Nobody cares what you think. Once a creation has been put into the world, you have only one responsibility to its creator: be supportive. Support is not about showing how clever you are, how observant of some flaw, how incisive in your criticism. There are other people whose job it is to guide the creation, to make it work, to make it live; either they did their job or they didn’t. But that is not your problem.
If you come to my show and you see me afterwards, say only this: “I loved it.” It doesn’t matter if that’s what you really felt. What I need at that moment is to know that you care enough about me and the work I do to tell me that you loved it, not “in spite of its flaws”, not “even though everyone else seems to have a problem with it,” but simply, plainly, “I loved it.” If you can’t say that, don’t come backstage, don’t find me in the lobby, don’t lean over the pit to see me. Just go home, and either write me a nice email or don’t. Say all the catty, bitchy things you want to your friend, your neighbor, the Internet.
Maybe next week, maybe next year, maybe someday down the line, I’ll be ready to hear what you have to say, but that moment, that face-to-face moment after I have unveiled some part of my soul, however small, to you; that is the most vulnerable moment in any artist’s life. If I beg you, plead with you to tell me what you really thought, what you actually, honestly, totally believed, then you must tell me, “I loved it.” That moment must be respected.
Thanks to everyone who saw my play at the Cape May Stage and said they loved it. AMERICA'S SEXIEST COUPLE is playing for four more weeks. If you're in the neighborhood swing by.
I loved it.
ReplyDeleteSondheim would not have survived a week in the real world
ReplyDeleteI have friends who work on Broadway. I’ve come to them for help with how to handle situations where I have to go backstage after the show to see a performer I know, when I really didn’t love the show.
ReplyDeleteThey each had their own generic phrase, such as, “Congratulations!” or “I can’t believe you did that!”
This way, they are not lying but are sufficiently vague that the recipient always sees it as praise.
The Cliffs Notes version of this:
ReplyDeleteSondheim had an inferiority complex
While I understand Sondheim's point, it also strikes me as the height of arrogance. As a writer, I often know whether I've hit the mark or not. Praise teaches me nothing; Criticism shows me where I've failed, where the holes are in my work, and how I might do better in the future. Yes, the timing of criticism or helpful comments needs to be considered but to lie and give false praise is ultimately cruel.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, Neil Simon asked a total stranger what he didn't like about a play of his the stranger had just watched.
ReplyDeleteI get Sondheim's point but it's one more example of people in the arts flattering themselves that they are different from the rest of us. They are artists and must be handled accordingly. Also, his approach renders true compliments empty. If everyone says they love it even when they don't, then the real "I love it's" get lost in the lies. But, of course, I'm not an artist so how could I possibly understand?
ReplyDeleteSondheim was absolutely correct. I am reminded of William Goldman's query to writers who had given him a play or screenplay to read - I may have read this in these pages! - and I'm paraphrasing: "Do you want me to tell you it's wonderful, or do you want me to tell you what I think?" When the reply was "I want to know what you think," he asked the question again, probably more pointedly; he said that most people took the former option.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't our job as friends of the creator to dump on the creation unless specifically asked to do so. To my shame, I have been guilty of behaving like Brown did. Now, if I'm a member of the creative team, it's another story, and sometimes a very difficult dance; and while I pride myself on being right about audience perceptions a lot of the time, I've been spectacularly wrong too. Another Goldmanism: "Nobody knows anything."
I'm reminded of Warner Bros. cartoons. Chuck Jones said all of the directors and writers would gather for what they called a "No No" or "Yes Yes" session. If you didn't like a gag, you couldn't just say, "No." You had to propose something better or stay silent.
ReplyDeleteI guess I have to admit I'm surprised to hear this, especially from such a legendary talent as Sondheim. I would have thought his ego would not be quite so fragile.
ReplyDeleteIf all you ever hear is "I loved it", especially when the expectation is that that's all anyone will tell you regardless of how they felt, then how can you ever believe it? Doesn't a person's praise mean more and feel more honest if they can also give you their honest criticism? I'm not an artist and even if I were I surely wouldn't be in the same zip code as Sondheim's talent, but deep down I think the uncertainty of never knowing if someone is being truthful would ultimately be far more damaging to my ego than someone's not being able to honestly tell me they loved my work.
Sondheim survived 91 years in the real world. Nay. Thrived.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an issue that hits a nerve in both of us as writers who pour our souls into our work, Ken. When I have finished a project -- after as much trial and error, and as many challenges and rewrites I can manage before it MUST be turned in on time – I do not mind input from trusted friends and professionals DURING research and in the rough writing stages.
