Everyone’s a critic, as they like to say. But can you trust a critic’s opinion to help you choose a Broadway show? Whether you read theater reviews religiously or avoid them like the plague, theater critics have long been a point of controversy in the theater community.
Some artists believe critics are just a fact of show business. However, critics are theater professionals who can shed light on the artistic choices of a production. So, how can theatergoers use reviews as a tool for choosing a show?
We’ll unveil the mysterious business of Broadway reviews and how you can use them to determine whether a show is right for you.
The role of the critic in the theater
Mark Twain wrote, “I believe the trade of critic, in literature, music, and drama, is the most degraded of all trades, and has no real value.” Some still share Twain’s sentiment in the theater community, believing a critic’s role is overstated. But who defines the role of a critic anyway? And what’s their purpose? Well, a few different organizations have attempted to clarify the role.
The Canadian Theatre Critics Association has a list outlining the best practices and core values of a theater critic. They embody the idea that critics act as a guide for playgoers and offer constructive feedback to dramatists.
The American Theatre Critics Association is the only national organization of American theater critics. They define critics as those who write professionally, regularly, and with substance about theater.
Ideally, critics should have some sort of professional background that qualifies them to review theater. Whether that be in theater studies, dramaturgy, stage management, or other relevant educational and professional experience. However, with access to the internet and the rise of blogging, almost every average Joe can share their thoughts about a production.
However, one crucial role of the critic is to inform and guide the audience. Critics offer their perspectives and judgment, helping audience members determine if a show is right for them. Even if a critic's opinion is ultimately subjective, a review still speaks to plot, themes, and talent, which are all useful pieces of information for a prospective ticket buyer.
However, some artists argue that critics take no artistic risk and are therefore not qualified to partake in the artistic experience. Regardless, the role of the critic has a fluctuating relationship with the artist. The two rely on each other and are both there for the art’s sake.
How do theater reviews work?
Critics have been reviewing theater shows since the time of the Greeks. Many believe they have the power to make or break a production and even potentially “kill” a show. But how do reviews work exactly?
Critics always release their reviews following opening night. They offer their opinions on the production quality, artistic talent, and show interpretation. However, critics rarely watch and review the opening night show. Instead, they are invited to a “press performance” - a performance during the latter part of a show’s preview period after the show has been “locked,” which means no further changes to the show are being made.
After the critics are invited to the show, they’ll write the review, which is then embargoed until after opening night. Some reviews are published just a few hours after the opening night performance, and others are published over the next few days. So, it’s not always immediately apparent to the cast and crew if their show is a hit. The effect of a critic’s review on ticket sales and award nominations has long been debated.
What’s shared in a Broadway review?
A large chunk of the review is dedicated to the plot synopsis. Each critic shares information about the plot minus any major spoilers. This part of the review is useful for the reader to learn more about the show's general themes and whether the content is suitable for the playgoer.
A critic will also offer their opinion on the talent and whether the acting, singing, or dancing were up to snuff. Even though a critic’s opinion is subjective, this is still an essential part of the review. If the talent is especially lacking or a detriment to the production, then the critic will call attention to it. This is especially true in the case of Broadway revivals.
The review will also include thoughts on the show's overall direction and production quality. Did they find the set design and costumes impressive? And did they agree with the director’s artistic choices? This part of the review can also inform theatergoers.
Do critic reviews impact Broadway shows?
Reviews are meant to guide theater audiences and initiate discussion around art. Even though the critic is separate from a production’s marketing, they may still impact the show's financial success.
It’s no secret that receiving awards can help extend the run of a Broadway show and get it more publicity. Each year, The New York Drama Critics’ Circle awards Best Play, which is the second oldest playwriting award. Stereophonic recently took home the prize, and now that show’s run has been extended by five months. It’s rare that a show beloved by critics fails to get a Tony nomination.
However, some shows still do well, even if reviews deem them a dud. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark received no critical love, yet it maintained a successful three-year run. It’s up to the theater community and audiences to determine if critics are exaggerating or simply speaking the honest truth.
Still, a bad review could significantly hurt a newer production, especially one without the marketing dollars. This was the case with Broadway Bounty Hunter, which premiered off-Broadway in 2019. Its bad review in The New York Times may have contributed to its early death. Most in show business have learned to accept that negative reviews are just part of the job.
