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Demystifying Broadway Reviews: A Guide to Understanding Critics and Reviews

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Published on: Sep 22, 2024
By: Emma Levin
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Everyone’s a critic, as they like to say. But can you trust a critic’s opinion to help you choose a Broadway show? Whether you read theater reviews religiously or avoid them like the plague, theater critics have long been a point of controversy in the theater community. 

Some artists believe critics are just a fact of show business. However, critics are theater professionals who can shed light on the artistic choices of a production. So, how can theatergoers use reviews as a tool for choosing a show?

We’ll unveil the mysterious business of Broadway reviews and how you can use them to determine whether a show is right for you.

The role of the critic in the theater

Mark Twain wrote, “I believe the trade of critic, in literature, music, and drama, is the most degraded of all trades, and has no real value.” Some still share Twain’s sentiment in the theater community, believing a critic’s role is overstated. But who defines the role of a critic anyway? And what’s their purpose? Well, a few different organizations have attempted to clarify the role. 

The Canadian Theatre Critics Association has a list outlining the best practices and core values of a theater critic. They embody the idea that critics act as a guide for playgoers and offer constructive feedback to dramatists. 

The American Theatre Critics Association is the only national organization of American theater critics. They define critics as those who write professionally, regularly, and with substance about theater. 

Ideally, critics should have some sort of professional background that qualifies them to review theater. Whether that be in theater studies, dramaturgy, stage management, or other relevant educational and professional experience. However, with access to the internet and the rise of blogging, almost every average Joe can share their thoughts about a production. 

However, one crucial role of the critic is to inform and guide the audience. Critics offer their perspectives and judgment, helping audience members determine if a show is right for them. Even if a critic's opinion is ultimately subjective, a review still speaks to plot, themes, and talent, which are all useful pieces of information for a prospective ticket buyer. 

However, some artists argue that critics take no artistic risk and are therefore not qualified to partake in the artistic experience. Regardless, the role of the critic has a fluctuating relationship with the artist. The two rely on each other and are both there for the art’s sake. 

How do theater reviews work?

Critics have been reviewing theater shows since the time of the Greeks. Many believe they have the power to make or break a production and even potentially “kill” a show. But how do reviews work exactly? 

Critics always release their reviews following opening night. They offer their opinions on the production quality, artistic talent, and show interpretation. However, critics rarely watch and review the opening night show. Instead, they are invited to a “press performance” - a performance during the latter part of a show’s preview period after the show has been “locked,” which means no further changes to the show are being made.

After the critics are invited to the show, they’ll write the review, which is then embargoed until after opening night. Some reviews are published just a few hours after the opening night performance, and others are published over the next few days. So, it’s not always immediately apparent to the cast and crew if their show is a hit. The effect of a critic’s review on ticket sales and award nominations has long been debated.

What’s shared in a Broadway review?

A large chunk of the review is dedicated to the plot synopsis. Each critic shares information about the plot minus any major spoilers. This part of the review is useful for the reader to learn more about the show's general themes and whether the content is suitable for the playgoer. 

A critic will also offer their opinion on the talent and whether the acting, singing, or dancing were up to snuff. Even though a critic’s opinion is subjective, this is still an essential part of the review. If the talent is especially lacking or a detriment to the production, then the critic will call attention to it. This is especially true in the case of Broadway revivals

The review will also include thoughts on the show's overall direction and production quality. Did they find the set design and costumes impressive? And did they agree with the director’s artistic choices? This part of the review can also inform theatergoers.

Do critic reviews impact Broadway shows?

Reviews are meant to guide theater audiences and initiate discussion around art. Even though the critic is separate from a production’s marketing, they may still impact the show's financial success. 

It’s no secret that receiving awards can help extend the run of a Broadway show and get it more publicity. Each year, The New York Drama Critics’ Circle awards Best Play, which is the second oldest playwriting award. Stereophonic recently took home the prize, and now that show’s run has been extended by five months. It’s rare that a show beloved by critics fails to get a Tony nomination. 

