Do You Bet on a Loser?

" The question you pose is really quite interesting. The most famous critical "pan" was of West
Side Story" which proved to be a very popular and long lived production. I am always eager to attend either play or movie which promises to be either thought provoking or humorous. I do not always agree with critics and they do not always agree with each other. Please keep writing these interesting and though provoking questiions. I always look forward to both your reviews and your questions. "

" Mr. Kasdan, I just wanted to chime in to say that (a) this blog is a WONDERFUL (if terribly scary!) way to get the local theatergoing community involved in what will hopefully be constructive and influential critique of our brand of art; (b) that you have always been a critic who levels positive and generally equitable assessment of the individual offerings in this large body of theatrical productions, and for that (as both performer and patron) I thank you (this knowing full well your review of my latest work is on press already and cannot be influenced further... can it? What variety of mini-muffin do you prefer? Sports car?); and (c) as a member of the incredible if surprising production of "Moose Murders" in question I can only say that sometimes as an artist you just feel the convergeance of creative forces in such a way that you know your instincts are true and to be followed. This is the most amazing group of people with whom to make this baby of ours, and I am honored to be among their rank. I think in this day and age of opening the local tabloids to look at community and regional theater productions as if they were multiplexed ("which town SHOULD we see yet another 'Guys and Dolls' revival in TONIGHT, dear?") it is the begining of a new wave of artistic vision that allows such pieces as "Moose Murders" to surface. When art is safe, it is at risk of being mundane; the danger that makes for the question of whether it will satisfy is what keeps us all on our toes, on stage and in the audience, and what makes true theater the beautiful and dynamic creature it should be. I think this production -- humble in its conception and a truly heartfelt labor of love throughout its gestation -- will be remebered for its ultimate influence as more important to the community than any of us could have foreseen. "

" When Mel Brooks' movie The Producers received bad reviews, whoever thought it would become the hottest thing on broadway?
I guess Moose Murders could be the same kind of sleeper. "

" I would take a chance on an unknown play especially if I knew there were good actors involved. I am not really one for comedy plays but my husband is. "

" I am always surprised at the wit and poetic investment cliff writes in his view. It really makes the show come alive in my mind and I look forward to an evening of drama, comedy and musical. Cliff always writes from the heart and soul. I know what shows to see and what to expect. Thanks as always for a view from the Cliff. I would bet on a loser, if Cliff says so!!!!!!!!!! "

" I would much rather go see a show locally and get much more than I expected than see an over-hyped over-priced Broadway reproduction that seldom lives up to its own self-promotion. Great community actors can often offer better performances than the celebrities thrown in shows for little more than their name. "

" Like Cas Marino, I am also part of this production of Moose Murders. I thank you for your lovely review. As I mentioned to you, having this blog is a great way for the artists to pass on a journalist's take on a show right away rather than wait days before starting the next series of performances.

This has been an amazing production for all of us. We delved into Moose Murders with Frank Rich's two scathing reviews in our minds and the knowledge that it was a flop. Jimmy O'Neill's vision was clear from the get go. "We are not going to do it seriously as they did on Broadway, but as a farce." This is what we are presenting and having a blast.

So thank you again for that review and I hope we can get your readers to our theatre to have fun with us. "

" When it comes to community theater, I don't go based on the show's history, or whether or not I've even heard of the project. I go based on the people in it. If I know them and liked them from a previous show, that's good enough for me. It can even outweigh the possibility of seeing a name or 2 or 3 I'm not thrilled with. Location is also a major factor. Without a car, if I have to go over the hills and through the woods to catch a show, forget it. "

" I recently viewed this production of Moose Murders in Middle Village and thought it was absolutely spectacular! My sister saw the opening night performance and suggestedd i see it so i decided to go the next day. I particularly enjoyed the charachterization of each part.

- Gay Hollaway, MAKES THE SHOW! played by Alessandra Licul. You must see the show, simply to see this bratty, tap dancing, shirley temple clone. Alessandra livens up the stage every time she walks on. You can be sure to look over at this charachter at any point for an instantaneous laugh. Her strategic placement of her pocketbook, tap shoes and hair ribbon (on the blind mans head) show promising succession as an actress in the future. Keep an eye on this shining star as the demond brat continues to shine on in community theatre and the world.

- Snooks Keene played by the immensely talented Amanda Doria who I also saw perform as a convincing and tear-wrenching Nancy in Oliver. Her over the top make-up and attitude were hysterical and a pleasure to watch

- Howie Keene (my second favorite charachter) played by Cas Marino was the blind man- who can read. This charachter uses his vision impediment to produce BARRELS of hysterical laughter

- Joe Buffalo Dance played by Mike Miller is the "Indian". His made-for-comedy face is perfect in this mock indain part

-Nurse Dagmar Susan Erenburg plays the scantily clad nurse from the instition. This amazing charachter is played extremely enjoyably. You will most definately find your self questioning her ethnicity. German? Austrian? Other?

- Hedda Hollaway played by Mary Lynch, innocent but decieving. This part took acting skill and INFINTE kudos to Mary Lynch- dont want to gvie away to much about this part

- Stinky Hollaway played by Richard Gilberto "loves his mother to a fault". The way he plays this confused character fits on perfectly into the insane, crazy farce of this show that we all love

- Nelson Fay, one of the leads in addition to the director. Also has a dirty secret, well multiple secrets. Were not so sure about this one. Jimmy O'Niell must be insane to direct AND fabulously play one of the leads

- Sidney Holllaway, well were not sure who plays this quadrapalegic but whoever it was deserves mad props. I could never sit still in the chair for so long with gun shots, moose heads and tap shoes flying over my head.
"

" I like the idea of a borough blog, but it should cover more than just entertainment.

One of the best things in Queens, I think, is the special issue which The Queens Tribune publishes every July in which readers write about the people, places and things we like best in Queens. Though some of the items are related to entertainment, it also covers restaurants, shops, classes, services, and more.

A "best of Queens" blog would be an on-line version of this publication. It would serve as a handy reference that is kept current as fellow borough residents post their comments about the walking tour they took yesterday, the restaurant that the papers and Zagat missed, the class that will begin in two weeks, and whatever else that is noteworthy in Queens.

Perhaps it should be separate from Mr. Kasdan's blog. It would be more helpful if the latest entry was on top. As entries accumulate, this blog could provide a fascinating record of what borough residents find noteworthy and how this may or may not change over time. "