What’s this blog all about?
The story goes that the beautiful Brazos Valley will no longer have Jim Butler’s reviews to kick around. The Eagle, in all its infinite wisdom, has decided to eliminate theater reviews from its dizzying array of journalistic delights. They will continue to report on what’s coming but what has been is just old news.
We shall miss Butler’s columns. The positive spin he gave local theater. The reviews that were unfailingly glowing. . .99.9% of the time. Sometimes The Phantom thinks that Jim sat with a thesaurus in his lap to be able to come up with the fantabulous melange of adjectives to describe the talent of the valley. Readers were treated to “spectacular, fantastic, magical, musical, thrilling, ‘choir of angels’, grit, sting, gorgeous” and a slew of descriptors that defied imagination.
Butler’s support of the local theater is legendary. He would mention those who “shouldn’t give up their day jobs” with the ubiquitous “a fine performance turned in by [insert list of names here].” So everyone got their 15 minutes of fame.
Only rarely would he pan a community theater show and that was usually because he couldn’t hear the actors. Bless you, Jim Butler, you have sat through and praised local theater that has been surprisingly good and shockingly bad (more often the latter rather than the former). You have tolerated disastrous dress rehearsals where only a miracle would allow the show to go up with any resemblance to the original script. You have seen countless children stomp across the stage and screech their tuneless songs. You have watched bad acting, bad directing, bad makeup and bad orchestrating, and yet you remain upbeat with your generous reviews. You will be missed.
As The Phantom alluded there have been some wonderful shows in the Brazos Valley. Shows that truly shine. But they are far and few between. However, The Phantom feels this is fortuitous because snark cannot live in a world of excellence.
So that brings us to the existence of this blog. The Phantom is a critic. In essence we are all critics but The Phantom pulls no punches, suffers no fools. If you are sensitive, are small, have no sense of humor, think our community theater is the next Broadway, take life too seriously, have a Pollyanna attitude and truly believe your mom when she said, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all” then go away. Don’t read this stuff. This is America, you have lots of freedom. Click away, lad, click away.
The Phantom is not usually nice but always truthful and sometimes funny. This is but one opinion. You may not agree. That’s ok. This is not meant to be evil or mean-spirited. The Phantom doesn’t want to hurt or hate anyone.
It’s just a blog. Lighten up.
But other than that, it was great.
Enjoy,
The Phantom
Thank you, thank you, thank you! For filling the vacuum left as a result of Jim’s departure and filling it before another word-whored phantom with half the literary lexicon you possess decided to do so.
A note to all readers and bloggers –
Don’t ruin this for the rest of us and play Sherlock to discover the Phantom’s identity. Fresh air and ideas never hurt anyone and we could all use the vocabulary lesson. Well, most of us. Seriously, “sesquipedalian”?
Wondering if you were going to do a review “Sideman” by the StageCenter Community Theatre? Or are you going to focus mostly on the Theatre Company’s performances? Just curious! Thank you!
HH? Hugh Hefner? Howard Hughes? Aren't they both dead? Oooooh, my interest is piqued.
Hold tight, new Phan, today you shall see "All Kidding A Sideman." Unlike other theater goers in BCS, I patronize (and genuinely love) them all.
Phantom,
I wanted to let you know of an upcoming show. It is a by the Circle of Women Theatre Collaborative and the Department of Performance Studies at TAMU. The show is Crow and Weasel and will run July 28 & 29 at 7:30 in Rudder Forum and matinees on Sat 29 and Sun 30 at 2pm.
SDB
Dearest SDB,
The Phantom is tickled and delighted that he is getting solicited for critiques and is happy to let you use this arcane blog for purposes of promoting your show.
So here’s your plug: Go See “Crow and Weasel” this weekend only! July 28 & 29 at 7:30 pm with matinees at 2 pm on Sat 29 and Sun 30! It’s children’s theater! Bring the kiddies! Expose your kids to something besides Sponge Bob and the X-box. It’s good for them and they will like it too. . . like raisins.
Unfortunately, The Phantom shrinks from reviewing children’s theater simply because the incessant whining and crying is bad enough when the grown-ups do it but the under 12 crowd just breaks us up.
Best of luck with the show.
