I was appalled to go to a local playcalled Couples Dating the other night and find ithomophobic and bigoted. I understand they meant it as comedy, but thehomophobic words used were definitely not funny. Because there was no comeuppance for the bigoted, homophobic, anti-Semiticmain character (and in the play’s end his view was upheld as the “normal” view), I don’t believe the “just kidding” argument works here. In any case, I never was so offended and it’s extremely tough to offend me. For example, I Spit On Your Grave is one of my favorite all-time movies and my all-time favorite TV show is The Sopranos.
But I’m surprised Couples Dating isn’t being picketed by the gay community of Bend, if there is one. But from the way the audience was responding with laughter, I wouldn’t be surprised if all the gay people had been run out of town. I’m glad I’m not a lesbian, too, it would have been devastatingly painful. I’m appalled 2nd Street Theater would put up a playthatmight have been funny in the 1950s when we were less enlightened as human beings. I’m not giving my name because I’m afraid of the type of people who wouldcheerleader this play.
This article appears in Apr 15-21, 2010.
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First off, I would like to say that everyone is obviously entitled to their opinion. If this reviewer wants to be offended, by all means, be offended.
My opinion, on the other hand, is that this is the biggest load of tripe I have ever seen put down on paper. (or pixels in this case). My two lesbian friends and myself went to see this, and they loved it. “But I'm surprised Couples Dating isn't being picketed by the gay community of Bend, if there is one.” Are you serious? You are so closeted that you are unaware of the gay community, but you feel obligated to be offended for them?
My friend plays the wife in the first couple. You know, the Jewish wife? SHE’S ACTUALLY JEWISH. You’ll note she never actually eats the pork chops, because she (not her character) is Jewish. Obviously the anti-Semitic nature of the show didn’t seem to bother her.
So I would have to say you are easily offended. Even worse, you are being offended for people who aren’t offended themselves.
But then finally, you have to offend me. “I'm not giving my name because I'm afraid of the type of people who would cheerleader this play.” Because what, anyone who would enjoy this play is obviously a cultureless, bigoted, anti-Semitic nutjob? I have an idea, why don’t you get out from behind your computer and go see what the real world is like. It’s not nearly as scary as you seem to think. You might even gain a sense of humor.
Are you kidding me? Didn’t you notice the scenes where the lead character admitted liking the lesbian couple, and making the effort to call them lesbians and not “lesbos?” That’s growth, my friend. That’s effort. And Sopranos? Really? I love Sopranos, but that show certainly wasn’t PC on any level. And don’t be afraid of me. I’m not gonna hurt ya. I’m sorry that you couldn’t see the humor in this hilarious play. You should just stick to prime time television from now on. And avoid anything that starts with “Viewer discretion advised.”
Why is it OK to have all pro gay, anti Christian, anti whatever shows/plays/movies, but if it’s the other way, it’s “cruel” and wrong? It’s all art and we won’t all agree or like everything. Too bad this person is so closed minded.
I wasn’t offended by the play, but I did feel like the script made it feel like a sitcom from the mid 80’s that needed a laugh track. I just felt like it was all so played out and stereotypical that there were no surprises. I loved the acting but I thought the script was riddled with bad jokes and predictable setups. But let me guess, I didn’t like it because I’m closed minded and have no sense of humor. I definitely didn’t think it was cruel because the play would have had to have something new to say. It just felt like Archie Bunker humor to me; old, tired and way past it’s time.
“Couple Dating” is not pro or anti anything! It is a very funny look at a couple of the “Bunkers” type, but younger. Some characters are perhaps “caricatures” because exaggeration is useful in comedy but the premise of the play is realistic and the young couple, with their different quirks are loving and lovable. Everyone can relate to being exposed to someone who’s a jerk, religion or ethnic background aside, and we can all remember times when misunderstanding has landed us in uncomfortable situations. Most of all this is just a funny, well written, well directed and well acted play. Well produced all around!
The guy only admitted to liking the lesbians because he liked the idea of them having sex together. It might be growth but it’s shallow, selfish growth.
What I find most odd about this string is that there is not an official review of the play from The Source.
If you are truly “The Source” of INFORMATION about what’s going on that’s cool and hip in, let’s face it, basically a small town pretending to be a city, it shouldn’t be too hard to review almost every single piece of theater that happens here.
Just check the link at the top of the page. How many plays has The Source reviewed since last SEPTEMBER? None that I can find.
I think I have been IN two plays since then. And many others have happened without me, all by themselves, lol.
