Play Critique

Each critique should be a minimum of two pages in length, typed and double-spaced with 12 size font and appropriate margins. It should have the structure similar to any critical paper- an introduction with a thesis, a body with examples and evidence supporting the thesis, and a clear conclusion.

Your thesis should be your statement of your “feelings” about the production: Did you like it? Did you dislike it? Were you bored? Was it engaging? Exciting? Average? Mediocre? Etc.

The body of the critique should include specifics concerning why you did or didn’t like the production. Things to comment on might include the acting, was it believable? Were some performers stronger than others? Why were they stronger? What made others weaker? What did you think about the direction of the play? Did it appear smooth and seamless? How was the pace? Was it rushed or did it drag? What did you think about the set, costumes, sound and lighting? What was your first impression of the set? Did it make you curious? Relaxed? Edgy? What did the costumes tell you about the different characters? How did the lighting affect the mood of the piece? What were your thoughts on the story itself? What did you think about the characters? What do you think the intent of the production was? Was there a specific message that you as an audience member received?

Focus on how effectively all the elements of the show combined to tell the story. There are many different things for you to comment on in your critique but the bottom line is simple. You either liked the production, found it average, or you disliked it. Now your job is to explain why.

please choose a play or musical from the list below and write your critique on one of those shows.

Musicals

Mama Mia

Phantom of the Opera

In the Heights

Tommy

Grease

American Idiot

Cabaret

Rent

Into the Woods

The Wiz

Beauty and The Beast

Shrek

Chicago

Wicked

Little Shop of Horrors

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Plays

Romeo and Juliet

All my Sons

The Curious Incident of a Dog at Midnight

Twelve Angry Jurors

Lysistrata

The Grapes of Wrath

California Suite

Noises Off

House of Blue Leaves

Rumors

Moon Over Buffalo

Bus Stop

Our Town

Peter and the Star Catcher

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf

The Importance of Being Earnest