The Phantom
Dearest Phantom,
I applaud and thank you for your reviews of the B/CS theatres (it is very Ben Brantley). A B/CS native, I’m now living in New York City and its great to read the reviews from shows back home. It is a shame this didn’t start sooner, as I would’ve loved to have read your opinions on previous shows from past seasons at TTC and Stage Center. Anyway, keep up the good work!!
I think I’ve figured out who you are. When I thought about it, I realized it could only be one person… it was as simple as that. I won’t state my hypothesis on here, however, because that would really ruin the fun. Besides, if your identity was revealed, you couldn’t be so blatently honest.
Dear Phantom,
This is another sad day in the valley for the artistic community. Kitty Worley, wife of Will, passed away last Friday and will be laid to rest today. For those who knew her, she was an astonishingly enthusiastic and tireless person. First and foremost (besides being a devoted wife and mother of four) she was an educator, but she was also a staunch supporter of Stagecenter and all of the other community theatres and performing arts organizations. Though there must have been some because of the extent of their travels, I can’t remember a single show I ever did that she and Will did not attend. She had an exuberant personality and an infectious smile, and one couldn’t help but feel warm and simply blessed when she was around. She will be sorely missed, and my heart and condolences go to Will in this hour of loss. Thanks.
chaz pitman
It appears that the Phantom has lost interest in the local theater scene. God’s Favorite came and went with no notice. The same fate awaits the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I can’t let that happen. BLWT is one of the best Theatre Company productions ever. Don’t miss it! And take particular note of newcomer Kelli Cornelison as Shy, Deborah Campbell as Doatsey May, Kristy Petty as Jewel, Ashley Bertling as Angel, Chaz Pitman as Ed Earl Dodd, Matt Burhus as Melvin P. Thorpe and, most of all, Joanna Bush as Miss Mona. All deliver fantastic performances. The girls are beautiful and the dancing is outstanding. Four shows remain.
And I’m not ashamed to use my name.
We saw BLWT and were delighted with the outstanding performances, notwithstanding the fact that its content is unsuitable for children. The individual roles singled out above by “And not ashamed to use my name” (who oddly, does not give a name) were indeed standout, with Ed Earl, Doatsey Mae & Miss Mona leaving a lasting impression. Theater lovers should not miss this one!
In Memorium – Kitty Worley
The Phantom is saddened by the loss of Kitty Worley and his thoughts and prayers go out to Will and all the Worley family.
Kitty will be missed. We are comforted by the thought that she is still watching all our performances from the heavens above.
BLWT Note: O Ye of Little Faith
Jim!! Great to hear from you again. It seems you haven’t lost your touch in the review department. Welcome, and our hat is off to you, sir.
The Phantom shall be delighted to weigh in with his review of the show but shall humbly wait until after he has had the evident pleasure of seeing it for himself.
Other than that, it will be great.
Eeeek. My inexperince with blogging (no doubt, combined with my often scary facial expressions when on stage :>) caused me to overlook Jim Butler’s name in my note above. It’s always good to hear from Jim, as from any and all faithful patrons of our local arts.
I KNOW Jim is not ashamed of his opinions.
Carry on.
I ordered the 1978 original Broadway cast recording of the Best Little Whorehouse in
Texas.
Without exception, the cast of the Theatre Company production was BETTER!!!! Everytime I
listen to it, I am more impressed with the local performers. Too bad nobody videotaped
the show. I think it was maybe the best thing TTC has ever done.
J. Paul Teel’s heartfelt portrayal of Tevye keyed a superb Theatre Company production of Fiddler on the Roof. Jessica DeJong as Hodel has matured into a true talent with a great future. Newcomers Victoria Lee as Chava and Eric Williams as a dancing Russian were also impressive. Once again, director Randy Wilson has demonstrated his special skill for getting the most out of amateurs.
Is the phantom under the weather? Out of townn? Why no review of the roofbound fiddler? Just wondering. Thanks! cp
Not to worry, dear Phans. It’s true the Fiddler review is late in coming but we promise it will be worth the wait.
Other than that, it will be great.
Not to mention Dr. Cook’s Garden & Alice in Wonderland?
First, I want to thank the Phantom for providing a place where people can express their opinions about local theater. Second, I want to proclaim: A star is born!
