This past weekend, my wife and I, had the opportunity to see this performance at The Chandler Studio Theatre. (How I Learned to Drive)  In my opinion, your review is right-on!  This certainly is a difficult topic to undertake and we both felt it was handled with utmost professionalism and as much good taste as possible.  The cast performed, in our opinion, magnificently and I hope that many of your followers will take the opportunity to see this show personally.

 Chip Strapp  (1-25-10)

I didn't see the play but all of the other reviewers make it plain that the 2 characters were role-playing as prostitute and john.

When Mr. Ruiz wrote, " ...  The unlikely premise allows Neilson to give Abby and Stu free reign in their actions, their language and even their feelings.  It’s sort of a retread story – a beautiful prostitute (not too jaded yet) meets a “john” who eventually falls in love with her and she with him and they set up house together. There’s the inevitable pregnancy, and the nagging doubt ..."

This doesn't sound like he saw the same play as everyone else. Did Mr. Ruiz actually watch the play?

Robert Mack

You were on my list to write  tonight!! We are so honored and pleased with what we read. (Ties that Bind) I sent it onto to everyone and  they all called me and thanked me for having you come and review. And you were so generous with us! We sent it on to our teachers at the school and the students. You know, the coolest thing is, I always worry if we are making a good translation of the story- at least what we intended - your review was so concisely written and I saw it through your eyes! It gave me such perspective and I feel we did make our story clear. Thank you so much for that.

I am so pleased we met and that you came, please come anytime, we would be honored to have you. Like any art, the play changes as the performances go on and we learn more from the characters. It very well may be different by closing night, so come back if you like.

Thank you again and I will keep in touch with things as they come up in the future,

This is Steve Gideon -- I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you so much for coming to my show and for such a lovely review. It means a great deal to me and I wanted to let you know how much it is appreciated.

All the best to you and for the coming year.

Regards,

Steve Gideon

01-26-09

Re: Non-review: "Food for Fish"

I cracked up reading your "non-review".  Thanks for the warning. -- 

Donald Block

4-29-07

Dear Cynthia,

 

That is the most brilliant non-review I've ever seen. ( "Food for Fish") This must have been horrible beyond belief.  Bet you needed a stiff drink after that -- or at least a big piece of gooey cake with lots of frosting.  But, a question:  didn't the press material give you an indication?  How did you decide to go see this one?

Flo Selfman

4-28-07

"Food for Fish" 

One of your funnier "reviews" (I realize this was not a review but a heads-up) yet.  My husband and I had a big chuckle - thank you for that!

 

Shelby Marston-Ainley

4-28-07

Editor's Note:  The next two letters have been excerpted due to space limitations,  We have tried to maintain the writers' intent as clearly expressed as possible.

I am writing as a member of the artists community to protest your posting of what can only be described as Cythia Citron's laughably pathetic attempt of a review of Theatre of NOTE's current production, "Food for Fish". . . .  I have not yet seen the play yet, so I cannot speak of its critical merits. However, the one thing I do know is that NO play which has been worked on as thoroughly and painstakingly as NOTE (or any other long standing theatre company of Los Angeles for that matter) has for this on ANY production deserves such a lazy and ignorant diatribe . . . .

Mark McLain Wilson

05/07

I am writing to express my shock over Cynthia Citron's review of "Food For Fish" at Theatre of NOTE.  First, to be clear, I am not associated with NOTE, and have not even seen this production so I'm not questioning her dislike of the play, only her review and ReviewPlays' judgment in posting it. . .   

. . . . I am dumbfounded that the publishers of this website would allow her to post her warning masquerading as a review on a review website, especially since she admits that she left at intermission.  . . . .

Kristi Kwon

5/1/07

You reviewed my play "Better Than Beethoven" at the MET (Sept/Oct 2006)--many people went to your website to read the review. However, when I looked today in the archive (unless I missed it)--I didn't see it. Could you possibly re-post it? As the playwright/composer (and the actors as well)--I really appreciate the positive review from your respected theatre website.

Thank you

Dear Sirs,

May we make a special request from Turkey-Istanbul ?

