SALT LAKE CITY — Theatre can be magic, but it usually is not. Although I enjoy most of the plays I see, the majority of evenings that I spend in a theater aren’t those truly magical, unique experiences that I remember forever. But the hope is always there that, “Maybe tonight is the night,” and this will be one of those times when I fall in love with the moments that a playwright, director, and actors create. The Off Broadway Theatre’s Peter and the Pirates was a theatrical experience that I will always remember. Unfortunately, it is because this play is so wrongheaded in its conception and execution that the sheer awfulness of the evening will persist in my memory as the standard by which I will judge how bad future non-Equity productions can be.
The Off Broadway Theatre specializes in parodies of stories from popular culture—with a Utah twist. Peter and the Pirates is their takeoff of the Peter Pan story. In this version, Peter Pun takes Cindy and the children she babysits, Joann and Michelle, to Ever Clever Land, where children never grow up. There the evil Captain Crook, Peter’s nemesis, plans to kidnap Sego Lily (an Indian princess apparently named after the Utah state flower) and kill Peter. In one fell swoop Peter rescues Sego Lily, defeats Crook, and the show ends. Don’t let the simplicity of the synopsis fool you; this play lasts 2 hours (not including intermission), which should give a hint about the sheer amount of padding in Eric Jensen‘s script.
The acting in this production basically consists of incessant mugging to the audience. Most of the dialogue exists to set up the next pun or joke—many of which have obvious punchlines that I could easily see coming long before the actors uttered them. (A joke in the first scene is so current that it appears in a 1991 episode of The Simpsons.) In every scene the actors would say the punchlines and then nod at the audience (or say, “Huh? Huh?”), hoping for the laughs to come. As if that weren’t enough the actors sometimes went as far as to explain why the jokes were funny (or supposed to be). For example, in the final scene one character in the throws of death kicked a nearby bucket, and then said, “I kicked the bucket.” If that weren’t enough he then stated, “That means I died.” I could put up with a handful of this style of humor, but an entire night of it was just unbearable.
In addition to the general tendency of the entire cast to completely disregard the fourth wall, there are a few specific acting flaws that need to be discussed in an honest, open review. Eric Jensen (who, in addition to acting in the show and writing the script, also directed the play) had many “comic” bits that lagged on far too long, such as his bird calls or when he was disarming Peter. Eric Jensen seemed to have written the script in order to give himself all of the “best” (i.e., longest) jokes as he played Atchmee—one of Crook’s pirate sidekicks. Unfortunately, this meant neglecting the other pirate characters and resulted in a show that felt incredibly self-indulgent. Austinn Jensen, as Peter Pun, clearly enjoyed playing the title character, but after his first scene he often failed to enunciate his lines. Also, Chloe Beus was grating with how she affected a quasi-British accent and spoke the vast majority of her lines while facing the audience instead of the actor(s) she was speaking to. This made Beus’s performance more appropriate for a middle school than a $16 ticket. The only major exception to my boundless disdain for the cast was Rusty Bringhurst. Although Bringhurst participated in the mugging and the childish antics of the rest of the cast, he managed to do so without totally sacrificing the veneer of his character, while all of his castmates were clearly just actors marching from joke to joke.
Because he wrote the script, directed the play, and portrayed one of the biggest roles, I lay the blame for the incredibly low quality of the production at the feet of Eric Jensen. In addition to the juvenile script (complete with poop jokes and offensive racist “humor”), Eric Jensen’s directing style prevented the play from having any sort of coherence. Peter and the Pirates is burdened by shoddy directing, even in the nuts and bolts of the craft. For example, Peter fought Crook with a very short knife, while the latter had a long rapier-like sword. This made the fight look incredibly awkward and also made Crook look like an idiot for not stabbing Peter from a safe distance. Another example of poor direction was in the first Indian scene: all of the actors were arranged in a perfectly straight line across the stage. With the basics of good directing so ignored, it should be no surprise that the artistic aspects were similarly neglected, with little actual acting happening on stage (although a lot of joking and reciting lines was to be seen).
My regular readers know that normally in a review I would also discuss some of the technical elements (e.g., costumes, lighting, set) of the play. But to do so in detail would just be pointless, because all were unremarkable, except perhaps for the Crocodile’s costume. It’s clear already from the tone of the review that I think that attending Peter and the Pirates was a waste of my time; I also think that attending it would be a waste of my readers’ time. Dwelling on the details would merely be kicking them while they’re down. I’ll merely sum up by emphasizing how thoroughly misguided this production was in every aspect that I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind enjoying it at all. Truly, this is the first play I have ever attended where I thought something was actually wrong with the audience members who were having a good time. Peter and the Pirates isn’t even viable as so-bad-it’s-good entertainment. I recommend to readers that if they want to see a silly parody that they should try Desert Star Playhouse instead.
