"The one thing worse than being talked about is Not being talked about."

Thank you, Salem Monthly, for talking about my musical, "Dorian-The Remarkable Mister Gray."  

It was an unusual approach, for a reviewer to validate her opinion by quoting a drunk patron.  Very novel and amusing.

This article seems to be based on Saturday the 19th's performance.   A car wreck caused a bridge to be closed and traffic diverted.  A full half of the patrons who had bought tickets never arrived at the theatre.  We had to delay the start time a full 20 minutes.  I was tempted to cancel the show, because I could sense that the people who had managed to get through the hail storm and the winding detours to get there, were in a dark and unreceptive mood.  

The dismal evening that followed was painful.  20 people left at intermission, and those who stayed remained detached and seeming to resent the outstanding efforts of the cast and crew.  I was very proud of the cast for not pulling back an ounce of their energy or enthusiasm, despite the sheet of ice that seemed to cover the auditorium.

Happily, that dud evening was flanked by two wonderful performances.  Both Friday night and the Sunday matinee had the auditorium filled with enthusiastic patrons who laughed warmly at the 19th Century jokes, and who leapt to their feet for standing ovations.  At both of those successful performances, many patrons sought me out to tell me how much they loved the music, how they were enthralled with the story, and how it was "The best musical I've ever seen," to quote a non-intoxicated theatre goer.

It's perplexing to me when it's assumed that musicals are always written with New York in mind.  I had no intention of writing a Broadway show.  I wasn't interested in writing for any manner of commercial mold like that.  I composed a play set to music comprised mostly of impressionist pieces which I'd be horrified to have the audience humming along with.  

However there are several "take out" songs such as "We Can Step Into Forever" and "Some Love Too Little," and I'm gratified that those songs are being appreciated and even loved out of the show's context.  But to create a show of nothing but tunes engineered to stick in the audience's head was exactly what I didn't want to write.

Perhaps this reviewer is right that Salem "isn't ready" for a semi-operatic piece like my "DORIAN," but I have a higher opinion of our public than that.  To now see that there are many enthusiastic fans of the show supports my more positive opinion.  

I'm grateful that the show is finding its audience.  And as I've known all through the many years it took me to create this show, its audience couldn't ever possibly be the majority.

It's too bad that this review was of a disastrous night for the show, but I trust that curious people will still come to see for themselves that "DORIAN" is an unusual theatre piece, waiting and very able to entertain anyone who expects more out of live entertainment than easy-to-absorb fluff.  

People who enjoy the original stage version of "Sweeney Todd" I can practically guarantee will be excited by the score and the superb work from performers like Jason Bailey and Sheree Ross who star in this unique piece--singers mysteriously not mentioned in this review, but who are giving some of the best performances I've ever seen in a local musical.

My show couldn't possibly be everyone's cup of tea---and thank heavens for that.

Thank you Ms. Oneill for a most entertaining article.

Randy Bowser - creator and director of "Dorian-The Remarkable Mister Gray"--which plays through May 10 at Pentacle Theatre, not through the 20th as incorrectly listed in this paper.

That the wit of Oscar Wilde, as well as the talent of Randy Bowser, went unappreciated by a drunken Texan, is not surprising.  That Ms. Oneill chose to devote nearly a quarter of her review to this man's opinion speaks more to the reviewer's acuity than to the play's quality.

I was in the attendance opening night and rose to my feet with the majority of the audience to applaud the cast and the producer/director.  "Dorian: The Remarkable Mr. Gray" is a professional, compelling musical well worth seeing.  Pentacle Theater is not know for large scale, original productions, and so perhaps neither the audience, nor the reviewer, were expecting a complicated score, the need to follow a well apportioned script, nor the intensity of feeling generated by the cast.

I would urge anyone who appreciates innovative theatre to experience "Dorian: The Remarkable Mr. Gray."

I wasn't drunk and I thought that Dorian was a tedious, stinky piece of crap.  The music was monotonous and the first half was way, way too long.  Everytime there was a musical climax, I thought sure we'd be going to intermission (and we could leave) but I was tricked four times ("Noooooo!").  It reminded me of "Red, White, and Blaine", the musical in "Waiting for Guffman".

Excuses, excuses, Mr. Bowser.

While I appreciate your Wilde-like approach to receiving criticism, oh so cleverly and sarcastically utilizing a piece of Oscar's own wit to twist "being talked about" into an accepted compliment, I, too, attended opening Friday and can attest that the audience was visibly emptier after intermission. Perhaps it was the strange April weather. I remember odd bits of non-sticking gritty snow wafting down as I walked the Pentacle path. But to attribute objectively observed audience displeasure to weather is to assume that your audience isn't intelligent--that they are influenced so instinctively and pervasively by animalistic feelings about the clouds and stars and thunder that they are unable to understand and appreciate the genius performed live in front of them. Oh, now that's not fair, of course. You don't mean to say that your audiences are unintelligent. Or that they don't understand the complexity of your plot or "operatic" music; we know that couldn't possibly be what you mean.

Wait. Is that what you mean? ("my show couldn't possibly be everyone's cup of tea--and thank heavens for that"?)