When it is done and cannot really be changed, nothing is more disheartening than the comments after the fact about what should have been done from those who feel I should have known better, or know better themselves. Even more disappointing are the colleagues who had no time to assist before the fact but shrug their shoulders and do not defend me when others criticize my work because they “had nothing to do with it” and therefore cover themselves.
But during the process, I don’t mind help from fellow professionals and other people I trust. So I wonder if a bit of clarification is in order as your post also disturbs me.
I have seen and heard several of your plays in finished form but also as script readings. I honestly love the finished ones to you in person, but there was one reading in which I had a few minor suggestions. I was under the impression that you wanted such things and by showing up and helping you, I was being a good friend. Of course I would not say this in front of people but only after taking you aside. You said to send an email, which I did. Have no idea if the suggestions were used and don’t care really, I am not like that. That is what friends are for, I think. But are they?
Is a reading different than a finished work? I know today’s post is based on some highly emotionally charged experiences, but I feel both foolish and repentant if I made a mistake at that one reading.
When you tell all your readers, “Nobody cares what you think,” that’s a searing red hot poker.
It just show how subjective a response can be. Assuming the internet's dates are correct, I completely agree with Jason Robert Brown that the show he saw is one of Sondheim's least-interesting works, 100 percent.
ReplyDeleteBut it still won the Tony Award for Best Musical, so what do we know.
When I was in school, I enjoyed doing plays and musical theater, and I was good enough to get some decent roles. At the same time, I had to fight through terrible stage fright. My mother got it through her head that she should give me "constructive criticism" immediately after every performance -- so while other kids' parents were telling them how wonderful they were, she was warning me about how I flubbed a line in Act I and missed a note in Act II. (My father, bless him, at least tried to be supportive -- at one point, I remember him saying "I didn't realize you could sing so loud!") My anxiety only got worse, and I eventually gave up performing entirely. The lesson being that unless you're actually a director or teacher, "You were great!" is always the appropriate response.
ReplyDeleteCoincidently I'm watching THE LAST OF SHEBA right now on my antenna TV.
ReplyDelete"But it still won the Tony Award for Best Musical, so what do we know."
ReplyDeleteThe list of those who never won Oscars or Tonys is filled with deserving people.
There are lots of people at posh parties who liked to be able to say, "Stephen, I voted for you, too" and on the west coast say, "Steven, I voted for you."
Brilliant as he was, Sondheim also was very fortunate not to pass away early (like many other Broadway geniuses and mentors) thus gaining years of endless fawning. One cold, quiet dinner wasn't a big deal, plus it was also probably awash in praise all around him.
Jesus, are there other "leaders" in their fields like this? What a terrible way to live. Do me a favor, everyone: don't ask me what I think, because I will TELL YOU WHAT I THINK (the horror!).
ReplyDeleteDaz, I'm pretty sure Stephen would not have survived if he was a roofer and wanted to wait a year before having his boss tell him he put 6 shingles in wrong. Come on.
ReplyDeleteRidiculous. Sounds like something Trump would say.
ReplyDeleteResponsible parents do not raise children to act this way.
There have been times when shamelessly, I have heaped undeserving praise on a famous/powerful person's work in an attempt to curry favor with him or her. (Never with Ken of course) The ass kissing never worked, however.
ReplyDeleteThere were also times when I've gotten a Sondheim like response from my negative comments. The kind of "Who are you to be criticizing me?!" reaction. (Never from Ken of course)
But which is worse for an artist, the fake, effusive love following a bad show or the hurry up and get out of the theater before they see you and ask you what you thought?
Neither one is particularly helpful.
And as others have alluded, you would think that someone like Stephen Sondheim would have developed a thicker skin over the years.
M.B.
To the guy who commented about approaching Ken at his play, I think you need to go back and read today's post again.
ReplyDeleteEarlier this month, I went to my doctor for a check-up. He pointed out some irregularities in my blood test, just as my ophthalmologist tracks the progress of a small cataract in one eye. Meanwhile, I got an email from a friend who read on some website that people weaken their health by not eating enough butter. The friend got quite indignant when I tried to tactfully reply that I didn't think putting extra butter in my meals would make a serious difference to my well-being. Judging the quality of feedback from different people isn't necessarily an ego matter, but respecting the experience and understanding of the one making it, just as their views should come from respect for you rather than one-upmanship.
