Exit Stage Left

About a year ago a never-before-seen sight opened on Broadway: Sweeney Todd directed by John Doyle, which featured actors who simultaneously "acted" as musicians in this retelling of the story of the "Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (a personal favorite). Having seen the show I can attest to its uniqueness and creativity in telling this (in my opinion) timeless tale. Just one year later another venerable Sondheim-favorite, Company at the helm of the same prosaic director: John Doyle is the toast of Broadway. His "reinvention" of Amadeus (also using actor musicians) opened in London in mid-December, to some crtical acclaim.

Today's top story on Playbill is that Doyle's forthcoming production of Barnum at San Diego's Old Globe, featuring, yet again, actor musicians has been cancelled due to "rights issues." Having seen two of these three current incarnations I can honestly say: "Thank God!" Yes, your idea was "ingenious" for its time and yes, we all thought the gimmick was entertaining, we enjoyed your take on the dark musical, Sweeney Todd, and we thought Raul Esparza was particularly remarkable during his interpretation of "Being Alive." We all think that you're an accomplished director; you won a Tony...what else do you want?! Enough is enough. Using actor musicians does NOT work for every show, nor is it an effective way to tell the story. Quit while you're ahead, yo, we'll remember you with fondness as you disappear into the annals of American theatre.