It really, truly was painful to watch and I teach middle school drama for a living.
Katie,
What kind of middle school do you teach at? I dont know which night you saw the show.. But the kids did a great job! Especially Peter and Cindy. I have directed many plays and know talent when I see it.
I think you’re being a bit unfair. My family was in SLC for spring break and wanted a family friendly show that we ALL could attend. The OBT was the only theater with some decent seats left, so we booked our tickets. My kids (4 & 6) LOVED the show! They laughed a lot and didn’t ask once when it was going to be over. Afterward they couldn’t wait to meet the cast. My husband and I enjoyed the show as well. My kids are still talking about it & have asked to go back. If I took my young children to Desert Star, I doubt we’d get through 1 act without the dreade, “is it over yet?” I highly recommend this show for families!
We saw Peter Pun and the Pirates on opening night and enjoyed the show. My children (8 and 9) loved it and laughed so hard they had tears coming out of their eyes. At one point I had Diet Coke come out my nose. We always have a great time at the OBT, and this was no exception. Kudos to the entire case of Peter and the Pirates.
As a junior in college, I recognized that this show was directed towards a younger audience so that it was going to be more cheesy than usual. I embraced that I had a fantastic time with my friends this past Saturday night. I saw Doctor U at OBT last month and absolutely adored it, which is what brought me to Peter and the Pirates. I knew immediately that the show was going to be different simply by looking at the lobby; it was full of families with young children. Were some of the lines set up for corny puns? YES! The main character’s name is Peter PUN for heaven’s sake! Also, one of the things I LOVE about OBT is the absence of the fourth wall. It makes each show unique and somewhat interactive. You mentioned that you weren’t going to discuss ‘technical elements’ since they ‘unremarkable’. Well, for a $15 ticket, they could all be wearing jeans and matching t-shirts, standing in front of a simple black curtain. If you’re looking for elegant costumes or elaborate sets, go buy a $70 ticket to a show 2 blocks away at the Capitol Theater. While this show wasn’t the best I’ve ever seen, it does deserve respect for a good show from a small budget theater.
Thank you Katrina! Well said!
Man, I can’t wait to see his review of Romeo and Juliet: “They died at the end! That’s not how a love story is supposed to go!” Or of Wicked: “They kept acting like the Wicked Witch was the PROTAGONIST! Horrible!” Or Christmas Carol “As if the bad guy could be redeemed by ghosts! There’s no such THING as ghosts! Zero stars!”
honestly I disagree, the OBT is known for light hearted puns and comedic exaggeration of jokes.. I did think some of the singing could have been done better, the young peter pun had some problems in bringing out the feel of a metal song, but for the most part the show was enjoyable and the signature comedy of the OBT was continued in this production. the show I attended the Audience got very involved and seemed to quite enjoy themselves. this review and it’s putting down of those in the audience that can enjoy family friendly Rediculoussness (please excuse my spelling)is a bit offensive to those of us who can enjoy this type of comedy.
Whoa! This is what happens when you’re at another play in the evening and don’t see the comments as they come in. I’m thrilled with the response that the review is getting. There’s too much said here for me to respond to every little detail, but here are my main thoughts:
First, I’m glad that readers are responding to this review. Too often I write reviews that just seem to go into the ether of cyberspace, and I don’t know how they’re being received by UTBA’s readership. There are clearly a lot of people who disagree with me, but they have valued opinions that deserve to be heard, so I encourage everyone to read these comments carefully. The readers have a lot of great points that they’ve made.
Second, I find it telling that two of the commentors talked about how much their kids (ranging in age from 4 to 9) enjoyed the production. I think that only reinforces my point: this is truly a juvenile script, so it’s only appropriate that young children think it’s funny. But even judged by the standards of a TYA (theatre for young audiences) production, “Peter and the Pirates” was pretty awful.
Third, I got a kick out of Rob’s comment. He clearly hasn’t read my reviews of “Wicked” and “A Christmas Carol.” Thanks for the laugh.
Fourth, there are clearly different tastes operating here. But I’ve reviewed plays where I was not part of the target demographic (“Steel Magnolias” is a particularly memorable example), so I know how to take that into consideration. But a reviewer-play mismatch doesn’t excuse the fact that this truly is THE worst non-Equity production I have seen since I started reviewing plays. This wasn’t just, “Meh, this show isn’t for me.” Every aspect of this play was an artistic disaster. It boggles my mind that someone would happily pay up to $16 to see this show. Any arts council in the valley will charge a lower price for a much higher quality show. If you think that this is the best that live family-friendly entertainment (on a family friendly budget) gets in Salt Lake County, then you are sorely mistaken.