We are looking for the CD, DVD of the play Out of Order of Ray Cooney.   Is  there any special addition to obtain it ? Could you kindly provide us the company name to where we can order ?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards and happy new year.  (12-29-06)

Gulden Cam

 

Thank you SO much for the fabulous review! It was such a pleasure meeting you and I wish you and all your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and the best for the new year!

 

Sincerely,

 

Debra (Ehrhardt, playwright and star of "Jamaica, Farewell")

 

12-12-06

From: "Mac MacDonald" 
 Subject: REVIEW of "IN THE CHIPS!"
 Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2006 12:29:42 -0700

        Your silly, unsigned hatchet job review of "IN THE CHIPS!" is pathetic. Given that
 the toad-looking fat slob with closed-off body language doesn't even sign his name to the review  speaks volumes  about your web site. You don't take responsibility for your bile.

      The fact that Mac referred to a Top Secret Report in the context of the song "In the Chips!" because he'd re-written the lyrics several times, and they come fast and furious, was an acceptable choice given the pressures of opening weekend. This is the only time he held a folder for reference.  Stop lying!

       The plot was easily followed by others.  Perhaps total loss of focus are part of your reviewer's problem; get a medical checkup; you looked in terrible physical condition!

   The paper boa is astrobrite paper, so that it "jumps" under the blacklite. Something you obvioulsy [sic] were unable to discern.

   Many in the audience commented that they liked the score. The problem for some were the racial slurs, and put-down dialogue. The program should contain the disclaimer: to anyone not offended by this  musical, we apologize!

      Return to your silly, sentimental   musicals, and be sure to keep praising the "old warhorses" and miscellaneous retreads you so often admire. Oh, and be sure to flog more of the Bard, as verbose  iambic pentameter will certainly draw a young audience. You're the reason young people are  turned off by theatre.

       You old farts are totally out of touch with contemporary satire.  Bet you don't have the balls to put this response [sic] onto your web site!

 

We don't support your imbecile reviewer! Some of your letters, by the way, refer to shows that closed many months ago. Again, pathetic!  

x v w  (Aug 9, 2006)

 

Dear Mr. Axelrod:

Thank you so much for coming to see our play and for taking the time to really understand who was who and how this contemporary piece of Los Angeles plays out. You really understood where we were going and I look forward to meeting you again. I've enjoyed working with Carlos on this project and both casts have been extraordinarily inventive and responsive. 

One photo problem - that's Joseph Eid in the photo not Matty Ferraro - but we're not quibbling.

Onward with love,
Gloria Gifford  (5-29-06)

I saw the play, "Equinox" last weekend and it was great! I just think that Robert Stephenson is great. I saw him in "Southern Baptist Sissies" at the Zephyr Theatre a few years ago and I was just mesmerized with his performance. When I found out that he would be starring in "Equinox" I had to go and see it. He was great! I think that he had more chemistry with Tate Taylor in "Southern Baptist Sissies" than his latter co-stars in "Equinox"! I will watch anything that he is in.
Thanks,

Tandy Ward  (5-25-06)

Loved the interview, Don!!! And so enjoyed your style... you're awesome and I appreciate all the coverage you've given us.

xox
del (shores) 4-10-06

Dear Cynthia, 
You’re beginning to sound like the Maureen Dowd of the LA Critic World!  And I love the way you write!  Keep it up.  (re: Square One)

Leah Abrahams
Green Bay, Wisconsin, and wishing that I were in LA for the good ones!!! (1-22-06)

Hi (Elizabeth Lopez),

Just wanted to say thank you so much for the wonderful review you gave to the show recently.  It is wonderful to have it as part of the show now.  The play has been so interesting as the majority of people have a positive reaction and get what I was writing, as you did, your review hit the nail on the head, but some are so impacted by it being too personal, or too about the dishes, or too putting down my wife, they can't stand it. You saw the truth and reviewed it as such.  It was a pleasure to see your smiling face in the audience that day and just wanted you to know that your writing and thoughts were very much appreciated.  The play has been going very well, could always use more people, but am most happy that it is impacting people, in whatever manner, as art always should. 

Hope you have a wonderful week and I'll let you know what's coming up in the future,

 

All my best,

John Fortson

Hello

I have a "google alert" on Susan Sullivan and the play "Honour". I knew the show was opening this past weekend and couldn't wait to read some reviews.