What gives with the lack of attention to live theater reviews?
The Source didn’t review in March CTC’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and I hate to tell you, yes you, Source staff, it was STILL one of CTC’s biggest hits in years, and was actually extended in it’s run.
Bottom line for me here is that it’s not like we are Portland or Seattle. It shouldn’t be too hard to find SOMEBODY to write an official review from The Source’s respected PERSPECTIVE, on every show that is presented in Bend.
We are talking about once a month, right? Is that so hard?
I also think an official review would help put some of these debates in perspective.
Many shows have content that is “objectionable” to certain people, and “words” that aren’t always nice. But it doesn’t mean the play = those words. See September review. In that play, there were Nazis, but obviously the message was anti-Nazi.
Dear Cricket- The person who wrote this “review” is nothing more than a coward, hiding under a cloak of anonymity for fear of actually having to stand behind his/her own self indulgent opinions. Your writing is brilliant and spot on. It takes courage and great talent to put your art out there for all to see and your have done it and managed to bring warmth, laughter and self reflection to the majority of people that have seen the play. This community is truly a better place because of people like you.
“That guy” is played by me and I assure you if you had actually watched the show, Bobby wound up being friends with a lesbian and very much so enjoyed her company. Yeah, he was a little uncomfortable at first, because he never knew any better before meeting one. But once he got to know her, he realized that there was nothing gross, wrong or unnatural with her lifestyle. Bobby is not bigoted in anyway, he is just a big, dumb guy who doesn’t know any better because of his lack exposure to any other world, society and lifestyle outside of Brooklyn.
So, people aren’t allowed to dislike this show is the message I’m getting. My problem isn’t the fact that one of the main characters is a man-child or that he doesn’t know anything about diversity but just simply that it doesn’t go far enough to be satire and it’s not pointed enough to earn the laughs it coud have. If anything I wanted it to be crueler so we could look at Bobby as an anachronism instead of trying to get us to relate with him. As it stood, I spent most of the play not liking Bobby at all so that by the time he softened up I could’ve cared less. I love Cricket dearly and I love all the talent involved but by the time intermission hit I felt like I’d been bombarded with every cliche’ in the book.
Sounds like ‘Anonymous’ may have unintentionally done the play a huge favor, based on recent ticket sales. People LOVE controversy.
So, who got the last laugh? …
You are completely entitled to your opinion of the show. Some will love it, others will hate it. It’s completely up to your perspective. We are not going to shove this play down your throat, shouting “Love it, or get the hell out!” How you perceive the show is entirely up to you, and I appreciate the criticism of the Character I play, whether it be good or bad. I just have a problem with people who tear into something so badly as to try to ruin the reputation of local art, playwrights and actors under the obvious cowardice of anonymity. Love or hate the play, but don’t unfairly judge us and what we do unless you want to stand up to the responsibility of your written words. I AM Jeremy Johnson, and I approve this message!
I hope you don’t think I’m unfairly judging, I’m just trying to present an opinion, not attack the playwright or actors.
… oh boy. Wail until “Evil Dead: The Musical” makes its come back this summer. I can see it now.
“Dear Editor. I am a zombie. I live in the ground. I come out at night, and eat human flesh for dinner. I recently saw ‘The Evil Deads: The Musicals’ and must say that I found it to be incredibly cruel and racist towards the undead. This play has been devastatingly painful to the reputation of the zombie community. Mmmmm. Brains.”
Sincerely,
-Abloodymess
(Sorry. Just trying to lighten things up – not undermine the sensitivity of this thread)
I think what everyone, including me, is up in arms about is not the fact that someone can choose to “not like” or “not care for” the play but to call it cruel is a bit overboard. When I tell any of my friends, people who have not seen or don’t know the playwright, say “Has this person not watched TV in the last 10 years?”. The VERY popular show “Modern Family” has a gay couple in it and the father is even a bit uncomfortable with it but still loves them. They make fun and it’s funny. Ethnic comedians make fun of their own culture. It’s all in fun and comedy and real racists and bigots don’t laugh about things.
In my opinion that people are so upset and in defense of it not because they don’t like it but about the overboard cruelty and racism comments.
I have known the author of the play for over 15 years, and I know that the message she was trying to share has nothing but love and humor in it. Frankly the review that was posted has only served to increase peoples desire to see the play and as you can see by the overwhelmingly slanted opinions in favor of the play and against the reviewer everyone who has the opportunit should go and enjoy it for themselves. For the reviewer I have this advice “grow up” you obviously havent lived if you think this type of humor is insensitive.