Finally, Erika brings up a VERY valid point that there were child actors in the production and I publicly say negative things about them on the internet. In response, I say that this was not advertised as a youth production. If it had been, then the UTBA standards for reviewing those types of shows would have been in force and the review would have looked a lot like my reviews for “My Son Pinocchio,” “Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” or the youth production of “Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” that I’ve written for UTBA. But “Peter and the Pirates” is not a youth production produced for the benefit of child actors so that they can perform for their family and friends. It’s a full-blown production in downtown Salt Lake City that people are paying up to $16 to see (a hefty price for a non-Equity show in Utah). Therefore, the show should be judged by the standards of a non-professional production–standards that it did not even come close to meeting. The fact that a few of the lead actors were under 18 is irrelevant; it should be judged the same was a a production of “Oliver!” or “Annie” produced at a similar theater would be judged.
Thanks for reading the review and my comment. A vigorous discussion about the arts is the sign of a healthy theatre community. The readers clearly feel strongly about live entertainment, and I wish that every audience member in Utah felt that passion for the arts.
Can’t help but notice that your rebuttal didn’t rebut, or indeed even mention, the point that nearly all the comments disagreeing with your initial review were making: that what you’re calling ‘awful artistic choices’ and ‘failing to meet standards’ were not only deliberate choices but the whole point of the show. Your use of the word ‘artistic’ is telling: if you’re looking for anything describable as artistic you are going to the wrong theatre, and your objections are about as relevant as a Football referee at a hot dog stand. You can yell ‘touchdown’ or ‘interference,’ which are as I understand things that football referees say sometimes, but it’s not going to mean anything to the ketchup and mustard. The OBT does not exist to be charming, heartwarming, or artistic. It exists to make people laugh. Your own review admits it did that for everyone but you. Nor does it take much speculation to see why, in this one case, it did not succeed.
After reading your review and also your “rebuttal” I have to say that you clearly and obviously have NO IDEA what Off Broadway Theater is all about.
If the show was bad it was bad. If you don’t want someone to review your show honestly then don’t ask them to come. If you can’t handle negative criticism don’t ask a professional reviewer to come to your show. Also you have to be able to handle what someone is going to say about your show.
OK, it’s been another day, and–just as when I first responded to the criticisms–I think a lot of the disagreement hinges quite simply on differing tastes in theatre, which is fine. Not every play appeals to all potential audience members. My dislike the show goes WAY beyond differing tastes, though. I’ve made that clear in the original review and in my response.
I find it humorous, though, that many readers (including some from people who would not give their full name, and therefore don’t have their comments published here) said I had a negative response because I, “…clearly and obviously have NO IDEA what Off Broadway Theater is all about.” Before I attended “Peter and the Pirates,” UTBA had reviewed 10 shows at the OBT and in my capacity as managing editor I had read all 10 of those reviews. I probably had a better idea of the OBT style than almost any first-time patron that they’ll have this year. The fact that I was still disappointed should be quite telling.
And Rob has a way of tickling my funny bone. He wrote, “The OBT does not exist to be . . . artistic.” Theatre by its very definition is an art; if a theatre company is producing a show that is not in some way artistic, then what they’re doing isn’t theatre. Granted, it doesn’t have to be highbrow art, but if actors, directors, designers, etc., aren’t doing something “artistic,” then what are they doing? And why are they inviting theatre reviewers to attend?
This comes down to a basic fact: I hated this show. A lot. And the people involved with it (or their friends and/or family) can’t fathom the idea that someone out there doesn’t want to give them a gold star for trying and shower them with empty praise. As I stated in the review, “Peter and the Pirates” is truly THE worst non-professional show that I have seen in years. Any attempts to convince me otherwise are blusters “…full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”
I am a member of the cast in this production of “Peter and the Pirates”. There are many points I could offer up an opinion on, but want to try and be brief. The night you reviewed the show, you would have to agree that for the most part we had a great audience that was very involved, and it was apparent they (adults and children, for the record) were really enjoying the show. This is typical of most nights. In your review the statement was made, “I thought something was actually wrong with the audience members who were having a good time.” Maybe the thought should have been, “maybe something is actually wrong with me because I am one of a select few NOT having a good time”. That seems to make more sense, given the situation.