While it's true that the ensemble was strong in voice and energy, and that Jason Bailey was a gem vocally and dramatically, that does not mean, in fact, that the musical composition, which Ms. O'Neill and others take issue with, is high quality. Calling it operatic doesn't mean that it truly is--especially in the breath support or diction of several unmentionable leads. Calling it impressionistic doesn't somehow magically mean that it has license to be un-hummable or actually unpleasant for musically-trained ears. I will, chivalrously, be happy to retract and apologize for these frank comments when the show "makes it to Broadway" and is recognized by music critics to be the unhummable piece you strove to compose.

I'm not too clever myself, but it might be a misstep in a quippy comeback to compare one's work with Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, which was surely the product of workshopping, financial grants, an artistic team of professionals and several degrees in music (not to mention training and collegiality with Babbit, Bernstein, Hammerstein and Prince).

Given: you have experience with previous debut productions as well, and you are bringing unique shows and opportunities to the Salem patronage. Although we all recognize the sheer energy, creativity and drive it must take to write, compose and direct your own 3-hour musical based on such a deep and revered piece such as Dorian Gray, audiences tend balk at a creative producer's self-indulgent and wordy explanations for why others just don't appreciate his work. But that's okay; chalk it up to self development.

Remember, Mr. Bowser, that directors must have tough skins, and that they also must perceive the difference between people who stayed for the whole show to fawn over and pet the creative team, and people who left and are therefore not available for somewhat more various comments.

The show was indeed an unusual approach, perhaps unique enough to warrant Ms. ONeill's inclusion of an unhappy and drunk-after-intermission-as-a-coping-device-patron as a symbol for a largely unimpressed audience. Too bad it was not so novel or amusing. Unless, that is, you're just happy to be talked about.

Ah, the joys of anonymous posting online.  It can make people feel so bold--and safe.  But it can also make them look so foolish.

I came back to this site in hopes of finding more amusing additions to these replies, and I happily wasn't disappointed.

The apparently strong need for this last poster to be so public about her/his dislike of "DORIAN" is so peculiar and striking that it's easy to see that there's some kind of urgent agenda behind the need to write all that.  And it's given me a rather strong intuitive guess as to the writer's identity.  Tsk Tsk at you if I'm correct.

As I said before, it would be impossible for "DORIAN" to be everyone's cup of tea.  To have adapted Wilde's novel into something more appealing to a mass market would be an impossible task for me to even comprehend.  It's easy to be popular.  It's more fun to be true to one's vision, trusting that at least some people will resonate with what one creates.  It cannot be part of an artist's consciousness to fret over how large an audience he/she will attract.  It's impossible to not connect with at least some people if we just remain true to our own unique artistic vision.

The complete strangers who have sought me out after the show to tell me what an important experience the show was for them have been doing anything but "fawning" as Ms. Anonymous suggests.  They've had a need to let me know that they found "DORIAN" a rich entertainment.  Naturally the people who weren't grabbed by the show either left at intermission or stayed and didn't say anything.  

It's very gratifying that night after night, the majority of the audience have stood in ovation, have made a point of congratulating me, and have lavished praise on the music, the lyrics, the script, as well as the superb ensemble of performers and the production itself.

The show is finding its audience, as I always knew it would.  I've spent half my life working on this project because I've believed in it and have constantly been validated by others that it was a very worthwhile project.  

It would be impossible to grab those people who have responded positively to the show and convince them that they shouldn't like it, just as it would be impossible to convince those who didn't like it that they should.  "DORIAN" is what it is.  Some people love it, others hate it--and so the world goes 'round.  Why should it be surprising or interesting that some people like it and others don't?  It isn't interesting.  To each his own -- one man's treasure -- I say potato - and etc.

When people write these bizarre attempts at sabotage, exampled above, at least facts could be kept straight.  The writer of the original review posted on this site didn't attend opening night as Ms. Anonymous suggests when she said "I was Also there opening night"--The writer came on Saturday which indeed was a disastrous night for all concerned.  No "excuses" required--That was simply one of those evenings where no theatre piece could have survived--we really should have cancelled.  Friday, the opening night was a good start of the run, and then following the debacle of Saturday night with its car wreck, hail storm, missing patrons, and a frazzled, grumbling group gathered in the auditorium ---following that, we've had a progressively more confident and richer show, paralleled with a progressively bigger percentage of very responsive and grateful ticket buyers.

You don't like something?  That's fine - But why, unless there's a deep seated reason to undermine something and spread negativity--why is there such an urgent need that as many people as possible know you didn't like it?  Why are they supposed to care?  Why the manic mission to imply to others that they're dolts if they don't hate something right along with you?  

The answer is that people only go to such lengths to make negative noise when they have personal motivations.

The reason I've spent as much time writing this new response is that all this stuff posted here, starting with the original "review" is painting an inaccurate picture of what's currently happening out at Pentacle Theatre.  The show is triumphantly being the controversial and important cultural event I anticipated it being.

So, thank you for proving, again, that "DORIAN" is something worth talking about.

