Theatre groups picket Sault Star

Look out, Sault Star.

You're going to have a demonstration on your front doorstep tomorrow.

SooToday.com has received the following notice from Peggy Cooper, producer of the Sault Musical Comedy Guild's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which opens May 12.

****************************** PRESS RELEASE Local community theatre groups will join together Wednesday at 3 p.m., at the Sault Star to protest the Sault Star's decision to stop reviewing local theatre productions. For years the Sault Star has reviewed local productions. This service has served many functions.

The honest opinion of someone not involved with the production keeps theatre groups honest and provides an impetus for them to improve. Also, theatre groups have come to depend upon the review to remind audiences, many of whom wait to read the review, to buy their tickets. Further, reviews stimulate discussion about theatre, its purpose and function in a community.

They encourage theatre groups to know and understand their audiences in the local community.

These theatre groups depend upon the community for support, just as they contribute to the community through the purchase of equipment and material for their plays. There is an expression that states that "that which is not valued is not evaluated."

The failure of the Sault Star to continue with their reviews tells both the theatrical community and the public at large that theatre is of no value.

Is this really the message which we want to give to your youth, many of whom participate in local theatre as a creative and worthwhile recreational activity? Do we really need to tell our youth that if they do not play hockey they are not worth noting? ******************************