Comments on: Personal reflections on this year’s Fringe musicals

By: Sally Tilson

Sally Tilson — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:41:51 +0000

Joel, I was reluctant to write because I could be perceived to be prejudiced… I’m George’s mother! However, I saw the show twice and loved it both times. I’m proud of my son, but I think he was most fortunate to have the cast he had and the help of Jose and Patricia. They were outstanding. I, too, hope for more productions of this play.

By: Julian Ledford

Julian Ledford — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:20:26 +0000

Hi, Joel!

Thank you so much for providing this opportunity to share my thoughts about this year’s Fringe Festival. This, incidentally, happened to be my first time hearing about and attending the Fringe Festival in D.C. I’ll happily agree with you, though, in that Tilson’s “The Poet Warriors” was exceptionally fine and very well-done. In fact, from the bugle’s preluding calls to the final company number, the piece showed beautiful symmetry and creative genius in its writing, its music and its execution on stage. I will agree with you again, Joel, in that I never once glanced at my watch; the piece was so very engaging! In fact, there are many other great words to describe Tilson’s work; more than I can say here! A few quick words, however, that come to mind are: Memorable and Enjoyable–I’ve seen the show only once, but there are lines and melodies that are still with me. And I would love to see the show again in order to penetrate each layer of the work. That is to say I am not satisfied with one viewing. (This show has real classic-potential! ) Pertinent and Powerful: “The Poet Warriors” mentions current issues surrounding the effects of war and discrimination, but the work is not cheapened by dogmatic political slants and cliches. Tilson, however, shows real people and real emotions, thus sending an immedaiate and powerful connection to the hearts of the audience. It is this conneciton with the human things that makes “The Poet Warriors” Moving and Magical– The piece– despite its setting against destructive and damning war– is a celebration of humanity. The audience, therefore, experiences the gamut of human emotions, ranging from solemn tears to raucous laughter. And I really appreciated the opportunity to feel all this again. I won’t gush on anymore, but I would like to congratulate George Purefoy Tilson, Jose Luis Diaz, Patricia Woolsey and the talented cast of singers and players who combined to present this very classy, noble and praise-worthy musical. “The Poet Warriors” will endure and I’ll hope to see the show on stages around the nation in the coming seasons.

Thank you, Joel!

By: Annamaria Basile

Annamaria Basile — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:42:01 +0000

It’s been nearly two weeks since my two children (both 12) and I sat in the hot and dusty theater and watched Poet Warriors come alive. The three of were glued to our chairs (and it wasn’t because of the heat!) listening and watching the drama unfold. My son could see long before it happened that all three had to die but he was devastated when he turned out to be right. On the drive home we had a long discussion about the play, what it meant and what it means for today’s world. My daughter was truly upset by the song What’s it all mean? She couldn’t understand at first why one friend would push another away in a time of need but after some discussion she got it. The play came up again and again in the following few days. If the “Victoria Secret” sequence were toned down this would make an excellent play for all ages (middle schoolers think a lot– they just don’t always share it). The themes and emotions in the play are vivid, pertinent and real and isn’t that what good theater is about? For that matter is that what life is about? I truly wish I could see one more production and take every family I know to see it– it would open up so many discussions that go begging. Thanks so much George and Jose!

By: Wendy Carson Yoder

Wendy Carson Yoder — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:15:05 +0000

Randi Einbinder said it all for me – didn’t see the end coming in spite of the opening. And I too have not been able to let it go. It was an amazing ensemble production, from the extremely talented cast, to the expert direction and stage managing, to the incredible writing by George Purefoy Tilson. It was an honor to have been in the audience for the last Fringe performance of this beautiful production. After NYC, why not Louisville?!!

By: Randi Einbinder

Randi Einbinder — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:42:20 +0000

i saw the very first performance and left the theater in tears. though all was foretold in the very first scene, i didn’t see it coming, couldn’t let go of these characters and their sweet funny love stories. true and timeless reflection on war’s toll. plus a wonderfully efficient and evocative set, and amazing voices. i can’t wait to see it again on a new stage. my first taste of the fringe turned me into a big fan.

By: Susan McDonald Osborn

Susan McDonald Osborn — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:41:01 +0000

Beautifully written, cast, and produced!

A highlight for me was the lyrics which were at times melancholy – but most often funny as hell.

The musical’s story was masterful in demonstrating how three very different couples (on the outside) experienced the same human emotions - love, worry, loss.