(the other reply supposedly from the drunk patron quoted at length in the original article speaks for itself--no response required)

Randy Bowser - creator and director of "Dorian-The Remarkable Mister Gray."

To both the anonymous critic and to the playwright:  Let's play nice.  You both appear to have issues which would be bettered aired in private rather than under the guise of review/rebuttal concerning "Dorian: The Remarkable Mr. Gray."

I have seen the play and would like to congratulate the outstanding cast for their intensity, professionalism, and for their extraordinary talent.  Jason Bailey as Dorian, and Sheree Ross, playing both Sibyl and Lily, were exceptional.  Their voices handled the demanding musical score with strength and sensitivity.  It was 3 hours well spent.

I urge everyone visiting this site to see the play.  It is new, exciting, innovative and (considering these postings) controversial.  Make up your own mind about the play, then come back and post your own review about the play.  

Seems like a reasonable manner in which to continue...

I am embarrassed for Randy Bowser.  I don't know him nor have I seen his show (although I do have tickets for the closing weekend)however I find it unbelievably tacky and classless to write a long pretentious response to the review.  I have never read or heard of one word that Stephen Sondheim has written to defend his poorly reviewed shows (and yes there have been many, sadly).  It takes grace and a sense of humility to accept criticism. Bowser's verbosity and lack of class is embarrassing.  Poor Pentacle Theater to have to endure his ego.  I hope it was worth it.

The previous writer says he/she is embarrassed for Mr. Bowser.  I must say that I was embarrassed for the talented group of actors that had to perform that drivel. Strong singers, strong actors...stuck in an amateurish mess that clearly needs major editing, rewriting, revising, reworking and something other than the incredibly irritating computerized "music" that really bothered my ears.  Like the previous writer I also do not know the composer, director but between the show and his long winded narcissistic responses to people's honest reaction to it.........

No amount of b.s.ing by the haughty creator can change the fact that his Dorian creation, like the play's painting, cannot bear the light of day.  It is not a good musical.  Many, many people did not like it the night I saw it and left early.  Those I spoke with in the lobby were mildly angry that they had been duped into attending such a poor show at such a great theater.  They told me that it falls far below the community's expectation of a Pentacle production.  That does not mean the acting was poor (it was not) but that the material provided was atrocious.  It was new, yes, but good, no.  It is worth watching Dorian just as the movie Gigli is worth seeing; just to see how bad bad can get.

I totally agree with most of the comments made on this page. Having previously worked with Mr. Bowser, I must agree that he is completely too self absorbed. I appreciate his willingness to try something new in a smaller community, however his attitude towards criticism is very poor. If you want to explore your talents for the public, be prepared for compliments and criticism. Dont be a jack-a**!

1st off, I gotta tell you, it's been a delight reading all of these postings. Not only has it been a gut-busting riot, but it reveals many colors of Pentacle Theatre that are seldom addressed or talked about. Let's just get all the dirty laundry out in the open. Starting with the over-developed egos that are spreading like cancer through this theatre. You know who you are. I know who you are.

Mr. Bowser: aside from showing your immaturity towards harsh criticism, you have shown yourself to be a jack-a** and a blowhard by objecting not only once, but TWICE to the opinion of the general public. You remember the general public, right? Your AUDIENCE? I agree wholeheartedly with the lady who 1st posted her review: the material presented to us on opening night (yes, I was there, and stayed for the entire show when I was trepidatious to do so, and after 1 quarter of the audience left!) was 2nd rate, at best. I can honestly say, in all of my years I have never seen or heard anything like Dorian. The music was all over the place. The dialogue was monotonous. It was like listening to a 3 hour inside joke between people you had never even met. A script not even good enough to dab your backside with after a hot day of driving. There was nothing driving the story forward. It lacked structure, tempo, and pacing. And there was NO LIQUID in the bottles or glasses!?!?! I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here! American realism is a live and well on the American stage, and should be practiced! On the plus side, I caught a nice 15 minute power nap, only to wake up to see poor Jason Bailey wearing a Halloween mask and a silver sable wig that made him look like Doc Brown from Back to the Future!

AND comparing it to the likes of the ORIGINAL Sweeney Todd, which is one of, if not the best musical ever written, was presumtuous, rude, and insulting. If anything, it was a rip-off from Jeckyll and Hyde, and I doubt even Hasslehoff, the Knight Rider himself would touch Dorian with a 10 foot pole. I have listened to the original recording of Sweeney Todd on it's opening night. They received AMAZING ovations, some stopping the show for 30 seconds at a time. Your show failed to do so. What Sondheim, Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou created was genius. So, let's know our limits and aim a little lower than Sweeney Todd.

Once more, on the plus side, the actors were top-notch. I know most of them , and they did a fine job. They were dedicated, and for the most part, seemed to be enjoying themselves. What was wrong with the show. was. the. material. They could only do so much with what they were given, and they did just that. They were handed poop, and made poop salad with it. The actors dedication to such dreck was the only thing keeping anyone's butt in the seat, if they stayed at all. The actors and crew are to be commended.

