WHAT THEATER CRITICS KNOW

Having written about the theater for more than a quarter century, I’ve amassed a considerable amount of knowledge about plays, musicals, acting, Tony Award winners, theatrical long runs and other stage-related information. Spending considerable time in the theater has also resulted in some curious observations that I’m happy to share.

The unobstructed view you thought you had will suddenly disappear when a very tall man takes the empty seat in front of you.

The other empty seat in the middle of your row won’t be claimed until the lights are dimmed. And the ticketholder will invariably disrupt the entire row trying to get to his seat.

People who know you’re a working critic will inevitably ask you what you think of the production, an assessment you’d rather not share, particularly at intermission.

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A patron who unwittingly claims that the production you’re seeing is superior to Broadway probably has never been to New York.

People sitting around you who talk during a musical’s overture will probably carry on a running commentary during the remainder of the show.

A bad meal, an argument with a loved one or traffic problems have no bearing on a review. The quality of the production dictates the tone of a theater review. Results for the question: Will you watch any TV coverage of the NBA Finals?

52 percent Today’s question: Does your family possess a water park or pool membership? Scan the QR code at the right to vote, or go to NewsOK.com.