I wrote this review once before and somehow it has been removed! I recently saw a moving performance of Cabaret here recently.
For this review, I want to point out that I have been on the production side, audience side, and the performer side with this organization. This space is truly unique and the talent that comes there to perform is truly great. If I were a director looking for performers, I would make sure to catch a show there. Be prepared to pay premium prices though....
Sadly, that also means you will be sweating in the very comfortable seats (seriously) on a hot day with no air conditioning. While you bake in the heat from stage lights and inadequate ventilation, your ears will wonder what the heck is happening with the sound system.
It has been said directly to me, by a member of their board that "No one has ever complained about the sound..." Well, NOW someone has! The production crew has had the benefit of some of the most skilled sound people in San Diego. Still, this converted Auto Repair Shop, just does not have a sound system to support a good theatre performance. Sound people have had to bring in their own personal equipment to even make it as good as it has been.
The Sound deficits also has a negative impact on the actors on stage for obvious reasons...Not having confidence in how loudly to perform from moment to moment has a negative impact on the conviction with which you can deliver your role.
As important, if not more so, is the cavalier approach to safety of the cast. During the run of a production, I witnessed a several instances where UNSAFE conditions and/or behavior were simply not addressed by the director. "The show must go on." was not meant to be a saying that replaces safety. Additionally, some of the people who brought these situations to the attention of the production team have been maliciously and repeatedly "bad mouthed" in circles that could impact their ability to be cast in shows.
While tech changes can be made to add a second bathroom, improve temp and climate, and even improve the quality and consistency of the sound system, the real reason I won't be back as part of a production here is the frantic unsafe and impersonal direction, dishonesty to and about the cast, and unsafe culture that has been cultivated, called out, and remains unchanged.
I made a copy of this review in case it gets "removed" again. read more