In short, the material was not ready. It needed re-editing and a whole new makeover. It was not a new musical by any means. It was a bad version of what's currently vogue. (Was the whip at penis level really necessary?) I could see what you were trying to accomplish. It's NOT over the audiences head, and implying so is not only bad for your street cred, it's bad for Pentacle, as a whole. Ron Cowan's half-assed review didn't help things, either. I think it sent people to the theatre with a hope of seeing a solid show! Thank God for sports writers turned theatre buffs! Let's not lose our loyal patrons over being defensive about a crummy script and score, or insult the audience in print. I have been acting at Pentacle for over 5 years, with every experience being a memorable, life-changing, and pleasent one. If I were aspiring to audition for a show, and happened to stumble across your blog, I would run away from the theatre in a New York minute. Why would I wish to work with people that stuck-up?

And who better to ask an opinion about your show than a drunk patron? It was totally honest, and right on the money! Suck it up, learn from it, MOVE OOOOOOOOOON! (Sunday in the Park With George, anyone?)

And. Scene.

     I don't have much time for a studied reply, as this is my first visit to this website, and I have a 6:00 p.m. call at the theater, which as usual, I eagerly anticipate.
     I would first like to thank Mr. and MS. Anonymous for their passionate attention to our premiere production of Randy Bowser's "Dorian- The Remarkable Mr. Gray."  The knowledge that we are bringing life to some members of the community, is both encouraging and uplifting to me.  Perhaps someday we'll even know their names.
     I also want to thank Mr. Bowser for giving me this opportunity to perform in this unique and creative masterpiece, that, very possibly, may outlive its critics.  I wholeheartedly support his very able and tempered defense of his (and this company's) creation, and look forward to a successful and entertaining finish to the show's run.
     In regards to Mr. #11's remarks; I thank him for his cudos to the actors.  I,too, have been acting at the Pentacle for over 5 years(6 to be precise) and still consider myself somewhat of a newby.  It is truly an honor to perform with such a talented group of real veterans (some of whom I've worked with before) as well as dedicated, young Pentacle first-timers, shining just as brightly.  I hope Mr. Eleven someday has the chance for such a unique opportunity as I now am enjoying.  MR. #12, Neil Vannice.

The kudos I gave to the cast and crew are well deserved. Know that.
The issue I have is with your director and his smug, undermining tone towards the genearl public when voicing their opinion about their experience with this musical. Comparing this "masterpiece," as you put it it, to anything by Sondheim has done is a bit much for me to swallow. And trust me when I say I'm not the only one who feels this way. I would like to think I have a good sense of what the audiences of Salem think and expect from Pentacle Theatre. "Feeling the pulse," if you will. "Dorian" was not for them, and not for most. I applaud Randy is his attempt to bring something new to our humble stage, but not being willing to take criticsm from his own audience speaks volumes about the mans character. Instead of bitching and moaning like a little school girl, he should have taken the reviews and opinions like a man and moved forward. When he crossed the line into attacking the members of the public for their reviews and opinions, that's where I step in and tell him to clam up. I don't know if you have had ovations every night. If you have, outstanding! Again, the work by the actors was great, and I mean that sincerely. But I can't imagine people standing in line waiting to meet the director afterwards. He was probably confusing that with the line at the bar. Why anyone would wanna talk to that Cruise-esque blowhard completely vexes me.
Pentacle has been very good to me, and to many friends of mine. Every experience I have had has been more than pleasant, but know this: the day I willingly place myself under Randy's Bowser's direction will be in the reign of Queen Dick. Now, suit up, and break a leg! It looks like you were all having fun out there, and that's what will keep people coming to the show. But if they have read any of Randy's postings on this site, don't leave the light on for anyone.

What a giant waste of time!  Half the audience left with us at intermission and all of them felt  similarly ripped off.  I thought this was a better show house.  I saw a play at McNary last fall that was 10 times better than this crappy play.  Jeez!

I absolutely can not wait to see it closing weekend...reading all of this has been an absolute riot!!!!

I don't know anything about the director.  However, based solely on reading Mr. Bowser's comments, I have come to the conclusion that he is an arrogant, pretentious, preening, egomaniac.  I have to say I'm also a little sad for him, but his self-delusion seems thorough enough that none of this will phase him.  Besides that, I just want to ask that anyone unfortunate enough to see this show will not base their opinion of Pentacle Theater on it.  

Wow.  What a weird bunch of posts.

I have no idea what show most of these messages are talking about.

I saw "Dorian Gray" and quite simply believe it's the most professional, entertaining, interesting and impressive show I've ever seen in Salem, and I've seen many a show at any venue, with any group you can name.  It's not at all in the same class with the amateurish stuff usually half-heartedly cranked out in town.  

If anybody left the night I was there, I sure couldn't tell from looking at the auditorium.  It had to be nearly full and stayed that way for Act Two.  And if anybody Did leave, they missed the most thrilling part of the evening, and didn't hear the excellent songs saved for that act which anybody can instantly tell are potential huge hits.

I'm writing because I can't believe how totally innacurate of an impression this string of garbage makes of the show.

