Those cunning Felds have managed to bring off another non-circus review of the show that may feel to some like a review. Credit a mutual love fest between the Felds and the The Wall Street Journal's Ben Cohen.
Though he rarely contributes a review-like statement, Cohen is implicitly high on the product.
You will learn, a surprise to Cohen, that Ringling's re-invention is perfectly in step with precedent. To learn this, he consulted with Matthew Wittman, curator of the Harvard Theater Collection to learn "something about circus I wasn't expecting to hear: 'Historically, the circus has involved a lot of innovation."
Writes Cohen: "The key to Ringling's comeback is not just that it is more humane. The Circus is now more human."
And, oh, how much lovelier to the senses: "their workplace smells better."
Give them credit for pressing Feld on the bottom line: "The privately held company declined to provide financial information about the tour, although Feld says he's pleased with ticket sales."
The story lends the impression of a show venturing into far off places to find talent. For this revelation, quoted is J. Vaught, senior vice president of production and touring operations: "You have to look in places where people haven't looked."
They've been doing that for years.
I have to wonder why Cohen did not note the absence of the word "circus" in the show's legendary title, a word he frequently drops, and ask why?
Oh, of course, might have spoiled the feel-good tribute.
Thanks to Don Covington for the link.
1 comment:
They haven't used the word circus in their title in decades.
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