DAVID CESCARINI

Hey Fletch,

I agree with your case against the awards idea. I've felt a similar resistance from the vast majority of theatre folk I've worked with over the course of this past year. I've also heard from some Chicago people about the political, divisive nature of the Jeffs down there.

An awards system would reinforce the worst type of theatre criticism: that which decides yea or nay, all or nothing, best ever, and the many other black-and-white judgments that obscure the complex and subjective nature of theatre. What a nightmare.

Next Act will take no part in whatever awards system that arises. I voiced my objections early on and was also told we'd have a more collective debate. That hasn't happened.

The most weighty argument for the Luntannes* given me has been to be used as an "awesome marketing tool." Hmmmmm. As you state in your case, it'll all be after the fact, not the same show, superficial imprimatur.

I certainly agree that we all need to sell more tickets. This town has long-suffered from a complacency that allows dull or nasty reviews to kill ticket sales. Nothing short of a rave (legit or not) seems to have any positive box office affect. But how do we collectively challenge the Milwaukee theatre-going public to "use it or lose it?" How do we get control of our own story? As we look to solve this very central concern, an awards system would be an unfortunate distraction. As one prominent, local professional has just wired in, "useless and potentially toxic."

A party would be good. One where we weren't honoring the demise of a colleague or a company. Maybe a convening of sorts, that had a more focused agenda than the gathering at 10 Smokestacks awhile back. And hopefully closer to town. Theatre Wisconsin has been meeting like this for years. Maybe we can expand that vision? Kind of a local TCG-type convention. That way we could decide what's best about all of us and the crazy thing that we do. Then we figure out how to fill our seats.

How about a Fletch's list vote on this awards deal? I think that would be a pretty good (and damn quick) survey. So, I vote no. So does Charles. With Fletch, that's 3 against. Anybody else? And by the way, who's eligible to vote? Do we need a committee to decide? Yikes.

David Cecsarini
Next Act

*And why Alfie and Lynn anyway? -- a Dewey, a Monty, a Jolly Jay, all at least as deserving a memorial as far as Milwaukee theatre goes.