Modern World Theatre

» KrisZaza - Re: Cabaret A Tough Pill To Swallow

I appreciate the fact that this is a professional theatre review and that it must be treated as such, but I really think that such candle-snuffing comments such as 'Paolo Santalucia was plain and boring', and 'Kristen Zaza was miscast...her one song fails on every level.'...I think that these are unnecessary and petty for a review of a youth production. I feel like when an 'adult professional' in the industry posts something like this, it is for the desire to stifle any cultivation in 'youth'. Whether or not this was the case, it definitely is the effect. Doing a show that is 'over our heads'? Should teens stick to 'High School: The Musical', or should they challenge themselves in preparation for what's coming? Or should we worry what the 'adults' will think, and just give up entirely? Why should we even bother learning Shakespeare?

We finished the show, and we all felt like we accomplished something incredible. Whether some of us do quit theatre or some of us pursue it, we did something that most people never will have a chance to do. We put on Cabaret. Enough people raved about it...and it is a part of us forever. I got to be in my favourite musical and I am grateful, that is what matters.

On the other hand, to speak from your side, perhaps we should be treated as professionals, even in negative reviews, if my argument is that we should challenge ourselves. But the fact of the matter is that the cast ranged from ages 12 to 17(excluding our professional Emcee), and our passion and initiative has to mean something among an industry of paid professionals. You mentioned us giving everything we have, and it still failed - I don't see how that is possible, when our goal was to prove what young actors can do if given the chance. I don't believe you do support Youth Theatre, but the reason I posted wasn't to bring that up - it was to show you that your review was acknowledged by the young aspiring actors of the Toronto Youth Theatre.

Thank you for the feedback, both positive and negative.

-Kristen Zaza.

-- posted by KrisZaza