Although I love seeing Susan in everything, her dramatic roles are her forte. I had read some of what the play was about, but your review just intensified it more.

I will be seeing Susan's last performance on November 6th. Coming all the way from West Virginia. She has been a fan of mine since she started acting. I'm just hoping that Robert Foxworth will close out the play with her. I would love seeing them on stage together.

Thanks for the great review.

Janet Morris
Charleston, WV  (8-30-05)

I just read your play review (Room Service) I am thrilled to tell you that my older brother is Ronald Quigley . After all these years he is trying to convince me that I am older than him. He has always been the comic brother, especially the time he put itching powder and sneezing powder in my bed when I was about 12.. After all these years I still LOVE him and he is my favorite brother - break a leg Ron. 

LOVE from your favorite sister 

...Debbie  (7-05-05)

My name is Annette Nicolai, Managing Director of Repertory Opera Company.

Thanks so much for your positive review. ( Don Giovanni) ROC is certainly a valiant effort for all of its participants, particularly for Lizbeth Lucca, and I'm pleased that you've caught the spirit and intent of the company.

Keeps those cards and letters coming!

Sincerely,
Annette Nicolai (6-20-05)

Dear Mr. Grigware -

It was a pleasure to have you in our "Habitations of Dragons" audience, especially on the day that playwright Horton Foote was present. The was an absolute aura around the afternoon; no on wanted to go home. We never know when a "critic"or columnist is in the audience, but we always hope for the best when we see the reviews.
You outdid yourself on our behalf. Thank you from all of us, and a very loud thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words about Uncle Virgil Tolliver, your "favorite." He's mine too.

Your article will be a most important part of the scrap book my wife is compiling for me.
Hope to see you again on other happy occasions.
Cordially,

Don Robb / Uncle Virgil

Hi... I could not agree with you more about the direction... (You Can't Take it With You")

 

nz

Marco Santiago 4-18-05

I sang the Monitor in "Suor Angelica" and have been with the company from its inception. Thanks so much for a generous review. You've articulated Lizbeth Lucca's vision really well. A lot of heart and love for opera are put into our productions, in spite of less than perfect circumstances. Our hope is that our audience base keeps growing and that we become a viable company here in Los Angeles. With the help of reviews like yours, and our talent it will happen! 

Annette Nicolai 4-12-05

Hello

The other night I had the privilege of viewing an early version of Yellowman at the Fountain Theatre with my humanities 108 class, Black Images in Pop Culture. I just want to say that I was really, extremely taken away with the production. It was wonderful and easy to follow. Even though it was only two actors; who were beautiful and beautiful together, I could really see about ten to twelve actors on stage. I could smell the liquor, see the blood, and I could connect with their pain. Both characters had their personal struggles and I think that was the best part. I mean they had their own problems but when they merge together they had more problems. It's kind of hard to put out in words but not to understand. I'm going again. This is a production that should be taken across the country, it is truly genuine.

LaShay Raiford

2/10/05

 

Dear Sir 

 

My name is Rodrigo and I'm writing from Brazil. 

I am an actor interested to know short American plays and i'd  like to know if you could send me the texts of NEO A LA CARTE. 

 

I've just known Levines's texts and they are incredible. thank you very much!

 

Rodrigo Ferrarini

1-25-05

Your kind words about myself and the other cast members are very much appreciated.  We had a
great run and had so much fun with this show and I'm happy to say, a terrific response from all of our audiences.

Hey folks, 

Great website and nice to see your interview with Racquel L. She is one of the best. How does one 'officially' invite your critics to review a show. Inquiring minds need to know. All The best 

Jeff Murray Theatre Theater 

I wanted to thank you for such a glowing review! Many people read it and attended. So thanks again and we look forward to seeing you again for future productions.

Victoria Platt Tilford

 Hola Elizabeth

Maria Costa here, from "Macho Men". My Macho Man, Francisco called me and said you have to see this review. Thank you so much for you beautiful words. Knowing that people really get the message truly touches me. Seeing it in writing, so eloquently as you've put it, truly inspires me to push forward and bring this to a bigger audience. So when you see this on television as a special and a series know that you contributed to the vision becoming a reality.