Here's what I heard from people around me as I was leaving the theater--"Brilliant" "A work of genius" "Best thing I've ever seen here" "Enthralling."

The smell of metal sparks in the air is really strong in this feedback, as in there are obviously some axes being ground here.  It's totally obvious to me that the majority, maybe ALL of the posts here are written by people, very possibly one person who for some peculiar reason is bent on damaging ticket sales.

And it's pretty shocking to see people claiming to be dedicated Pentacle volunteers trying to undermine one of the theater's own productions!  I hope they're found out and drummed out of the group as the pathetic, envious little sh!ts they'd have to be to expend all this energy being nasty and negative.

Why Bowser should be criticized for trying to set the record straight here is beyond me.  What's with this thing of cowardly anonymous posters having the freedom to fling whatever cr@p they want while their target is supposed to not have the right to respond?

I've heard before what a nasty town this can be, but I've never seen it demonstrated so vividly as in this pile of cyber dung.

I can't imagine what it'd be like to spend half a lifetime creating something this amazing and then to have people on so destructive a mission to malign it.  Big round of applause for Bowser showing up on this discussion, even though it was apparently dangerous for him to do that.

This show to me is more interesting than "Sweeney Todd," more entertaining than "Phantom" and much more intelligent than "Jeckyll and Hyde." 

I have no idea why anybody visiting this site should care that some people don't like it.  So what?  But they should know that there are people like me, along with the people cheering, applauding, whooping, standing at the curtain call when I saw the show, who know it's one of the best, most exciting things ever done in town. 

Salem should be proud.  And Salem should be ashamed of this site for making it possible for this non-stop string of very questionably motivated messages to be posted.

THIS audience has spoken.  Nothing can convince me that I'm somehow a moron for loving this fantastic show.

Footnote:  The Keizer-Times review said "RUN to see Dorian" and said "you'll be wowed by the score and the performances."  Here here!
 

Bowser?  Is that you?  If not, how much did he pay you?  Either way, I want to try and clarify a few things.

Firstly, the problem that I have with Mr. Bowser coming here to take on the public is that it seems very tactless for a director/writer/composer to engage in this kind of activity.  People don't like it?  Okay, you have two options.  1) Go back to the drawing board and fix some things or 2) Accept that not everyone will be in love with your show and move on.  To write two (three?) very long-winded responses attacking people who dislike your show shows a lack of class and professionalism.

Secondly, I want to clarify what I think is at the heart of the negative comments on here that have been posted by the Pentacle volunteers.  I am of the opinion that they are quite simply embarrassed.  Embarrassed that a theater as highly regarded as Pentacle is associated with a show like this.  They are afraid that people who go to see this show will forever associate in their minds Pentacle with shows like this, and a large audience base will be gone.  While perhaps this thought is not as clearly explained and comes across merely as negativity, I can say that I at least feel this way.

I don't know what you've been smoking that makes you believe that this show is better than shows like "Phantom" and "Sweeney Todd," but I have an extremely hard time believing that a show which received no workshops, tryouts, or revision guided by peer review, is anywhere NEAR the quality of shows as highly regarded as those two.  Maybe in your world, where the sun always shines, unicorns prance, and the rivers flow with chocolate, this may be the case.

Finally, I just want to say, Mr. Bowser, take off the top hat.  It makes you look like an idiot.

Well, this has been very interesting to watch and read.  First, let me say thank you to all of you for your appreciation for the work I and the cast have put into this show and for your many wonderful accolades and praises.  It was hard to swallow my pride and do community theatre in all honesty.  This is the first time I have done a show for free since I started acting professionally in 2000, but I must say that even with the controversy and the short-comings of the show, which Randy is very well aware of, I am not sorry I am in this show and would do it again.

As for the show itself, theatre patrons must intelligently agree to disagree with one another.  I have had many people come see this show.  Some hated it, I mean absolutely hated it and seriously had a hard time looking me in the eye.  It was quite fun to watch them squirm and wiggle when they tried to tell me how they felt about the show. On the other hand, some believe with work it is headed for off-broadway, and have come to see it multiple times.  They can't stop singing the praises of the show.  They know it needs some reworking, but see genius in the show.  All of these people know theatre, have watched me and supported me throughout my career and have very valid opinions that I trust.  

The truth is it a very different show, with music that most certainly does not catch the ear the first time and is quite long.  It is certainly in a workshop stage and Randy is quite aware of that, already making cuts and reworking even as a theatre company in LA is talking with him about the rights.

As the original reviewer said, there are many things right with the show, just as there many things wrong with it.  Don't come expecting a perfect, polished show that has taken New York by storm.  Come expecting to see a new work that is still in progress.  The next time Dorian is performed it will be quite different.  But for what it is, the first performance of a work with libretto, lyrics, music, and orchestration by one person at a community theatre, it is very good.

For those who saw the show the first weekend,
I must take some blame for the poor quality of those performances.  The honest truth is my wife came to see it the next weekend and berated me for my terrible acting.  She felt I was very expressive in my face, but my body lacked connection.  I have since changed my performance of Dorian and I believe that change adds much to the show that might have been missing.  I suggest, if you have the opportunity and can stomache it, that you give it second chance.