I agree with Kelly (cruel = overboard). You can choose to not like something, but it’s quite another thing to try and sabotage and sink a beautiful piece of art because you don’t get it. I’m not threatened by Theaterfan’s objections, because he /she is also respectful to the artist, and he /she is not calling for picketing the play and condemning the theater simply because they didn’t like that play. It’s a big difference.
Once in a while I would like to see a review done by someone who knows a bit about theater…set design, lighting, acting, directing, writing and understands what it takes to produce a show, and get a decent cast from our tiny local talent pool. I have watched Couple Dating about 7 times now and each time I enjoy it more than the last time! Yes there is some uncomfortable dialog and some of the situations are a tad….shocking. Would you feel the same way when you go to Tower Theater Comedy Competition? Watch out, you may find some of the jokes there cruel and overboard!!! Maybe some of the jokes in Couple Dating are predictable, but they get real laughs! I personally find the writing very clever, totally fictional but hysterically funny and believable. Susan Benson’s direction is amazing as usual. The action is animated, believable and entertaining. There are a couple people in the cast who’s inexperience shows at times, but it’s made up for by Vanessa’s really strong portrayal of Cricket…um, I mean Tess! I love that Bobby subtlety gets made a fool of by a couple of the characters, and if you didn’t catch that, you really weren’t paying attention! Look beyond just the words and you will see a cleverly written, amazingly directed, highly entertaining PLAY. There, hows that for a review!
WOW….”The Anonymous” seems to be THE spineless jellyfish , she is assuming that the gay community ( which there is a plethora of in BEND over OREGON) would be HURT?or OFFENDED? I am the QUEEN LESBO ut-ohhh Lesbian in the play, we have had openly gay couples attend the comedy, and totally enjoyed the show!!!! Ms. Anonymous needs to step outside her jellyfish BOX and SMELL the REAL WORLD is there Gays in BEND? For F~~~~ SAKE I think the Gay community can stick up for themselfs after all they are not spineless by any means, I’m quite sure they have dealt with much conflict about there lifestyle……ohhh and I should say I have many gay friends…..this message was triple approved by Kymberly MF Anderson
Should be noted that Mike Bookey (arts and entertainment editor for The Source) took the time to check out the play for himself, last night.
Props to Mike for pointing it out as it should be. ‘Couple Dating’ might not be for everyone, but *controversial* it is NOT! Cruel? Absurd. Cool? Possibly. Local live theater? 100%!
http://tsweekly.com/culture/theater/couple-dating-is-hardly-controversial-but-will-you-think-its-funny.html
Mike Bookey’s review sounds alot like the stuff I wrote on here… I am not Mike Bookey. I swear. I have 15 years of theare experience and just wanted to put my 2 cents in. I am happy it’s selling well because Second Street and Cricket deserve all the success in the world.
Ok. I finally had a chance to check out the play for myself today for the first time. Since the the title of this letter is “Local Play is Cruel” I’ll simply deal with that topic, vs giving my full review of the performance (though in a nutshell “I really liked it)
Anyone out there watched any of Louis C.K’s work on HBO (“Lucky Louie”) or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” or pretty-much anything that appears on ‘adult’ television? If so, they you *get* ‘Couple Dating’. Sure, it’s not for the faint of heart, nor those raised under a rock. Sure it’s not for everyone. One thing it isn’t FOR SURE is “Cruel”.
I had the pleasure of meeting Cricket for the first time during intermission, and the thing that immediately struck me is that she’s genuine. She knows East Coast situations and people. This piece is based on people that actually exist, not some fabricated interpretation of NYC living from someone who’s never left Central Oregon.
Though, that-said, I think that Bend has its fair share of “Bobby” characters that this play could easily be based off of. Just swap The Knicks for The Ducks, keep the ice cold PBR, and toss in some reference to marijuana in there, and bingo — ‘Couple Dating’ Bend-style.
Should we applaud Bobby for being who he is? Not necessarily. That’s not what this is about. It’s about developing situational comedy around a stereotypical character (this kind of guy isn’t anything radically new, folks) but set in the context of modern day couple dating.
Hats off to Cricket for putting together a solid piece, and to the cast for putting on an entertaining show, and for standing your ground.
This show has balls. Enough said.