With Much Appreciation...

Cuidate, 

To Whom It May Concern:

My background is in acting, directing and playwriting.  I wanted to respond to the comments about the use of the word "rape" in the Fantastiks, as outlined in your commentary.

Yes, there is value in remaining true to playwright's intent.  However, there is also value in recognizing that language changes, and to preserve the author's intent, sometimes the word or words need to change; and this is not about whether or not the word is "offensive" or "inoffensive." 

The argument about the present use of the word "rape" suggests that the playwright's intention is now lost on the audience.  In MacBeth, "damn" is still understood, and used the same way linguistically as "darn."  I say, change the word to "abduct" and preserve the original intent of "rape" in The Fantastiks, to not do so is to change the meaning of the show.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Mansager 

just wanted you to know how you’re reviews have brought me so much joy this week.  First your review of Blood of Macbeth, in which I play Banquo, really made all the hard work we went through worth it J  Then, as I was looking through the site to print a copy to show my mom, I noticed that you’ve reviewed her show too!  My mom is Margarita Rey, who appeared in the chorus of Las Zarzuelas as one of the trio of gossipy village women that are in the back.  To be an artist in this town is often thankless, and both of us perform out of a love for what we do – to see our efforts rewarded is so wonderful.  Thanks so much for  your efforts.

Ana Rey  (9-18-04)

In your review of The House of Yes at Edgemar, you state:

'you wonder why they have the sound effects guy just behind a window on stage, which happened to roll up halfway through the performance...'

I am the 'sound effects guy,' (usually referred to as Sound Board Operator or Sound Designer, in legitimate theater discourse...should I address you as 'reviewer guy'?), and my sound booth is NOT on stage, NOT behind a window. It is to the left of the audience, facing
the stage, on a raised platform, obscured by wood and duvetyn. 

[At various intervals of the play, offstage characters are revealed to be spying on the others; presumably this is what you are (inaccurately) referring to. It is intentionally whimsical.]

Negatively review if that is your inclination, but have the professional decency to get your facts straight - and your terminology correct - prior to 'publishing' your opinion.

Alec James. (8/13/04)

With all that has been going on since 9/11,knowing we have men and women fighting and dying for us you would think that you would concentrate more on the writing and the meaning of this play. the fact that you did not comment on the theme of the play leads me to believe that you might not be qualified to review plays. In the lobby as you entered the theatre they had pictures of people who had served our country in past wars and people who are serving now. One would get the feeling immediately that the play was pro soldier...pro war...pro peace...If there is anything anti about this play maybe it would be to think before we act ..before we send hundreds of thousands of men and women into harms way. I would suggest that any one and every one see this play. It is a play that will leave you wanting to see more! go see the WAR ROOM!

Vincent Sammarro

7/2004

Hello, my name is Michelle Cheney and I am one of the rabid fans that you talk about in your Hedwig review. My friends and I cracked up when we read this! Who knew we would make it in a review.

Cult favorite Hedwig admits she likes a warm hand on her opening and her audience at the tiny Celebration Theatre seems all too happy to provide a little digital exploration. You know a show like Hedwig and the Angry Inch has achieved cult status when the front row is filled with a gaggle of rabid fans who look as though they just brought their pet cows into town for a 4-H project but can still mouth every number in Steven Trask's breakneck score, their yellow paper Hedwig hats wafting in the air in unison as Wade McCollum in the tile role viciously rips through Tear Me Down.

We are HUGE Wade McCollum fans. We like Hedwig as well, but we LOVE Wade. We are from Portland, Oregon and flew to LA specifically to see him in this show. We are delighted that he is getting such good reviews.

Collectively the six of us have seen him in over 100 shows, mostly Hedwig, Bat Boy, Merchant of Venice and his own rock musical called ONE.

Anyway, just wanted to say Hi and Rock on!

hope all with you is great!!!!!!!  Just letting you know how I feel about your show .(FUNNY BUSINESS)

Very seldom do stage performances hold everyone to the highest of creativity tackling difficult subject matter with humor successfully.  One indicative of significant worth, that is different from the ordinary in a suspicious, quaint, and eccentric way, marked by unusual quality, merit, and appeal.

Edmund  

(5-2004)