Flash mob
So there's a flash mob taking place, for a show called Down Devil's Backbone. These are some folks who came all the way in from Indianapolis, and reportedly have delivered at least one show with one -- that's right, one -- member in the audience. And received two zero-kitty reviews.
There's been some fairly heated debate about this on Callboard. Some people have been saying that crashing their show is a bad idea, mainly because -- why should we reward a show that's terrible, when there's so many other struggling shows out there?
Here's my response:
I've been these guys. I tour, and I've brought shows to cities where I played single-digit audiences and got reamed by the local press. It's not fun. I don't know that their show's terrible: two reviews don't mean anything. Besides, I frequently love stuff that everyone else hates.
So I've been to these cities, and there's enough theatrical dick-sucking that goes on, where nobody will spit on you if you don't have a successful show. So I'll confess that I actually got a little choked up at the fact that someone in my home city would think to try to swarm one of their performances.
Some people really object to doing this; that's fine, and I actually really get the objections, and if it seems silly to you, by all means don't go. But if, for whatever reason, you're as utterly charmed by this idea as I am: make a point of hitting up their show. 2:30pm on Saturday, at TRP.
(With the final annoying punchline that I'm actually not sure if I'll be able to make it, since I'm dependent on someone else for transportation; but if I'm in the area, I'll be there.)
245 Cedar Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Theatre in the Round
245 Cedar Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Details
The Twin Cities Daily Planet is an edited news source produced by professional journalists working in collaboration with citizen journalists from the local community. We publish original reported news articles, articles republished from media partners, and some content (Free Speech Zone articles, reader-submitted blog entries, comments) that is moderated but not edited. Click here for a complete description of our editorial policies. Support people-powered non-profit journalism! Volunteer, contribute news, or become a member to keep the Daily Planet in orbit. |
We're people-powered journalism! Click on story links (below) to see more story information, and then email editor@tcdailyplanet.net if you want to report.
• 
Comments
A Thank You
Just wanted to post a big thanks for all those who participated in the Flash Mob! It's really nice to know that people will come and help out a performance like that. I am sure the rest of the cast is just as greatful as I am! We all enjoyed performing for you, and hope that you will do this for other shows in the future! Thanks again!
Thank you
It's less of a flash mob than just trying to get people together to support an out of town team. Flash mob is an unfortunate term used, but in this case the meaning was to just ensure many would gather in solidarity for these travelers.
Those opposed to this idea either do not understand this, or they are not interested in helping out people who cannot personally benefit their field of networking. The latter is clearly evident in the houses of local productions all year round. Yes, other groups are struggling during Fringe, but this one fell on the radar of a man who understands exactly as you how tough it is to take that touring risk, only to have no response. He then put a single note on Twitter asking if anyone else would like to help out, and it grew from there. Nothing simpler than that.
Besides, for those crying foul on singling out one show, who says they themselves can't do the same to other Fringe acts? Hell, it's not like you can't do the same to local shows as well after Fringe is done. There's no place for the righteous indignation that's been showing up around here with this discussion. This isn't charity, it's kindness. Learn the difference.
I hope people will show up today, get their butts in seats and watch the show. No one said they have to cheer, no one said they have to give good reviews, but EVERY theatre and dance performer benefits from having an audience, and those in this community should know that.
Post new comment