ReplyDelete"Endless Fawning" is the title of the new Lopez/Affleck flick.
ReplyDeleteSondheim was absolutely INcorrect.
ReplyDeleteForgive me for poking in again, but those who are saying Sondheim should have had a tougher skin are not pals I'd want to have. He had his doubts just as any artist does, in spite of, and perhaps due to, his artistic successes. What Brown said he'd expressed was general unspoken displeasure, which was unnecessary, unhelpful, and, most crucially, unkind. Once he apologized, Brown got some excellent life advice, possibly the kind Sondheim got from his mentor Oscar Hammerstein: Unless you've been asked specifically for your opinion, just be nice. This seems quaint, I suppose, in this era of thirsting for the tears of others, which continues to be daily fodder for the digital media, but it's still good advice. If I have burning suggestions for a developing piece, I ask before offering them, but I try to bear in mind that my ideas may have already occurred to and been discounted by the creative team that's actually being paid for their work.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post
ReplyDeleteA review line I've seen many variations on:
ReplyDelete"It's second-rate [insert name]. But second-rate [insert name] is still better than first-rate anybody else."
My rule is that I always tell the truth if something can be changed / there's a problem that can be fixed within the prevailing constraints. When there's nothing that can be done, there's no point in being unnecessarily mean. That said, I find Sondheim's attitude very strange (at least, after the reviews have been published).
ReplyDeleteThere''s also the risk that your friend actually knows the piece is crap, and will never take your opinion seriously afterwrds because you clearly have no standards. Tricky.
wg
Ken: Please don't headline any future posts with "final words". Was legit worried to click through. Glad you're still with us
ReplyDeleteGood advice to counsel others that no one cares what you think. Probably generally true. Presents a double bind, though: express an opinion that no one cares about or forge ahead.
ReplyDeletePeople who are legendary or well-known get away with all kinds of shit. Too bad the guy called to apologize. I'd have left it alone and hoped Sondheim could stew in his own BS.
@Katana
ReplyDelete"The guy" you assume didn't read the post re-read it. Now re-read my comment but take out the last line. Yes, I was incorrect to attribute Sondheim's unpleasant line to Ken.
It did seem uncharacteristically cruel since Ken invites us to read his opinions, see his ideas, go to and hear his plays, and so forth. He does not need to have a comment section if he did not care what we thought, so yes, I called him out on that line because I did not realize it was Sondheim who asked, "What did you think?" and rather than graciously accept an apology from another mortal, he said,d "Nobody cares what you think." Though he had plenty to say about plenty of people and their work and it was not always pleasant, it's okay for him to do that.
You know, there are a lot of great artists that I respect for their work but do not necessarily like as people, so I am not going to accept that his response was anything but self-indulgent, whiney and a chance to rub his admirer's face in it. Here's to the ladies who lunch -- but be careful about lyricists! I guess every day has to be award day to some people. For the rest of us, it's a matter of getting through the day. Sorry, met too many like him, don't need more in my life. But he wrote nifty tunes and shows.
I met a highly respected (and many would call legendary author) at an event for the first time and we also had lunch. At the end, I felt I had to tell him that in the book of his I loved the most, there were one or two things that could be corrected, but I hoped he would not be offended and never talk to me again. He very warmly said that he welcomed the input and that he was working on a new edition. If I sent him notes, he would gladly make changes, as he had for many "friends." When the new edition was published, he made some, but not all, of my changes. He also added me to the acknowledgments. He did not berate or humiliate me, nor has he in the years we have known each other.
Ken,
I don't totally get where you stand on this, but you posted the story as an example to indicate your feelings on the situation and it has created some discomfort. Certainly, you feel Brown was wrong because you said so in your introduction, but as I said, it was a finished "play," not a reading. Now that Katana knows and understands the comment without the last line, I still want to know if you mean we should never tell you the truth at readings, not at finished plays, or if we have no business telling you anything except that everything's just great.
I'm a big fan of "nobody cares what you think" if you showed up for a fully realized show or performance. It's polite and honorable just to acknowledge all the hard work, energy, and dedication that went into the work. How bad could it be that you would hold that back?
ReplyDeleteA workshop or table reading is a different process where critiques can be very useful to a creator. Those who pay close attention can point out logical inconsistencies, underwritten characters and scenes, and pacing issues among other things.
I've had ferocious critics dog me all my life, from dopey family members who never created anything original, teachers, profs, members of writing groups and classes. Maybe it's my South Node in Gemini, but a lot of the crap has threatened to stop me in my tracks and sometimes did.