However, some shows still do well, even if reviews deem them a dud. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark received no critical love, yet it maintained a successful three-year run. It’s up to the theater community and audiences to determine if critics are exaggerating or simply speaking the honest truth. 

Still, a bad review could significantly hurt a newer production, especially one without the marketing dollars. This was the case with Broadway Bounty Hunter, which premiered off-Broadway in 2019. Its bad review in The New York Times may have contributed to its early death. Most in show business have learned to accept that negative reviews are just part of the job. 

Major Broadway critics and media outlets

Doing your research and reading multiple reviews will help you make a more informed decision about a show and determine whether you agree with the critics. Here are the major players in the game.

The New York Times

Jesse Green is the current chief theater critic for The New York Times, with a lifetime career in the theater. You might also recognize Ben Brantley, who held that role for more than 20 years. Maya Phillips and Alexis Soloski are also critics and culture reporters at the NYTimes.

Time Out

Time Out is the place to go for everything New York City–free events, concerts, and the best and latest from Broadway. Adam Feldman is the chief theater and dance critic of Time Out, where he has been staffed since 2003.

New York Post

The New York Post is more than a gossip rag magazine but has grown to be a voice for the common New Yorker. Johnny Oleksinski has been leading the charge as the Post’s chief theater and entertainment critic since 2018.

Deadline

Deadline breaks the latest news from both Hollywood and Broadway. Greg Evans has been one of the site’s top theater critics since 2017.

Vulture

Vulture is the pop culture section of New York Magazine, covering all things entertainment. Sara Holdren is their head theater critic and has won the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism.

TheatreMania

TheatreMania is your go-to site for all things New York theater-related, offering the latest news in show business. Zachary Stewart has been the chief theater critic for TheatreMania since 2013.

New York Theater Guide

New York Theater Guide is a great resource for discovering the best of Broadway. It employs a diversity of theater critics to keep its reviews fresh and unbiased. Major contributors include Suzy Evans, Allison Considine, and Gillian Russo.

How to use a review to choose a Broadway show

In order to interpret a Broadway review, you should know what you’re hoping to gain from reading one. Are you looking to gain insight into a show’s plot? Or if the content is appropriate for children? Simple information about the show’s genre, plot, and themes is included in almost all reviews. This is objective, unbiased information and does not require interpretation. 

However, if you’re looking to discover the latest top Broadway show, it’s important to realize that all reviews are subjective. Everyone will have something different to say, including what makes a show worthwhile or not. However, keeping an eye out for judgments on the talent and the production quality can help you decide whether to purchase a ticket. 

Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to trust a review is to read multiple ones. Don’t just simply read The New York Times, but also look at Vulture, Time Out, and TheatreMania, among other big hitters. By reading a few different reviews, a theatergoer can get better clarity on which judgments are shared or not. The more research, the better! 

Check out “Did They Like It?”

The popular theater website, “Did They Like It?” is your cheat code to learn what the critics have to say. This site collects reviews from all the major theater critics from new and past Broadway shows. The site will tell you whether the critic liked the show, felt indifferent, or negative towards a production. They’ll also list each individual review, so you can click and read ones by your favorite news sites. This site aims to make theater reviews more accessible and digestible and offer a faster takeaway on whether to buy a show ticket.

Final thoughts on Broadway reviews

Love them or hate them, theater critics are just a fact of show business, and they offer their two cents on whether the cast succeeded or should exit stage left. As an audience member, it’s up to you to decide whether to trust the reviewer or take their opinion with a grain of salt. The good news is that you can always decide for yourself and buy that show ticket anyway! 

Emma Levin Headshot

Emma Levin

Contributing Author

Emma Levin is a freelance marketing writer with a passion for the creative arts. She’s written short and long-form copy for several brands in the arts, food & beverage, and e-commerce space. In her spare time, she’s perusing the library, visiting new cafes, and planning her next international trip. You can connect with her on her writing portfolio at emmakimlevin.journoportfolio.com.


Education: Drew University, Bachelor's in English Literature

Published

Oct 27, 2024

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