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Topic: Letters Sent to Romenesko
Date/Time: 8/29/2006 5:38:47 PM
Title: Sun-Times theater critic answers her critics
Posted By: Jim Romenesko
 
From HEDY WEISS, Chicago Sun-Times: Here is the letter I have sent to all those who were made to believe I reviewed the Stages2006 musical theater project without being invited to do so. Incidentally, I should tell you that no one from the Dramatists' Guild had the basic decency to ask me about the entire situation before issuing the extremely damaging tirade against me. For people who surely pride themselves in the championing of free speech and free press these writers are very quick to believe what they are told, and to eschew the most basic elements of fact-finding.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am stating the facts regarding the review of Stages2006 below. You might want to consider them, even at this late date, before launching any further attack on my ethics.

1. At no time, either by phone, e-mail or in person, was I EVER told not to review these workshops. In fact, the presenters of Stages2006 not only invited me to see the shows many times, but they provided me with tickets, elaborate press materials, and photos to accompany my review. What's more, after seeing the work and choosing the piece I thought most promising, I even asked the public relations person for the project to specially e-mail me a photo for that show because it was not on the CD.

2. Reviewing of this showcase has been standard practice (by both the Sun-Times and Tribune) for a number of years now; if you do not believe that you can check the archives. The only reason the Tribune critic did not write this year was that he was on vacation. In addition, my assessment of last year's showcase just happened to be far more positive..... and I would bet anything that a copy of my review was submitted as supporting evidence for grants, etc., that the Musical Theatre Writers' Workshop made to funding organizations this season. You simply cannot have it both ways, though that seems to be precisely what the producers of Stages2006 want.

3. I would NEVER write about any work that I was told was "not for review." The producers in this case are being dishonest in the extreme to suggest I was asked not to write; they knew very well that I expected to do so and expressed not a single hesitation or concern. In addition, it should be noted that the Stages series is not like workshops held in New York, where special invitations are issued to closed readings, etc. This festival was advertised and listed in the press, tickets and passes were sold and it was a fully public event.

4. Finally, I bent over backwards to find some positive things to say about work on view.....work that was mediocre at best, and sometimes worse. What's more, the review appeared several days after the festival was over.

I hope you will consider the facts of this situation, not the extreme distortions of the truth that are being so widely disseminated. I have NEVER reviewed any show that I was not expressly invited to see and write about, and Stages2006 was no exception.

Sincerely,
Hedy Weiss

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