But then there is the blessed audience and its enchanted intelligence when you get past the naysayers and put the work out there. I've been in several drama workshops, script readings, and other creative labs where all was glum, negative, and bitchy without a ray of light. But then when the work was finally in front of an audience....they loved it.
Praise is like manna for the Muse and especially younger people need to hear it so they get stronger and trust their own unique expression.
Sorry I couldn’t be there to see it, but I loved it.
ReplyDeleteI know you're a big believer in the writer's room, as is Chuck Lorre. However, he recently discussed the risk of losing one's one voice in that system with regard to going back on writing on his own for The Kominsky Method
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/Ox6u5ihMPKQ?t=145
He describes on many frustrating moments during the writing of The Kominsky Method when he was ready to throw his hands up and quit, because he had thought he'd lost the skill of writing on his own. What's your take on that? Is it like riding a bike or is there a real risk there?
The Sondheim issue, as I read it, deals with an artistic project that is finished and cannot be changed. "The second act dragged" is not helpful after the show opened, ran, and maybe even closed. I've directed two staged readings and one full production of Kevin Levine shows - and I loved them.
ReplyDeleteYounger people need to hear praise? Continually? The world doesn't coddle. Children need to hone any skill that they've exhibited, and evaluation/criticism is part of the process. One of the most cringe-worthy comments that I have heard? "EVERYONE is a winner." Nope. Not even remotely...
ReplyDeleteSondheim's right. It's lousy to tell someone who had a hand in creating an entertainment you've just seen that either you didn't like the show or their contribution. It's like telling a new parent their baby is ugly.
ReplyDeleteWhether it's a friend or a stranger, say "I loved it." Tell friends "What a beautiful baby." "Dinner was delicious." "It's just what I wanted." Even if the show stunk, the baby is hideous, the dinner was like poison, and the gift was a bust, nothing you say can change it to your liking. Only say something nice.
It's not that you shouldn't ever express critical opinions about such things. The ride home afterward is the time for airing victim impact statements.
There is something to be said in always taking the side of your friend/spouse/partner.
ReplyDeleteSo you know what else had been put out into the world and could not be amended? Brown's comment to Sondheim. Taking Sondheim at his word, he should have told Brown what he expected before Brown opened his mouth. Having not done so, he should have kept his opinion to himself or said, "thank you."
ReplyDeleteLet me elaborate a little about my prior comment, in a different context (though the other one germane to this blog), baseball.
ReplyDeleteFor decades, sabermetricians (those who work on advanced baseball statistics) would annually write criticisms of the Baseball Writers Assocation (BBWAA) concerning votes for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, based on the writers' failure to incorporate these advanced stats in their analysis and their use of other, non-statistical factors, in their votes. The most famous debate was over the qualifications of Bert Blyleven and Jack Morris for the Hall; the sabermetricians were pro the former and anti the latter. When Blyleven got elected, the response was "it should have happened earlier". Morris got elected by a Veterans committee after his eligibility for BBWAA election had expired. This was met with a lot of condemnation of the committee (and very little compliments to the BBWAA for not electing him).
What I think is germane here is that the sabermetricians annually were writing articles critical of the BBWAA, which couldn't change its position any more than Brown could change his comment to Sondheim. To the day, the tone of commentary on the Hall of Fame ballot before the vote takes much more the form of "here's how I expect the writers to screw up", rather than, "here's some relevant information that I hope would be useful as you vote." And afterward, the comments are just like Brown's to Sondheim.
Maybe we should all be on the same side.
"Now that Katana knows and understands the comment...", Did I say that? Fact is I don't understand what you are saying since you have completely misrepresented Ken's post and my comment. I never said you didn't read the post I said "read it AGAIN" Also, Ken never gave his opinion on Mr. Brown's actions so I'm not sure where you are getting this from. I appreciate your comment though, thanks.
ReplyDeleteIn that situation, Sondheim was absolutely correct. As is flurb in this discussion.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of criticism, last Saturday musician Roger Waters was asked by a reporter from the Toronto Globe and Mail why no Toronto newspapers sent a critic to review his show but sent them to review a concert by someone called "The Weekend". Rogers said, "With all due respect to The Weekend or Drake I am far, far, far, more important than any of them will ever be" LOL
ReplyDeleteHow is Sondheim "absolutely correct"? I find the whole comment nonsensical. Christ, when did we become so delicate?