Again, thank you for your support and wonderful words for me and the cast and lets keep trying to raise the bar and the amount of theatre, especially professional theatre, in Salem.

Jason M. Bailey

I would just like the chance to say that Randy Bowser has attempted to send a show to broadway before. Anyone remember Metrolpolis? I know that Metropolis was a great show with a great cast, however, as much as people loved that show, it is still not on broadway or even off-off-off Broadway. Dorian cannot even be seen in the same milenium as Metropolis let alone be considered a show that could be off-broadway. Randy Bowser is a coward for his writings on the post and I love fueling the fire!

 Pentacle is a great theater for people trying out theater, getting to know the ins and outs. Sure, with most other companies you dont have to strike the set or clean the toilets, but Pentacle gives a great place for new and young actors to grow.

I do not know who allowed Randy back in the picture of Pentacle, but if I were on the board of directors, I would not let this low life return to my theater. He has burnt sooooo many bridges in the community and  many fine actors in Salem refuse to work with him.

The End

I'm probably a fool to post again, since someone here is obviously intent on doing as much damage as possible to Pentacle and Bowser as possile, and will just keep coming back with the vitriol.  Some extremely urgent need on this poor soul's part to wreck the theater.

But I had to come back to say that no, I'm not Bowser, but I've been a patron long enough to know that he has been constantly involved at Pentacle since "Metropolis."  It looks to me that nobody had to "let him back in."  His name is in the production credits for shows more than anyone else in town.

And speaking of "Metropolis."  Yes, you mean the last time there was a high calibre show at Pentacle.  Now isn't it amazing that these two outstanding shows had the same director?  No, NOT amazing.  That's the point, that with "Dorian" the theater finally has a show to be proud of again.  

The level of productions there have plummeted dismally in the last five years.  It's embarrassing that this anonymous hate monger is trying to pretend that "Dorian" is an embarrasment to Pentacle.  It's many a show between "Metropolis" and "Dorian" which are the embarrassments, and which have kept patrons away.  Proably some this blatantly envious creep worked on.

Tepid and rather self-serving as Jason Bailey's response was, at least he could see that some seriously wrong crapola has been pulled on this discussion thread, and so he felt the need to say something.

Anonymous twit above, I really hope you have trapped yourself with these posts.  If anyone should be kicked out of that group's membership roster, it's clearly you.  I'm trying to imagine what triggered your raging hatred so much?  Maybe Bowser didn't cast you in a lead or something like that.  Maybe you were in a show of his and couldn't take the hard work and discipline.  Those would be my guesses.

Thank heavens Pentacle has professionals like Bowser and Bailey willing to spend some time helping newcomers discover what it's like to put on top quality shows like this.

And by the way, Anonymous twit, even I know that contrary to your misinformaton, volunteers at amateur theaters all over the country clean the toilets, strike the set, do all the work on shows.  Pentacle is typical in that regard.

Shaking my head at how some idiots can scream over and over that something is black when its clearly white.  Really pathetic whining here from everyone but the one being attacked.

Disgusted in Salem but proud of Pentacle for "Dorian."

I know what I'm doing this coming Friday!  Any show that can spawn the kind of responses I've been reading here MUST be seen.  Maybe I'll hate it.  Maybe I'll love it.  Maybe I'll walk away and say "what was all the fuss about?"  But, I'm going to try like hell to watch it with an open mind, which I confess may be a challenging task after perusing these postings.  

I liked the play.  Although it was really sad when they made the little boy take a bath and he drownded.

To the author of post number 17 and 21, how dare you have the nerve to call people annonymous twits when you don't even have the cajones to post openly yourself.  Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

As for the show itself, I have yet to see it, I will be there friday night.  I will try to watch the play with an open mind, but I must say it will be hard knowing the creator is as tactless as he is.  

I have done shows at pentacle for over 15 years now, and have never met someone who grossly misrepresents the ideals and standards that Pentacle tries to uphold as I have in Mr. Bowser

His over inflated head and ego don't even fit through the door to this quaint little theatre.

Most of his shows are self-indulgent pieces of crap and to have the audacity to say that Metropolis and Dorian (which I have yet to see) are the two best shows in the past five years while everything in between was crap is just as much of an insult as these other posts that say Dorian is crap.

Signed: Peter Woodcock

I have to say that I know the author of posts 11,13,18,& 20, and have worked with both he and Randy before, and I would work with him in a heartbeat before I ever touched a Bowser production again.  Make that mistake once - Shame on you, make the mistake again and shame on me.  Maybe the theatre should take this advice to heart.  You got screwed once with Mr. Bowser - shame on him.  You brought this one on yourself.

I just hope that when this is all over, that Mr. Bowser can take some time to reflect on the writings here and realize what a cowardly, smug SOB he is being, not only to the the Theatre and his cast, but to the city of Salem and all of us unappreciative, uninformed, ignorant audience members.

I just wish that I didn't feel I needed to see this show to see what the hype is all about, because I feel bad fooling the theatre into thinking they have a show I really want to pay money to see.