Dana Carlson’s multi-layered performance as Charity Hope Valentine turns one of Broadway’s so-so shows into an evening of pure delight. Carlson’s facial expressions, bursts of enthusiasm and ownership of the stage support an excellent voice and fine dancing. Silas Moores turns in his best performance ever. You would expect veterans Joanna Bush and Nicole Parker to excel, and they do, in style. Adrienne Dobson’s choreography is captivating, particularly in the hippie scene.
I suspect everyone who reads this blog plans to see Sweet Charity anyway. But if not, change your plans.
Two very important people were left out of my comments on Sweet Charity. Ashley Bertling shared choreographer duties with Adrienne Dobson and both did a great job. I can’t remember a show with so much dancing and so many varied styles. Also, Kristy Petty produced AND did the costumes, which were wonderful, especially in the hippie scene.
Hope everybody gets to see this show.I’ve seen it twice and will likely go to the finale next Sunday.
Just wanted to drop by and say “Happy Anniversary!” on haunting Brazos Valley theatrical endeavours for the past year with your unique and entertaining blog. Almost 20,000 hits in the first year!?! Somebody must be paying attention to your shadowy opinions.
Can you believe how the time goes by? Seems like only weeks ago that this blog burst onto the scene and people were reaching the boiling point over the controversy of the Phantom’s honesty. You definitely know how to stir the pot.
I’ve enjoyed checking in throughout the year on the humorous and penetrating analysis that you provide. In a sentimental way, I’m glad Jim Butler found this site so as to provide a few counterpoint cupcakes sprinkled with those tried and sometimes not so true adjectives of his. It balances the Phantom’s acidic yet delicious snark.
So please keep up the witty criticism, dear Phantom. For in the words of a popular song from Broadway’s longest running show – “That’s All I Ask of You”.
Congratulations on your great first year and this lovely blog. We really love hearing from you. However you are not reviewing all the plays. You did not review StageCenter’s Dr. Cook’s Garden nor Alice in Wonderland. And you did not review Navasota’s Hot L Baltimore. Is there a possibility that we could get other critics to review what you don’t? I would love to hear from someone how the plays did. The players really need the feedback. Just thought I’d ask.
I agree with the post above. as a cast member of ALICE i would love some feedback dear phantom.
And a lovely cast member you were, Syd. While I too, was in ‘Alice’, I cannot give a ‘review’, I thought you made a charming Queen, and your “…I’ll Have Some, Too…”(regarding the tarts in the Jury Scene), was THE best line in the show,I believe the Phantom may have believed it to be Children’s Theater, which he has already stated he would not review. Nonetheless, that’s not an excuse for not giving us an honest opinion about ‘Dr. Cook’s Garden’. Methinks the Phantom is missing some shows and cannot (for reasons of his own) just tell us he didn’t see it. Oh, and for the record, you should type “…Pheedback dear Phantom”.
Careful what you wish for. That feedback you so hungrily desire might be hard to swallow once you’re served.
so you say poison pen however i am sure there are those mature enough to take harsh critasism and learn from it unlike some. i cant speak for the others but i would like some feedback that is honest and not sugar coated!
Ok, you spelled “criticism” incorrectly.
Phantom–Did you not see Navasota’s Hot L Baltimore? Or would your review be too harsh, so you choose not to post it?
Yes.
Phantom–Is the real reason you can’t review Hot L Baltimore because you were sleeping during the play?
What was the biggest problem with it? the actors? the directing? the script?
A curious mind wants to know if we saw the same type of problems.
Phantom: The Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival was cancelled. You are not the only clever one with words.
We tip our hats to Pflugerville and bow down to the beauty of the “Pf.”
One must note, however, that the pfestival was cancelled and The Phantom lives on. . .for the moment.
Dear sleeping Phantom, your silence to my response above leads me to believe I now know your identity.
Enlighten us Curious Mind as to the type of problems you perceived with the HOT L.
Equally curious –where to begin…where to begin
It simply wasn’t a very polished show. It seemed like something was missing from it. It was so slow in parts. There was no connection from the characters to the audience. It didn’t appear to have very good direction. Several actors needed to project their voices better, etc.
Did you see the show? What was your take on it?
Curious,
Well I agree with everything you wrote. I found the Hot L to be terribly boring. I didn’t find myself interested in any of the characters. Nothing about their travails was engaging nor was anything really funny.
Hallo Phantom,
I hope you can make it to the TTC preview party, at the theater this Sunday at 6:30. Should be a fun show. I look forward to your reviews for the next season.
