Arts & Entertainment

Mr. Brandon Thorpe:

Let me start by saying it's always a cerebral treat to read your columns. Thank you for being the only journalist and art activist/lover/supporter in Florida to have the loins to speak truthfully and passionately about the South Florida theatre community. You're right? The materials presented in this community are antiquated and slighted. MadCat, Ground Up and Rising (truly under recognized), Gable Stage (You gotta love that Joe Fella), and The Alliance (another truly under recognized group) are the ONLY companies who produce works that truly delve into the gut and soul of the human experience.

I have been so bored and uninterested by the lame and shallow works that have been celebrated in this city. My husband and I are very generous supporters of the arts and since implanting into South Florida seven years ago we have purposely avoided seeing theatre in this town up until mid-year of 2007.

The most recent shows we had the pleasure of experiencing was MadCat's “Animals and Plants” and Ground Up and Rising "The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel". Simply fascinating and brilliant work! Why aren't these companies celebrated by the esteemed and faux authority Carbonell organization?

I apologize if I sound disgruntle, but it is truly irritated to see how lop side the performing art scene truly is. I hope that others will be as bold as you. If the theatre scene is to survive in this town, change has to be in the horizon and it’s my belief that those smashing theatre companies I mentioned above are the true voices and pioneers for this community.

Comment by Donna — April 4, 2008 @ 12:07PM

The Alliance productions of Burn This and Danny and The Deep Blue Sea were the best productions in South Florida this year or last, period. Still the night I saw Danny the audience consisted of about ten people. The problem with South Florida theatre is greater than who is left out come Carbonell time. Small theatre companies like The Alliance or Ground Up need to be supported or we are going to lose them. I go to theatre all over the United State and I have never seen a community so unappreciated. I don't know how small theatres survive when audiences can't recognize the good work they do. Ground Up had a wonderful production An Indian Wants the Bronx last year and again the audience at their MDCC location consisted of six to seven people. Please keep being a champion for these small companies. If theatre is a reflection of the communities in which it exists then we can look forward to more productions of the Boyfriend or dare I say CYRANO.

Comment by Gert — April 7, 2008 @ 10:12AM

I think you people need to lighten up. These theatres produce shows that the masses (meaning retired seniors!?!?) will come to see. Get with it. This ain't NY and some artsy fartsy new age experimental theatre market.

Get off your high horse!

Comment by Creed — April 7, 2008 @ 01:52PM

Creed you obviously have never been to a theater in South Florida or anywhere els for that matter. The theater that is being done down here rivals anything that is being done in NY or Chicago. You just need to know where to go. None of the theaters mentioned by Brandon, Donna or Gert can be called experimental or mainstream. (I wonder if you truly know what an experimental theater is.) They are simply great story tellers. As for you comment about the age of theatergoers it must be noted that, theater audiences are not gray haired old ladies anymore. There are tons of young people who recognize that theater is an exciting and vital art form. Just go to Madcat sometime. Some theaters do have a tough time attracting an audience. But with time and education maybe they can start cultivating a theater going public here in South Florida. (You Creed, may be a lost cause.) The fact that people in South Florida are not going to these smaller theaters is a crime and the reality that the Carbonells do not award the theaters who put on the best work can be debated. Sometimes they get it right and sometimes they leave out great shows that deserve to be acknowledged. (Burn This was a truly great piece of theater). These artist are producing real soulful art that needs to be at least, seen if not rewarded. So Creed, go out and see some of these theatres' work; it is always a good idea to know what your talking about before you submit a comment.

Comment by John — April 7, 2008 @ 02:45PM

I am very familiar with South Florida theatre. I am from New York and have been to many avante garde shows in the city. I have had the privilege of being in the audience for Unrinetown, Man of La Mancha AND The Boyfriend and all were superbly done and sold out because they APPEALED to the masses.

Comment by Creed — April 7, 2008 @ 03:00PM

CREED why not sign your real name? If you really have the theatre experience you say you have you don't need to hide behind some fake name. Man your ego must really be out of control. Most people just comment and move on or don't comment at all. You give yourself away by checking back to see if anyone has commented on what you have to say.

Comment by Nancy Howard — April 7, 2008 @ 03:29PM

Can it be that once again I have had cause to chuckle and to ponder after reading one of Brandon Thorp's columns. Love this guy! I was fortunate enough to see Animals and Plants and found it to be absolutly top notch! Months later I still recall scenes from that wonderful play. That does not often happen weeks after seeing a play never mind months. While I enjoy a musical, a comedy, all sorts of theater, I do believe that theater that forces you to think outside of your comfortable box seat is the best.
And Creed, what is your story, how old are you, why do you think that young folk aren't interested in theater and what's your real name......silly bastard!

Comment by Charlie — April 8, 2008 @ 04:51AM