Dear Patrons of Salem,

I am pleasantly satisfied to see one of the grand traditions of the Theatre being perpetuated in the provinces.  I refer to the  unique ability of the Stage to create within a community a genuine Scandale of such a vitriolic and violent passions. Emotions exhibited in this forum eclipse those more commonly confined to the boards themselves.
Artists, creating contemporay original works, should be commended for their commitment to their aesthetic, and if their works are criticised, be allowed to defend their works accordingly.
The fierce attacks on Mr. Bowser's work, and the scurrilous and profane descriptions of his personality, are regrettable for their crudity, and vendetta-based venom.
Regional theatres such as Salem's should take pride in their commitment to staging new works, rather than relying on more conservative and cautious business models sutained by tired revivals of  crowd-pleasing warhorses.  The risks and rewards of staging original works by local artists should be accepted by Producers and Patrons alike.
The residents of Salem and the members of Pentacle should embrace and encourge new artists and the creative enrichment they bring to their audiences, rather than emulating their city's namesake by roasting local talent at a stake driven into the heart of their Arts-community.

T.E. Morrison
Kent, England

So it seems that a common thread/accusation amongst some of these posts is that those people who have expressed dislike and distaste for the show and its creator obviously have some "ax to grind" or are "vendetta-based."  (Props for the alliteration Mr. Morrison)

Now, call me crazy, but I just had a thought.  I know it's entirely unlikely, completely far-fetched, and altogether ridiculous, but had the thought ever occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, people are saying the show sucked...because the show sucked?  Or is it possible that people think Mr. Bowser is pompous and pretentious because, you know, he's pompous and pretentious?  I know, crazy right?  People saying things because they believe them.  I guess the only logical explanation is that everyone here has a personal vendetta against Mr. Bowser and the show, as opposed to, say, standards for what constitutes quality theater and professionalism.  

Also, did Oregon get annexed by Canada without me realizing it?  

Speaking as patron of Pentacle Theater, and Salem native, I LOVE this style of "operatic" theater.  In my humble opinion this show needs some work.  Mr. Bowser has put together some MARVOULOUS songs with beautiful and often complex harmonies!  I did nearly cry at one point in the second act, the song about "every man kills the thing he loves." Then there were some songs that were only "okay" that had little or nothing to do with moving the story along.  Perhaps some judicious pruning could have improved the flow.    

I LOVED the costumes, the set, the lights, the effects, and the performances!  TOP NOTCH!  I really enjoyed Bowser's adaptation of the story and the fact that the controversial elements of the production were handled very tastefully.  I also enjoyed and UNDERSTOOD the humor.  

What really did the show in, I'm afraid, was the atrocious MIDI-ish background tracks!  It ruined even the best songs of the show!  I could tell that the arrangements were very well put together but the software used caused my date to down 4 Advil at intermission. If Mr. Bowser gets an opportunity to direct his show again I hope he can get access to a live band.  For me this would have made "Dorian: The Remarkable Mr. Gray" a masterpiece!

My husband and I loved this show.  Not wanting to knock other shows, this was just so much more professional than what we've seen before at Pentacle.

The music was superb!  Cast was mostly pretty great too.

What we liked, was that it wasn't your typical commercial sounding Broadway thing.  It's really unusual and fascinating.

I just noticed the last guy here didn't like the sound track. I don't get that.  It sounded like the recording of an orchestra to me, with synthesizer sounds mixed in, maybe that's what that guy didn't like.

What is it with this black and white "it sucks" or "it doesn't suck" thing?  And people who talk like that always sound like their opinion is the only one possible.  Well, this show so didn't "suck" in our opinion.  What sucks is the junk on this site.

One more comment.  I think it's super obvious that there are people on this thread who have some personal vendetta, likt someone said.  It doesn't make sense to be SO negative otherwise.  It's obviously personal and I think pretty funny.

We loved it.  People standing up at the end obviously loved it too.  Oh, and nobody left when we were there either.

Sorry to say Mr. Bowser, but it was a disaster.  I did not come on the night Ms. Oneill was discussing, and there were many people who left at intermission and even slept through both the first and second acts.  They could be heard.  The music was all the same tempo and philosophical subject matter is not a very appropriate theme for which to write a musical.  

The use of tapestries of the picture of Dorian Gray and then switching to CG imaging for the latter part of the show was not only distracting but very tacky.  At one point the gruesome face morphs into that of every cast member and then back to Dorian,and later appeared to wink at the audience, which was unnecessary and actually comical in its execution.

The only enjoyable part was when the chorus and Basil were onstage as they found interesting things to do in spite of the  awful material that they were forced to hurdle.  

This is the first show in my long theater-going history that I actually wish I had not wasted my money on.  This is not a show with which one can take fond memories or appreciate the text.  All respect to the actors who tried valiently to mount an unconquerable beast of a script!

Nothing is going to be perceived similarly by everyone, and the most interesting art to me is that which elicits strong reactions, either positive or negative. "Dorian--The Remarkable Mister Gray" certainly fits the bill. I appreciate all who posted their varied responses to the show.

