Gondoliers Review Insulting, Unhelpful

I am writing regarding Ms. Smith's April 29 review of The Gondoliers. The companies of Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert and Sullivan Players have always appreciated the helpful and constructive criticism offered by those Crimson reviewers who have taken the time to write thoughtful, intelligent, and accurate reviews. HRG&SP does not, however, appreciate unsubstantiated insults.

In her review, Ms. Smith made several seemingly gratuitous attacks that exhibited a lack of understanding for the game and the dynamics of the production. For example, she failed to support her assertion that HRG&SP "seems to regularly eschew creativity in favor of predictable bland productions," an opinion which has not been shared by a number of past Crimson reviewers. Her comment that the chorus' performance was "plagued by one member so annoying that I spent most of the show wishing that a flat would drop on her" was insensitive, unhelpful and obviously not shared by everyone (please note the independent review).

I am not suggesting that this production of The Gondoliers was a perfect production. HRG&SP and other theater groups on this campus welcome helpful criticism, negative comments, and even unfavorable evaluations, and we recognize that editors of The Crimson, like members of the theater community, are in the process of learning a skill. But when the reviews make comments that are insulting, unsubstantiated and unhelpful, we do not understand the purpose. Please, arts editors and reviewers, be careful when evaluating other students' work. Be honest, but pleast be intelligent. Michael D. Rosenbaum '94   President   Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert   and Sullivan Players