s “indulgent taking of a high note” was not his decision, but mine. After studying the score, the text and the overall arch of the song and coupling these factors with Lance’s ability to make it successfull, I made the change. I can appreciate the fact that Mr. Ashby may not have liked the change, but in no way was his comment about Lance appropriate.
Second, the use of children to play the part of the birds did bow to community theater cutesiness. I see this as a positive, not a negative. As far as undermining several scenes, that is Mr. Ashby’s opinion, which I am sure is in the minority. Watching actors flailing wildly while sound effects of imaginary birds are piped through the sound system is not nearly as entertaining as watching the kids take part in the show.
Finally, years ago, when I was in school, I had the opportunity to discuss with one of my professors the critical comments that necessarily abound after every performance. After what I thought was a particularly stirring and effective rendition of Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, he was roundly criticized for having chipped several (not more than 5) notes. His response was that he realized that there are two types of people who come to any performance; those who come to be entertained and those who come to count the mistakes and miscues. He was comfortable in saying that he made them both happy.
Mr. Ashby, allow yourself to get past the occasional miscue and appreciate the fact that interpretations other than yours can be (and, would imagine, frequently are) successful and entertaining. The cast and crew of Into the Woods have provide a (enjoyable) respit from the stresses of everyday life. Is this, in and of itself, deserving of critical acclaim? That is for the audiences to decide. I don’t recall hearing any boo’s or hisses during the bow’s.

By: Barbara Snyder

Barbara Snyder — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:37:09 +0000

I saw the Tantallon players, Into the woods, on Saturday night and I strongly disagree with the review. I felt the strongest members of the cast by far for their vocal performance as well as acting were the baker played by Lance Adelle and the witch played by Sasha Miceli. These two actors seemed to me like they walked onto a broadway stage rather than a community theater performance. Well done!!! I felt that the role of Cinderalla played by Valerie Holt lacked confidence, and she was very awkward and unbelievable. If I were the prince I sure wouldn’t of been chasing after her. The only actor I had a difficult time understanding was the Mysterious man played by Robert Rausch.

By: Charla Rowe

Charla Rowe — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:26:44 +0000

Bob Ashby obviously believes he has become a Sondheim sophisticate, given his comment about a single note (which was deliberately selected and sung nicely). The few “constructive” criticisms he offered were obliterated by his biased comment about “age appropriate” casting (which only seems to apply to women) and the reference to Cinderella’s birds as “a distracting bow to community theater cutesiness.” His overall arch and condescending comments carelessly insulted and demeaned the efforts of dedicated amateurs and budding youngsters, bordering on contempt for the gift that community theaters give to their audiences. We embrace such “distractions” because they create priceless memories for parents and their children. As Sondheim knows, “children will listen,” and they will also remember and should be exposed to theater – yes, including Sondheim – at an early age. Our little birds will be infused with the joy of performing and grow up like many of our young actors, who began appearing in our shows at the same age.

Charla Rowe, Artistic Director
Tantallon Community Theater