My philosophy about art is that it is important to honor those who step up to the plate and create. Any artist takes a huge chance in doing so, but the well being of our communities, our society and our world is enhanced when they do so. I honor the author, the cast and crew, and Pentacle Theatre for presenting something new and unique. This was a huge undertaking, and the amount of work and care that went into this production is mind boggling.

I found "Dorian," to be very impressive. I thought it an evocative production with beautiful music, a lively pace, wonderful performances and some heart wrenching moments. I came back a second time with friends who also enjoyed it immensely.

It is not a perfect work, but that is okay. Art does not need to be PERFECT. "Dorian" is exciting, challenging and unusual and I am happy to support local art. Bravo!

I stood up, other people did too.  Pretty sure nobody left when I was there.  The atmosphere was electric, we all knew we were watching something rare and special.

As a musican I can assure poster #29 above that the huge variety of tempi in the score is one of its strengths.

I have to say it's a really odd comment that musical theater should never be philosophical.  Say what?  I guess #29 was talking about Broadway musicals, but it is so obvious to anybody who paid attention, that this show isn't supposed to be a Broadway style thing.  It's an opera maybe.  Its a dramatized novel set to music.  It is what it is, and it sure goes beyond any rules for commercial theater I'm aware of.  And that's why we were so impressed with it that night.

Maybe the show has gotten a lot more confident and effective since its first week, most shows do.  But all I know is that when I was there, sure I could see people there who were confused and not in to it, but there were plenty of us who couldn't help but be swept away with what was an all too rare gripping night in a theater.  I've never seen anything like it, and I mean that in the best possible sense.

And that is my opinion.  I wish more people on this awful thread would remember to add the phrase "in my opinion."  It's meaningless to say "it was a disaster" without framing that with "in my opinion."

After reading all these blogs over the last few weeks...I finally saw for myself what everyone has been discussing.

OK...it was very long.  My ears grew really weary of  song after song after song in quick succession with such complicated and dissident sounds...so many words...so many notes.  I was worn out by the end.  It was way too much to take in.  Overload.

I don't mean to be unkind at all but I really did want to leave at intermission.  Not because it was horrible, I was just really tired of all the big belting singing.  The songs all sounded alike and I had a hard time following the story.  I got the main point only because I am familiar with the main thesis...but I was really lost about so much of it.

The voices were superb...the acting was over the top...way to "dramatical" for how small Pentacle is.  I felt they were trying too hard to have the Les Miserables style of acting.  Would have loved to have some soft, mellow, (ok the one guitar song was nice but the fake playing with the recorded accompaniment was a bit cheesy...he didn't need the guitar at all)songs to give a break from all the bombastic fevered singing.  Louder, gut busting is not always better.

No one stood during the curtain call...quite a few people left at intermission....I heard no one at intermission exclaiming about how "enthralling" the show had been...as a matter of fact the lobby was pretty quiet, usually NOT a good sign for any live theater performance.  

In summary, there had obviously been a tremendous amount of work put into this production.  The writing of it, rehearsing of it, performing of it.  But all I kept thinking as I watched was, so much work for what?  24 hours later not one single song stands out in my mind...looking at the program NOTHING in the list of scenes or songs tickles my memory.  It was completely forgettable.

I applaud all that were involved but I would NEVER be inclined to go to the Virgin record store in Times Square (like I have on numerous occasions) to purchase the CD of a show that I had just walked out of on Broadway.  And NO...I do not like just the "typical Broadway" fare.  I am a huge Sondheim fan, the more complicated the better.  I have been fortunate enough to perform in many Sondheim shows over the years.  

So, in a nut shell, The cast was wonderful.  The material needed major work.  And I respectfully offer these thoughts as MY OPINION!

The end.  And now I hope these blogs will be removed so we can move on to something else!!!

I was there also and had a rather opposite reaction to the last poster.  I would be in the "enthralled" category, like the audience member quoted here.

But this is completely false, "No one stood during the curtain call...quite a few people left at intermission."

EVERYBODY STOOD--It looked like a complete standing ovation to me.  I have no idea why that last person stated the exact opposite of what really happened.

And if anyone left, INVISIBLE to me.  Pretty full auditorium, and it stayed that way.  And we were all abuzz with excitement over what was simply a superb evening in the theater.

So, just wanted to say that I, along with the majority there, loved the show, but wanted to also say that this last person reported the exact OPPOSITE of what really happened!!

I realized later, writer #32 had to have been talking about a different night.  I thought they meant closing night.  That's when I was there, and the show went over incredidbly well, everyone stood up, no one left etc.  That person had to be talking about some other night, my mistake.

It's always interesting how incredibly different reactions can be from night to night during a show.  It has a lot to do with the random combination of people who happen to be there.  When there are a few lively laughers, that helps warm up the whole audience.  When there are A.D.D. types sitting where the rest of the audience can see them, that of course has a negative, distracting effect. And things like that.  Can vary so much.

But I wanted to come back and say I realize now that #32 was describing something so opposite of my experience, that i saw later that we had to be talking about two totally different nights.

Great show.  I'm really looking forward to a cast recording being available.