TO PREVIEW OR NOT TO PREVIEW, THAT IS THE QUESTION
I've had probably a half-dozen or more conversations this past week and a half (or so) with area theater executives and theatergoers regarding whether or not theaters should schedule one or more previews of their shows before they officially open and invite the critics in to review their work. On top of that, I also responded to a couple of e-mails I received this week from Encore Michigan readers who were commenting on reviews that are currently on the site, and in particular, why the performances they saw didn't match the reviews.In case you haven't guessed, the two go hand in hand with each other.Most of the state's larger producing theaters&

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?
Every time I think I've seen (or heard) it all, something happens to prove me wrong. And that's what happened last Friday night when I was at The Box Theatre in Mt. Clemens to review "I Ought to be in Pictures."The Box is a new, really cool black box theater in the city's downtown entertainment district. It's a great location, and the second floor space can be configured in all sorts of ways. So for its sophomore production, they've placed the action on the floor, with seating on three sides of the "stage."When I walked into the theater, I chose a seat in the middle section, on the end of one of the rows. People wandered in and took

A FOND (AND FUNNY) FAREWELL
Michigan has lost quite a number of theaterfolk over the years who have wandered east to New York, southwest to Chicago and way out west to Los Angeles seeking their fame and fortune. Some end up with successful careers, while others discover they were meant for other fields of employment.It's impossible to predict who will find work in film, TV or the stage and who won't, of course, since there are so many factors that enter into the equation. But I have one prediction I'm very comfortable with - and it's this: Jaime Moyer will soon become a household name.Yes, Southeast Michigan's funniest lady is leaving home next week to sample the opportunities in LA. Altho

YET EVEN MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS
It's got to be very disappointing for an actress (or actor) to look out into the audience and see only four people sitting there. But that's what happened last Saturday at Matrix Theatre where I was reviewing Happy Days. If she was frustrated by the severe lack of attendees, she sure didn't show it. Instead, she gave one heck of a performance - in a difficult role and in a difficult setting. For that alone, I was impressed!  Read my review here: http://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=2049.If you're a subscriber to EncoreMichigan.com's newsletter, Curtain's Up

AND NOW A FOLLOW-UP
Yes, I've been a bad blogger - and again I apologize for the long delay between entries.The previous discussion regarding what constitutes a professional theater - which occurred both here and on Facebook - was quite interesting. I've refrained from adding my two cents worth - for now. But trust me: I didn't ask that question just to start a lively debate. (Well, okay...that, too!) Your comments have simply been tucked away for now as part of an overall project I'm working on, which I'll discuss more at some point in the future.On that same train of thought:I have a question for the average (or not-so-average) theatergoe