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The title to this post is paraphrasing my old opera director, Buck Ross, and how he viewed theater critics. It is fun to read about yourself in the paper, but you should take every review you read with a grain of salt. If you start to believe in the good press, then you have to be prepared to take the bad. In the end, a good theater review is a nice bit of publicity but you should always remember that critics are extremely subjective.
This came to the forefront of my life with two reviews of the musical I am involved with, On the Twentieth Century. We were fortunate to receive not one, but two reviews by theater critics (very nice for a young company). However, after reading them, you may feel like that the two critics saw different shows, even though they came ON THE SAME NIGHT. One review is extremely flattering, and the other is more critical. I was very happy to receive positive comments from both critics. Do I put a lot of weight on either review? Not really. The fact is that I am extremely proud of this production and everyone I invited loved the show. So rule of thumb: don't take reviews to heart. Don't let your critics define your work. Do your own thing. DWS P.S. I did receive nice comments from both reviewers...I've attached both reviews to this blog. Houston Chronicle's Buzz Bellmont: Click Here Houston Chronicle's Everett Evans: Click Here This post is completely unrelated to either the teaching of singing or performing, but I did want to let everyone know that Rachel (my wife) and I celebrated our 4th year of marriage last week. The best decision I made in my life was to marry such a beautiful and kind woman. She brings out the best in me and I am so thankful that we found each other. I'm still not sure why she chose to hang around me in college, but I thank my lucky stars she did.
DWS One of the habits I notice from female singers who have previous voice lesson experience is that they have a tendency to avoid their chest voice (low pitch register). The chest voice enables both men and women to produce strong low notes, as well as creating a powerful and colorful middle section in the voice. While the chest voice can quickly turn into a scream if used inproperly, it is almost as debilitating to not use the chest voice at all. There are simple rules to observe when singing with a voice teacher that can clue you in to whether you are using your chest voice properly.
Rule #1 - Do my low notes resonate? Or are they weak? Rule #2 - As you ascend in pitch, do you lose flexibility in the voice, or perhaps feel strain beyond a certain pitch? This could be a sign of carrying your chest voice too high. If you find that your low notes are projecting well and you do not feel strain as you ascend in pitch, you are probably using your chest voice efficiently. With a voice teacher, you should be able to use your chest voice in a healthy manner that gives you additional power without sacrificing flexibility or vocal range. DWS Great news from two media sources. First, KUHA's (91.7) Front Row program will be interviewing the cast members of the musical On the Twentieth Century this coming Monday. The interview, which will contain some musical selections, should air on Tuesday, June 19th from 12-1 PM. I will be singing two selections on the air, and I have to admit I am a bit excited!
In case you can't hear the program live, please visit KUHA's website. Second, the Houston Chronicle will review the show opening night AND be taking a photo shoot for the paper. This is quite extraordinary, considering how media sources have cut back on local entertainment news. Hope to see you at the show! (June 21-24th, 8 PM, First Christian Church! at 1601 Sunset Blvd near Rice Univ.) DWS Ok, I do not normally toot my own horn, but I have to say the musical coming up June 21st-24th, On the Twentieth Century, is going to be INCREDIBLE.
In just 8 short days, we have a full show running with no stops. The singing is amazing, each cast member is perfect for the role etc...I am not exaggerating. Please buy a ticket if you come. It is going to be that fun. Go to www.lonestarlyric.org and buy your tickets online today. Be warned that shows will begin to sell-out as the space is relatively small. I am so proud to be a part of this production. It is so much fun and will be a great show to see. DWS For the next month, I will be in rehearsals for On the Twentieth Century, a musical by the writers of Singin in the Rain as well as other successful musicals. Needless to say, it is good.
The plot revolves around Lily Garland, a young Hollywood actress who finds herself getting involved with her former director/lover, Oscar Jaffee, who needs Lily to star in his play so he can get out of bankruptcy. Several others characters get involved (can't say how - reveals too much of the plot), and hilarity ensues. My character, Bruce Granit, is a very vain Hollywood actor who often plays opposite Lily in her movies. Think Cary Grant, except much less lovable. I'll be blogging about the professional rehearsal schedule for a while, giving you a little insight on how a production comes together. This is going to be a GREAT show. I was so impressed with the quality of actors involved, the director. We will even have a nice chamber orchestra for the event. Go to the website,www.lonestarlyric.org, to buy your tickets online. They will sell out! DWS |
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