If the Phantom will allow, I’ve got plug one of the most unique and entertaining shows I’ve ever seen and remind your visitors that this weekend is their final chance to catch it…
Arneson Productions is closing its run of “Side Show” this weekend at the Heinen Theatre in downtown Houston. Rookie producer Kent Arneson, of Theatre Company and ‘Heart of the Valley’ fame, has done an extraordinary job staging an interesting show with a phenomenal cast. His team features a couple of local favorites, Damon Wallace and Amber Bennett, who do the Brazos Valley very proud showcasing their talents on the professional stage. Side Show’s Siamese-twin leads have talent rivaling anything you would see (or hear) in NYC, the staging is enchanting, and the story is haunting. My one and only complaint about the show is that it’s being mounted in Houston. Would love to have seen a preview-run right here in B/CS.
Jim Butler had a nice write-up about Side Show: http://www.theeagle.com/stories/071207/entertainment_20070712010.php
Or go to http://www.arnesonproductions.com to see their review from the Chronicle. While you’re there, pick up some tickets and go see Side Show this weekend. You won’t be disappointed.
Mr. Phantom, what is your impression of the Theater Co’s upcoming season they just announced?
Just got back from seeing “Side Show” by Arneson Productions at the Heinen Theatre in Houston (based on Bub’s recommendation) and wanted to echo his sentiments. What a fantastic show! I didn’t know anything about this musical. The music was very good and the story of the Siamese twins was absolutely fascinating and based on their real lives. The performances and characterizations by the cast were tremendous! The leads were so convincing. And it was great to see the talents of Damon Wallace and Amber Bennett on display in a professional show. Producer Kent Arneson is to be applauded on his debut. Very Impressive! If you get a chance, check it out this weekend.
Will you be publishing comments on TTC’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and on NTA’s “Moon Over Buffalo”?
Check out Moonlight & Magnolias at Brenham’s Unity Theater. Hilarious! Also, great performance by Kent Johnson as David O. Selznick.
Heads up on StageCenter’s Cabin Fever. Some very funny moments, excellent performances.
Can you give any more detail on Cabin Fever?
Cabin Fever
October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20
A Texas Tragicomedy, the action whirls around one disastrous Memorial Day weekend at the Beckle cabin in the Texas hill country. Aubry, his four daughters and Great Aunt Tammy gather there for the first time since Mrs. Beckle’s death. Nothing goes right as comedy and tragedy come together and the Beckles must pull together or the family will self destruct. They learn their strongest ally is their most alienated member.
Show starts at 7:30. For more information surf on over to http://www.stagecenter.net/.
See you in the lobby,
The Phantom
Dear Phantom,
What’s up with the Cherry Whitten Fan blog linked to your site? Maybe there’s a profitable side to this thing, huh?
Perhaps you could adroitly inform her the pink font is almost impossible to read. Other than that…you know. It’s nice to see she’s well. We miss her here.
Dear Old Phantom,
“A Christmas Carol” at TTC has sold out before it opens, including Thursday preview being over full. I hope you have a ticket or are at least a perch in the rafters. Huge cast (69 with dozens for kids). Short show but fun.
Jim Butler is retiring as of June 30, 2008. The Eagle is looking for someone to write about performing arts. Contact Kelly Brown at kelly.brown@theeagle.com
When, or will, you be posting comments on NTA’s most recently completed project, “George Washington Slept Here”? The memories are beginning to fade. Did you even see it?
On the one hand, The Phantom is pleased that his Phans eagerly await his perspicacity and insight after each of the Valley’s theatrical events. On the other hand, The Phantom is but a simple man possessed of modest means and the occasional need to buy crickets for his lizard, Iago. He was not able to attend “George Washington” and was quietly hoping that no one would notice. The jig seems to be up, however, so he’ll defer to his Phans. What did you really think of the play?
Since you asked…I was pleased to see (twice) and to recommended “GWSH” at NTA. It has been over a month so I don’t have a lot of sharp memories but clearly recall that the set (something they have regularly at NTA) really great. I find the stage and “audience bleachers” very enjoyable and cast volume is good.
Annabelle (the wife) was, as usual, excellent in her timing and very funny in her role. She also Directed, and brings joy to everything she touches.
Madge (the daughter) was quite good, too.
Overall, it was a fun show and another quality product from NTA.