The Balancing Act of Being Both a Playwright and a Critic

I love playwriting, and the creative rush I get from writing so many plays – and often, seeing them produced – is practically what I live for. I’m also a theatre critic, and thus have the chance to see a diverse range of shows and offer my analysis and opinions of them. Depending on which person you talk to, if they’re familiar with my writing, they might know that I’m a playwright and a critic, but they may know me better for being one over another. There also may be some who know me only as a playwright, but have never read any of my reviews; or perhaps they’ve seen my past reviews of shows, but are totally unfamiliar with my work as a playwright.

ObservationsChristopher PetersonJune 29, 2018Anthony Piccione

Why Exactly Do You Go to the Theatre?

Why do people go to the theater? It’s a question to ponder on and there really is no single answer to it in my mind. I think there is something special about going to a theater and seeing a show versus going to see a movie. There is something about having that action right in front of you. After all, there is nothing like live theatre. I imagine it’s probably an escape for some people other than it being a pleasure. I know it is an escape for me and it brings me so much joy, excitement, and contentedness that I’ve kind of become addicted. Not only is it my passion, but it is a huge part of my life. Without it, I would feel as if I lost my imagination.

ObservationsChristopher PetersonJune 25, 2018Cristina D'Almeida

Yellowface in 'Jerome Robbins Broadway' is as Confusing as it is Inappropriate

The historic and prolific St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre (commonly known as The Muny), is marking a rare feat for regional theatres, its 100th season. It's a milestone that should rightfully be celebrated in not only the St. Louis theatrical community but here in New York City as well, as many a performer has graced that stage at one time or another.

However, their season is off to a bumpy start, according to some who have seen how they've decided to stage various numbers in their production of Jerome Robbins' Broadway. The show, which serves as a tribute anthology to shows that Robbins worked on, features fully produced recreations of his choreography. That means these numbers are done in the context of the shows their from and with full costuming. And that is where the problem lies.

Observations, Regional TheatreChristopher PetersonJune 16, 2018The Muny, Chris Peterson

Musical Theatre in the Trump Age

What will be today’s Musical Theatre legacy? What work will be left behind for the next generation to look back on with admiration, commenting on how ahead of its time it was? Should producers be dusting off old chestnuts like South Pacific, Hair and La Cage in this time of turmoil? Or should Musical Theatre simply be an escape for its audience to forget about the turmoil this nation is facing?

Observations, BroadwayChristopher PetersonJune 16, 2018Matthew Miller

My Favorite Covers of Musical Theatre Classics by Contemporary Artists

First up: Here’s a fun collection of some of our favourite artists covering the musical theatre greats. It’s not meant to be a comprehensive list; not everyone’s faves are going to be on it. Not everyone is going to make every list every time. This isn’t a list of the “best,” it’s just that: a mixed tape. Also excluded were more recent folks from the theatre community covering theatre songs.

Observations, BroadwayChristopher PetersonJune 15, 2018Melody Nicolette

The Unsung Winners of the 2018 Tony Awards

There were many amazing, memorable moments from the 2018 Tony Awards: The students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's incredible and touching rendition of "Seasons of Love", the Carousel cast's show-stopping choreographed performance, Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles' quirky yet charming hosting, the Dear Evan Hansen cast's beautiful medley of "You Will Be Found" and "For Forever", Lindsay Mendez's acceptance speech, the #TonyDreaming montages, the list could go on and on.

Observations, BroadwayChristopher PetersonJune 13, 2018Sarah Cagle, Tony Awards

Tonys 2018 : The De Niro Dilemma

Anyone who watched the Tony award show in its entirety caught Robert De Niro’s bleeped-out remark about President Trump, and, of course, it spread through social media like wildfire. His f**k Trump statement was a quick, yet succinct, personal, and some would say political, comment that drew the ire of some and admiration from others. So, does this type of remark belong at an awards ceremony?

ObservationsChristopher PetersonJune 13, 2018Julie H. Jordan, Tony Awards

The Case FOR Theatre Competition and Festivals

As adults, is it 'cool' to hate competitive theatre festivals and events? Is it in our moral DNA to say it's not right to judge art?' Does our stance change if we are also thrilled by it, and would we have a different point of view if we were the ones winning?

Finding the Right Resources for Theatre Jobs

In 2017, I was really struggling to find the right path on a professional level. I had just graduated college with a journalism degree and had stage-managed my last college production. I felt myself coming to the end of a road, and I was right about that. It was the end of my college career and I soon would be dealing with a less strict schedule which meant only one thing: more time on my hands.

ObservationsChristopher PetersonMay 29, 2018Cristina D'Almeida

Justified Anger or Sore Losers? - Pittsburgh Students Plan to Protest Theatre Awards Due to Show Being Ineligible

Last week, I wrote about over whether or not high school theatre awards actually help or hurt high school theatre departments. Reaction to the piece was mixed with some sharing their positive experiences and others who had quite the opposite.

In the past few days, an uproar in Pittsburgh regarding their high school theatre awards proves how these types of awards can create issues and cause students and parents to lose focus on what's really important when it comes to the performing arts.

High School Theatre, ObservationsChristopher PetersonMay 26, 2018Chris Peterson

This Casting Call for "The Wiz" is...Um...Specific...

I would be lying if I said I was familiar with Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, TX. But their audition notice for their upcoming production of The Wiz has caught many performers' attention for its...well...character descriptions and the type of performers they're seeking for these roles.

ObservationsChristopher PetersonMay 16, 2018Chris Peterson

Stop Asking for Honest Opinions if You Don't Want to Hear Them

A while back I went to see a show my friend was performing in. I'm going to be honest with you when I say that the show was horrible. I can count on two fingers the number of shows I've left during intermission due to their quality and had my friend not been in it, this would have been the third.

After the show, we went out for coffee. I knew the question was coming but I was really hoping it wasn't. Finally, after our first cups she said,

"So what did you think?"

ObservationsChristopher PetersonMay 6, 2018Chris Peterson

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