Regardless, your feelings of this show came across loud and clear. Believe it or not, I really am sorry that you feel that way, as we do aim to please 100% of those that come to see our show. But it’s ok, because that is just not possible, as much as we try. As you stated, we are all entitled to our own opinions. My opinion? I am fine sticking with the vast majority of our great audience members who come to see us to have some fun and escape real life for awile, and respond every night with joy and laughter to what we do on stage. It is clear they love it, and we love doing it for them.
Awesome comment, Brent. I appreciate your professionalism in responding to the review.
The problem is that from the get-go you are showering vitrol on anyone who is even THINKING about disagreeing with you. The spirit of which continues right on down to the end of this comment here: “Any attempts to convince me otherwise are blusters”… you may as well have outright typed out “I am a bigot.” Claiming that positions disagreeing with you are “full of sound and fury signifying nothing” could be placed under the dictionary definition of bigotry.
I do not take umbridge with your dislike of the show. I take umbridge of the implied (and nearly explicit) insult to everyone who did enjoy it.
Dear Russell,
I have read, and pondered through your review various times… It’s about time I comment. I completely and utterly feel bad for you. I really try to look for the good in everyone. I can honestly say that I have prayed for you at night, several times praying for your happiness. I believe after all we are all children of our heavenly father and he loves us all. I’m so sorry you did not like my portrayal of Cindy (Wendy). At first I thought… horrible things about myself, not you me…
“We are our own worst critics”
It hurts to thinking how much you disliked my acting, which I strive in and try to stay true to each character I play. I have been casted in major musical with my “Quasi-British” accent in adult productions, not middle school shows, as you would say. I feel horrible that you feel that way about me. The point of this show was not about the dramatic accent or the soul bearing songs. It’s a light hearted comedy and that’s exactly what kind of show we put on. Please sir, if you would like to see me in the big summer musical in the park, I more than welcome you to attend the show. I don’t want to convince you of my acting skills or the major roles I’ve played in musicals. I do however want you to hold your respect to me as an actress as well as a human being. You have not crushed me, nor any other person in the cast… you have simply made us stronger. In my heart as well as many others, I think our cast did a great job, especially our director.
I hope you can find true happiness and simply have a laugh in life. I really do hope for the best for you and hope you can strive to be a good example, to others and think about what Jesus would do. Love one another as he would love us. I wish you luck on your criticism for future shows.
Your Friend,
Chloe Beus 🙂
I wanted to comment and say thank-you for your review. I do not completely agree with your view of the show but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I play Cindy in the show as well as Chloe. I was not in the show the night you reviewed it obviously, but I am still a part of the show. When I first read the review I immediately became defensive and did not like you at all. I thought “How could anyone be so mean?” I am sure you can see why I was so defensive. I am very close to everyone in the show and I view them as my second family. I love the show I think it is fun and it takes a person away from all the stress they are facing in their lives. It is always nice to get a good laugh! I am sorry you had such a terrible time I wish you could see the show through my eyes. I have had a hard time in the last few months being in and out of the hospital for stomach problems. I missed a good amount of school and since I am graduating from school this year it was hard to make up the time I had missed. My cast was with me through it all. I looked forward to going to rehearsal! I needed to laugh! I think they knew that too. It isn’t like other theaters here at the OBT. It is so much better! Everyone is there for each other and always supporting each other. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing cast! I honestly love the show and I think my life is now better for it. I am truly sorry that you can’t see what I see! I am also very sorry that you can’t see ho much talent and potential all the actors have. We don’t do these shows for to money or some highly trained Critic’s blessing. At least I don’t. I volunteer because I love to act and I love being a part of something! So again I thank you for your review because it has made me a stronger person and hopefully a stronger actor!
“The better a work is, the more it attracts criticism; it is like the fleas who rush to jump on white linens”.
Gustave Flaubert
Sincerely,
Denali McKinney
(Proud OBT Actress)
Just wow. This is one of the reasons I don’t believe community theater organizations should be reviewed. Everyone involved gives their time, talent, and heart to a “family” type theater not in the hopes of making it big, making a profit, or even getting glory for themselves. They do it to make others in the community happy. To lighten their load. To allow them a couple hours of family oriented escapism from today’s tragic and harsh world. I’m going to say here what I say to my kids: Not everyone is going to like you, and that is o.k. For every one person that doesn’t like you, 10 others will love you. Keep on doing what you guys do. Much love to all of you down at the OBT.
Post script question directed at Russell Warne, How do you sleep at night ripping into children the way that you do? All they learned from your harsh critique is that people can be cruel. Two you mentioned by name are 14 and 15. So, not only do you rip apart community theater, you publicly flogged children on public forum.
The UTBA doesn’t review a production unless it has the permission of the theater. OBT has gotten good reviews and bad. If a child auditions for a show, they should perhaps ask their director if the show will be reviewed.