EASONS

Written by Amy J. Barry
Photography by Mara Lavitt
The Life and Times
of Connecticut Critics
A long-time theater critic and her fellow members of the Connecticut Critics
Circle share the realities of their profession: scribbling notes in the dark (electronic
devices cast a light), enduring shows that never should have made it to the stage,
and celebrating the industry at Connecticut’s version of the Tony Awards.
You have such a fun job,” people are always enviously
remarking when they learn that I’m a theater critic.
Yes, I agree. It is a fun job. I get to experience a
potpourri of world-class theater right here in Connecticut
and be moved to laughter or tears by comedies and riveting
dramas; rocked by marvelous musicals; awed by magical
sets and costume designs; invigorated by emerging young
playwrights’ progressive, thought-provoking new works; and
excited by reinterpretations of classic masterpieces.
On the other hand, I also have to take notes in the dark,
paying rapt attention to every nuance of what’s happening
on stage and how all the elements interact—from acting to
directing to lighting to choreography.
And, if a production turns out to be a disappointment
and is interminably long to top it off, I can’t sneak out at
intermission but must keep myself from nodding off in my
seat until the bitter end.
Then I have to write my review on deadline, trying to
decipher the notes I took in a pitch-black theater. I spend
hours reflecting, researching, and writing in order to create
a balanced, fair, and insightful review that will resonate with
my readers because I take my responsibility to both potential
audiences and the theaters very seriously.
A bad review could seriously hurt ticket sales, which, in
turn, hurts the theater’s profitability. On the other hand, it’s
important to be honest with readers, as theater tickets are not
inexpensive. Of course, I’m always pleased when I can give a
rave review because everyone benefits: the theater, the actors,
and the audience.
About 14 years ago, I happily discovered that there was
a group of critics who had formed the Connecticut Critics
Circle (CCC) as a way for those of us in this often lonely
pursuit to come together, communicate, share ideas, post our
reviews all in one place online, and celebrate Connecticut
theater at an awards ceremony held every spring.
Founded in 1990, the organization has grown from
a handful of critics to more than two dozen. Our awards
ceremony—originally held in libraries, church basements, and
critics’ homes with between 30 and 70 people in attendance—
has grown into a full-blown theatrical production. Held
most recently at Hartford Stage, the glamorous occasion
featured professional lighting, sound, and projections; live
entertainment; engraved awards (versus paper certificates);
celebrity presenters; and more than 350 attendees.
Our all-volunteer organization recently achieved
nonprofit status, enabling us to raise needed funds to keep
future awards ceremonies equally high-caliber.
CCC members live in all corners of Connecticut and
along the Shoreline. Many review both Connecticut and
New York shows. They come from a wide and impressive
range of backgrounds. We have journalism, English, and
drama professors among us (several have PhDs in theater or
literature), as well as those who have written, performed in,
directed, and produced plays and musicals.
To qualify for dues-paying CCC membership, applicants
must submit proof of annual publication of at least five
reviews—print or electronic—of productions at no less than
four different theaters. To maintain active status, current
members must write three reviews of shows at three different
theaters. The membership chairperson determines if reviews
by CCC applicants meet the organization’s standards of
quality.
Members of the CCC receive invitations from all of the
theaters we review to attend press opening nights, and there
is an implicit understanding that offering us complimentary
tickets in no way influences our reviews.
Though Connecticut’s award-winning theaters are
familiar to Seasons readers, the CCC is a lesser-known
Seasons of West Hartford • SPRING 2017 21