ReplyDeleteI have seen this comment from Sondheim before. He is not talking about criticism in general. He is talking about a very specific moment. So many here don’t seem to understand that. He is talking about a friend, supposedly supportive, who at a moment of an artists greatest vulnerability, chooses to be unkind. He clearly says there is time for criticism later, or if not criticism, at least a discussion. But not at that moment. So many people get caught up in their own “integrity” that they have real trouble with this. Trust me, you can find something to love, something of value in almost every piece. Something. At least enough to keep you from being an asshole. And I think that’s the bottom line here: don’t be an asshole.
ReplyDelete@Stan Levin
ReplyDeleteIs Kevin Levine related to Ken?
@Katana
ReplyDeleteRather than go line by line, please allow me to first apologize and take the Brown road here. Perhaps we can start over and clarify.
When I read Ken's post, I read the comments, then I went back and re-read the post again. But didn't pay enough attention to the red type and the attribution of the quote to Sondheim. All I saw was the familiar type Ken always uses -- and the paragraph separation -- so I got confused as to who was speaking. Honestly, after you pointed out my error, I had to go back and look at it carefully to see where I messed up. For me, and maybe it is just me, it seemed like Ken was talking at first until careful reading on my part.
One should NEVER comment or post anything until they have thoroughly read what they are commenting about. So the fault is mine and I accept that. I tried to explain it in my second comment and in your estimation, did not make that clear enough. I should not have presumed you understood anything I wrote.
Neither of us can represent or misrepresent Ken's motive in posting the entire story, that is at the root of this issue. That was the point in my second post. He would not have posted the anecdote had he not wanted to make Sondheim's point, though he might have worded it such blunt terms. Instead of "No one cares what you think," which is the result of an emotional reaction and venting. It might have been better to say, "No one NEEDS to hear that kind of thing after the pain and stress of finishing a production."
My point, which several people have already addressed very well, is that one should not be insensitive to a person, creative or not, and should not nitpick accomplishments that cannot easily be changed. One should be judicious and courteous even when doing so to a work in progress.
My entire motivation for writing at all -- and I wish to GOD I never did now -- was because after seeing that Ken posted Sondheim's diatribe, I felt embarrassed and a little ashamed. After all these years, as a professional that I believed he trusted whom asked to see his plays and readings, he may have resented that time I had suggestions after a READING, not a FINISHED PLAY. I have had nothing but rapturous and true admiration for his finished work, and now that I think of it, what the heck does he ever need my suggestions for anyway? What does anyone need my suggestions for? What's the point of having this comment section? I'm pretty much done posting here.
I just felt that, in posting the Sondheim statement of "Nobody cares what you think," it was like, after all these years we've been getting a mixed message.
But if I offended Ken when that ONE time I gave a few little suggestions, none of them lines BTW (that would really be tacky), then I apologize to him, too. So that is two apologies.
I hope I am through with all this now.
I am looking forward to apology # 3 (in a series) Anonymous.
Delete"Don't be an asshole" is why we got the following:
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shatner singing "Rocket Man"
Rob Lowe singing "Proud Mary" at the Oscars (LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL still beautiful)
Stephen Spielberg doing "1941"
"Gilligan's Island Meet The Harlem Globetrotters"
"Ishtar"
"The Brady Bunch Country Album"
David Letterman singing and dancing on MTM's variety show
Stallone's "Stop, Or My Mama Will Shoot"
The New Coke
Elvis Presley from 1961 to 1967
Ernest Angley
@Scarlet - I think "Kevin" Levine was a typo.
ReplyDelete"Is Kevin Levine related to Ken" LOL, I guess it was just a typo from Stan Levin, who is the letter "e" away from being Levine. The whole thing is confusing. I once directed a redux of The Odd Couple written by Moe Simon
ReplyDeleteAs a curtesy to a friend, I would only compliment a show right after it's opening. Later, if asked, I would tell the creator of the piece what my thoughts were, but I'm not going to ruin a friends night by being as asshole.
ReplyDeleteSo I guess "Your show's shit, mate!" is out of the question?
ReplyDeleteI remember a story of some politician who was often handed babies to hold on the campaign trail. If the baby was particularly unattractive, he would say, "Oh, what a child!"
