It’s Okay to Have an Opinion on a Show You Haven’t Seen (Yep, I Said It)

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

Let’s get this out of the way up front: seeing a show in person is the gold standard. No question. There’s nothing quite like live theatre—the lights dimming, the overture kicking in, the shared breath of a full house. That full-body buzz when a performance hits just right? You can’t replicate that on a screen or a cast recording.

But... here’s the truth some folks refuse to accept: it’s okay to have an opinion on a show even if you haven’t seen it live. And not just okay—normal. Healthy. Part of being a curious, engaged theatre person.

Now I know, I know—some of you just clutched your pearls. “You can’t judge a show until you’ve experienced it!” they cry, like you’ve personally canceled Broadway. But listen, let’s not pretend that musicals exist in a vacuum until curtain up. We’re living in the age of cast recordings on release day, costume sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes interviews, TikToks, fan edits, and Reddit threads longer than Angels in America. You’re telling me none of that counts?

Come on.

If you’ve streamed the album, read the synopsis, followed the discourse, seen clips of that one number that everyone’s talking about—you’ve engaged with the show. You’ve formed a take. And you’re allowed to. Is it the whole picture? No. But it’s a frame. It’s a start. You can love the music but question the book. You can adore the design and still feel “meh” about the concept. That’s not ignorance—that’s being a fan with taste.

Do I believe live theatre can change your mind? Absolutely. I’ve walked into shows skeptical and walked out emotionally wrecked. But not everyone has the privilege or resources to hop on a plane every time a buzzy revival opens in NYC. And gatekeeping conversation until someone’s seen a show live? That’s not protecting theatre. That’s shrinking it.

Let’s make room for curiosity. For “this isn’t for me” takes. For “I want to love this, but something’s not clicking.” Let’s stop acting like you have to pay $300 for an orchestra seat just to be allowed into the conversation.

Because honestly? Some of the best theatre talk happens outside the theatre.

So yeah, if a show speaks to you—or doesn’t—you’re allowed to say something. Have the opinion. Share it, with context, with the humility to change your mind later.

But don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not allowed to have a voice in this community just because you haven’t seen it live.

Your opinion is valid. Your curiosity is valid. And your love for theatre? That’s the whole point.