Attention local arts organizations:

You’re now on notice that if I can’t find any accessible old media – pictures, video, or other content to advertise or publicize your show – on your new media – your website – then I reserve the right to just make it all up instead.  And it won’t be pretty.  If there’s any problem from higher-ups with taking publicity pictures of your actors in costume or on stage performing the show, or maybe providing a brief (*gasp*) video of the same, I wonder if it might could open the door to a fair discussion about fair use.

Love, Me.

“I’m not big on control.  I prefer things fluid – in motion.”

Michael T. Walters (Conrad) & Heather Burgess (Jeannine) on the set of Ordinary People

I’m always asking people about their favorite works of art.  I want to know what books you love, what plays you love, what music you love.  Not just love, but love.  What are you passionate about?  It’s one of the best ways I know of to find new things to check out.  It’s also one of the best ways to get to know someone.  If you can’t name a few things you’re passionate about, I’m just not sure we’ll ever really get along.

I *heart* nerds.

For example, I love The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Some people hate it.  But it’s a favorite for a whole slew of perverts, outcasts, and degenerates.  For me, I’m not really looking for something that earns an average rating after a full, scientific survey, like the way Amazon or Goodreads might rank them.  I don’t want to chase after any book rated 3.00 after a whole mess of lukewarm ratings.  I want the one that’s a 3.00 because half the audience gave it a 5.00 and half gave it a 1.00.  I want to know how many people abosolutely love it – even if there are just as many people that hate it.  That’s how I sniff around for new things.  Who loves it – and why?

“Decency is out.  Chaos is in.”

Billy Ray Brewton directed the Theatre Downtown production of Ordinary People.  If you don’t already know, it was a book (by Judith Guest) and then a movie (directed by Robert Redford).  I’m not sure who wrote this theatrical version, but in his “Director’s Notes”, Billy Ray says:

“My favorite book.  My favorite film.  Ordinary People has a special place in my heart — it always has and it always will.  The story has resonated with me for years and I can’t express how excited I am to be bringing it to life on stage….  Through art we can sometimes venture outside of ourselves and get a private glimpse into our own hidden realities — and sometimes even become better for doing so.”

“Sometimes people say stupid things because they’re stupid.”

That isn’t stupid.  Ordinary People is a story that is loved.  It’s art that people are passionate about.  And it makes for good theatre.  Especially good here are Brad Riegel (Calvin), downplaying beautifully as the perfectly ordinary father in a shattered family, and Ron Dauphinee (Doctor Berger), as a likable and somewhat unconventional psychiatrist.  Even if a good story and good acting fails to move you, there were occasionally some half-naked swimmers up on stage.  I like when theatre groups can do plays they love and share that passion with the audience.  Otherwise, what’s the point?

Once more, thanks to Billy Ray Brewton and Theatre Downtown for putting together a good show.