Comments on Canary, Meet Coal Mine

Wow, I didn't see that coming. Whatever the motivation, I'll take it -- it's absolutely fantastic news!

awesome. Congratulations, jerry!

Well, technically Jerry hasn't been "hired", since he's been at the Rep, like, forever, but still, I can't think of anyone in their current administration more deserving of taking over the helm there.

Let's hope the search committee decides to make it a permanent appointment - that would be welcome news indeed!

Just so long as assertions about the clamoring of theatre artists for local jobs in local houses is accepted for the blanket statement it is. Using local talent makes sense in many, many ways. But geography and a local street address do not equate some right for the same. 'So-and-so is just as good as' is a meaningless observation in the subjective world of the arts. Every director of a stage production wants to use the best people that are available with what the budget allows. Sometimes that's local--bully--sometimes it's not. Many theatre artists who have worked outside of their particular local area have had to contend with the dagger-like glares and snark of the locals in those other areas getting their noses out-of-joint. It's a series of very small steps from local support to boosterism to provincialism.

More than a little cynicism is called for here; Big House local Trustees haven't suddenly discovered an amazing wealth of talent living right under their noses--that's been here for decades--they're contending with their budgetary and personnel decisions. Mr. Manning and Mr. Abraham--mazal tov!--should keep one eye cocked over their shoulders.

Good job, local guys. Just don't do too well, or the Rep and the Intiman might soon have enough money to go back to New York for casting.