Cricket is my younger sister,and she is full of character. She is far from cruel. She is very funny,talented and at times blunt, she does however find comedy in almost everything. I’m pleased with the success of the play, I know she has found her best happy spot in writing, and I know soon she WILL make it BIG, I’m happy for all the open minded towns who RISK having her art in it. I hope they are rewarded now and in the future for helping her get started. Proud big sis go get them, carlene
Cricket is my younger sister, and I can assure you she is far from cruel. She is very funny and talented. She has found her happy spot in writing and there is no doubt that she is on her way to making it BIG. I found the play to retro and current, controversy is a suprising plus. I hope one day the towns that Risked, not only enjoy her art now but are rewarded in the future for launching her career. Carlene
I applaud Mike Bookey for coming out and doing a “review” of Couple Dating, Cricket Daniel’s first attempt at play writing. I must say, however, that it is possible to “review” a play without giving up the entire plotline and spoiling the surprises for theater-goers who’ve not yet seen the play.
I would also like to add that Jeremy Johnson gives a solid performance in the character of Bobby. I don’t think Bobby is exactly “super douchey”; more like a very naive neophyte with very little worldly experience outside of his Brooklyn neighborhood, friends and family. Thus his extremely narrow viewpoint is understandable if not tolerable.
Bobby is not really homophobic or anti-Semitic. He is just spouting the views which are the norm in his environment. In this vein, I must say that Jeremy’s portrayal of his character is spot on. I am proud to say he is my son and one helluva an actor.
Why is everyone so outraged that the writer of this letter decided to remain anonymous? If we were living in a city there’s a good chance very few readers would know who the writer was anyway. All the letters printed in papers published in places that aren’t small towns are for the most part ‘anonymous’ – excepting the writer and the writer’s friends. If someone writes a letter that’s published in The New Yorker say, then to 99.99% of readers will not know the writer and that letter will be ‘anonymous’ as such.
So, that considered – what’s the agenda of people here in Bend wanting to know who the writer of this letter is? What would happen if it was known? Would they be hassled in the post office, accosted at the bar? Would they be bad-mouthed and gossiped about? Would they be refused service at the supermarket? Find their library card revoked perhaps? Would they be character assassinated on Facebook? How exactly would this pan out?
I didn’t find the play ‘offensive’ exactly, but I can see why the writer would. I did however feel uncomfortable that humour was being extracted from intolerance. Someone who sees this play and is homophobic will find their views validated. I don’t feel that ‘making fun’ out of intolerance towards lesbians is acceptable when in some parts of the world people are killed for being homosexual.
Whether we find it offensive or not, I would like to point out here this play is NOT a ‘beautiful piece of art’ – not because of any of what is brought up so far, but because the writing is immature, the scenarios mundane, the character’s unlikeable and uninteresting…And if you try and argue that, everything else you have to say looks pretty questionable.
I’ve signed here anonymously – under the pen name of writer who took to anonymity to overcome intolerance.
Why is it a HUGE BIG DEAL TERRIBLE THING that the lady wrote anonymously? Sucker punches and secret agendas indeed. I know five other people besides myself that found the play cringeworthy and offensive. There were obviously more people than just the lady who wrote the letter. So she’s shy, so what? Who wouldn’t be? Maybe whether or not the play is offensive is the issue.
Dear SM: In response to why it is okay to have “pro-gay/anti-christian play and movies” here is why:
While it is not okay to be anti-anyone, it is okay to speak out against oppression. The truth is the Christians who are outspoken are oppressive because they believe that their faith should decide how we all live. That is oppression. So we must speak out against them. As someone born and raised Christian, living in Central Oregon makes me embarrassed to be associated with the religion. Of course it is not okay to be anti-anyone, but it is okay to be anti-anyone who wants to take your individual freedoms away because of their personal beliefs. (You might want to study some history on this one- we fought a war that had something to do with that, WWII , sound familiar?).
The reason it is not okay to be anti-gay is because gay people don’t oppress you. You might think they do, but they do not. So, if you would like to continue to be bigoted, go ahead, it is your right, however, don’t call it Art. That’s just stupid and makes you seem like you don’t know what Art is. Then again, you live in Central Oregon where most people think Art is just something that gets you free wine at the beginning of the month.
I’m not sure how anyone can take this play seriously. The truth of the matter is anyone who has ever spoken to Cricket Daniels for more than 5 minutes knows right away she is an idiot. She really only needs about 5 minutes to prove that to you. She is quite talented at showing her ignorance and proud of it, too. She is so stupid, she wrote a play about herself. What Cricket, and many of her supporters, do not understand is that having an opinion is not a sign of intelligence. Never was. Never will be. No matter how hard you try. Even if you write a play.