This isn't about being an asshole. I wouldn't go up to a friend/etc. and comment on what I'd seen, unless I like it. And THEY shouldn't ask, unless they're fishing for potential compliments. If they are, they deserve whatever comes. I will never give out a false compliment, to anyone. I also won't express my opinion to the creator, if it's not positive. Fortunately, most people don't trawl for praise.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, now I understand what you were going for with your last comment, and it is interesting. Was ken's posting of Sondheim's response to Brown without commenting on it himself his way of agreeing with Sondheim? That I don't know, and that is something, I guess, you are presuming. In my opinion Ken was just posting an anecdote to supplement the previous days topic, but I could be way, way off on that opinion. Maybe Ken agrees with what Stephen said and therefore didn't want to hear your comments regarding his play on that particular day. Hey Ken, Friday Question, did you agree with Sondheim's remarks to Brown, LOL. Anyway don't disappear Anonymous, our debate made for a spirited and interesting comment section.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Stallone's shit, it always made me laugh when Norm McDonald would attribute every problem that ever occurred on this planet to Sly's brother Frank Stallone. "OPEC is saying that the oil shortage will continue well into the new year. Experts are saying the cause is, you guessed it, Frank Stallone"
There are reasonable people who take the time to understand. Thanks, @Katana
ReplyDeleteBetween Ken and a person like you, it's difficult to walk away.
And then along comes...
@James Horton, making fun of people when they open up and freely admit vulnerability is always a hoot, isn't it? To quote Oscar Hammerstein, "Give us a kick if you would, your majesty," which was followed by, "Oh, that was GOOD, your majesty." So you did great. Great job. Now you can move along and spread your skills somewhere else on the internet to humiliate someone else.
Cannot imagine how horrific this would have been if I used my real name.
Every writer and artist is entitled to their own preferences. Sondheim was an actual musical theater god, and he made clear the best way to respect his personal preferences.
ReplyDeletePersonally, a thoughtful, constructive note from a colleague or close friend after a show means way more to me than an empty compliment. But boy, we need those empty compliments, or else the entire centuries-old social order around the performing arts collapses.
Fun fact: While "fun" is the catch-all empty compliment word in theater, film, and TV, the music industry's modern equivalent is "dope." I learned this after enjoying it as a sincere compliment far too many times.
Thanks for linking to the Neil Simon story, A Few Good Cats!
ReplyDeleteA performer friend of mine likes both Sondheim and Simon, and, well, I don't always know what to say to him when he asks me, "So, what'd ya think?"
Maybe I'll send both these his way.
WARNING: Stop picking on each other. I'll close down the comments if it continues. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTalking of Stallone, I see he's shown his true colors this week by posting some disgusting caricatures of producer Irwin Winkler on Instagram, one depicting Winkler as a snake, and the other showing the entire Winkler family as blood sucking vampires. In other words, he went to the oldest, most revolting antisemitic tropes in depicting a Jew and his family.
ReplyDeleteStallone wrote a barely intelligible rant saying he wants the rights to Rocky back and accusing Winkler of being greedy and talentless. Winkler remortgaged his home in 1975 to help get Rocky made, which took Stallone from penniless obscurity to stardom and today he sits on a $400m fortune. He hasn't said anything for the last 47 years and now he's suddenly portraying the guy who gave him a career as vampiric.
For years I've read stories, rumors and anecdotes about Stallone being a piece of shit but this is a new low for the botoxed prick. His agent or manager must have told him these unhinged posts weren't a good look for him, as he's since deleted them from his Instagram. They should drop him as their client.
Stephen Sondheim was generous with praise for lyricist Randy Rainbow. The Washington Post's profile "Randy Rainbow's Witty World" quoted him thus: "Stephen Sondheim, arguably the god of Broadway musical theater, spends a half-hour on the phone telling me that Rainbow’s lyrics are 'brilliant' and 'as good as anyone writing today.'”
ReplyDelete@ Ken.
ReplyDeleteIt's not about "picking on each other." I don't see that. It's a discussion. If you want to see "picking on each other," just visit any other news comment section on the Internet. Anonymously, usually. I use my actual name. Which is something I would rarely do, in this day and age. I am just astounded, at how some people cannot handle criticism. I am not a social media person, as a rule - "likes" and "hearts" make me cringe.
Several years ago there was a screening of an independent film I wrote and directed, and one of the audience members was an accomplished playwright. After the screening, she was honest enough to tell me that she thought the dialogue could have been crafted better. I thought the dialogue was just fine and didn't like hearing that, but accepted it and learned from it. Today, I appreciate that she said that. The journey of a writer and director requires the ability to accept the negative as well as the positive, and to continually improve.
ReplyDelete