Twice in a row, now, by ignoring our productions of, first, Homer's "The Odyssey" and a new play, "The Way We're Wired," the Deseret News has chosen to abandon its long time policy of reviewing mainstage plays performed at BYU. Now we see a long column discussing the exciting theatrical events happening in Utah this coming summer with again no mention of BYU theater.
I have a vested interest in complaining about this -- I directed "The Odyssey" and wrote "The Way We're Wired." But it does get frustrating. I make an effort to see as much theater in Salt Lake as I can, and I see a great deal of theater in Utah Valley as well.I see the same shows Ivan Lincoln does, plus a great many he can't be much bothered to see. And frankly, right now, in my opinion, Provo/Orem is a more exciting theater town. The cultural standard in Utah Valley is remarkably high these days, and the cultural standard in Salt Lake is at a bit of an ebb. But Lincoln has no idea this is the case.
The University of Utah does some remarkable work for a university theater, and I enjoy its shows in the Babcock tremendously. And, to his credit, Lincoln does review Babcock shows. But my colleagues at the U. would generally agree that we're doing some pretty great work down here as well.
Lincoln's car apparently is capable of making trips to Cedar City pretty regularly. Provo's only about a 40-minute drive. Or, if he simply cannot abide the provincial Provo hicks, couldn't he at least assign a stringer?
The reality is that the Deseret News is the most important newspaper in the state and has a responsibility to cover cultural events in the state. And, more pragmatically, the Deseret News has a great many Utah County readers. Could you not make some small effort to serve your entire readership?
Eric Samuelsen
Provo