Can’t wait to see this musical in New York!!!

By: Amy Pleet

Amy Pleet — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:44:07 +0000

I love the way that George intertwined the characters of Poet Warriors. As a former English and drama teacher, I found myself noting — “Oh, great symbolism” and “amazing that this cast can stay true to character with sirens outside and the front row fanning off the heat just a reach away.” We have all been touched by war, but have we paused to consider the depth of its impact on ordinary lives? This is a play to revisit in our memories. I’d love to see it again! Thanks, George, Jose & cast! And thanks Joel, for your review!

By: Leo Erickson

Leo Erickson — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:18:18 +0000

What an accomplishment! Well structured, heartfelt yet not sentimental, tuneful; music that was moving in its truth and complexity. And much more…
Thank you!

By: Lisa Stern

Lisa Stern — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:03:05 +0000

Even with the background of DC blaring (sirens, etc.) during the performance, The Poet Warriors was absolutely AMAZING! I truly hope there is an opportunity to see it again in a larger (and quieter venue.

By: Jonathan Henson

Jonathan Henson — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:24:39 +0000

Thank you so much, Joel, for your wonderful review of The Poet Warriors. I must certainly agree with you and say that this cast was amazing. All of the cast and staff were awesome. Filled with so much talent. If there’s anything I love most, it’s to work with a group of individuals bursting with creativity, and energy. This by far, is the best cast I have ever worked with. Thank you all so much!!!

By: Patricia Woolsey

Patricia Woolsey — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:34:26 +0000

Thank you Joel for your wonderful review and reflections on “The Poet Warriors”. It was such an honor for me to direct this piece and very exciting to be the first to stage this wonderful work.

By: Jase Parker

Jase Parker — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:10:35 +0000

Thank you, Joel, for your unending support, yet again!

By: Rachel Brook

Rachel Brook — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:22:29 +0000

Joel, it was a real honor and joy working on this show and means so much that you were moved. Thank you for all you do for our theater community and for showing Poet Warriors some love!

By: Cate Frazier-Neely

Cate Frazier-Neely — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:09:07 +0000

As Rachel Brooks’ voice teacher, (she was in the cast of Poet Warriors) I was glad to see that the musical merited your mention. These things take so much time and energy from everyone involved, and yet how are aspiring composers and lyricists supposed to learn their craft without readings and productions? But if Rachel is any indication of the quality of the performers, they must have had quite a bit to do with the success at the Fringe Festival.

By: Jose Luis Diaz

Jose Luis Diaz — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:22:01 +0000

The company of THE POET WARRIORS is thrilled that you picked our show as your favorite. This is quite the compliment coming from such a respectable person as yourself. George was very moved to read your observations. Indeed everyone involved in the project is hoping that The Poet Warriors has an opportunity to be shared to a wider audience.

THANK YOU very much for your high praise!

By: Jeffrey Johnson

Jeffrey Johnson — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:12:37 +0000

“wished you could see it again and again and again” wow! Thanks Joel!!!!

By: George Purefoy Tilson

George Purefoy Tilson — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:34 +0000

In my book, anyone who has ever been inspired (insane?) enough to write a musical, and then somehow get it in front of an audience, has guts to spare. It’s an unwieldy, delicate, treacherous, and damn unforgiving art form. But god are we obsessed to write them anyway. So I am honored The Poet Warriors was in the company of this year’s line up of Capital Fringe musicals.
Joel — as the author/composer of The Poet Warriors, I greatly appreciate your generous observations about our show, and your opinion that we have an original musical worthy of further productions.
Any writer who has the good fortune of a remarkable cast such as ours, a visionary dramaturg in the form of our director Patricia Woolsey, and a fantastic producer/designer like Jose Luis Diaz, knows a musical can never exist without the right collaborators. So I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. And I wish all the best to those other gutsy writers and composers!

By: John

John — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:29:23 +0000

How can a person ever hope to improve if they are not held to some sort of critical standard? Weirdly enough, I’m actually proud to have received critical or negative reviews – it means what I did had a high enough value to be held to that standard, or rather, that the critic was actually paying attention and wasn’t simply playing “let’s mention everyone’s name and find something nice to say!” game. It gives me respect for the journalist and makes me work harder as an artist, and I’m happy to say that I’ve grown as a result. So I say keep up the good work, DCTS, and hopefully we have many more great musicals next Fringe, some written by these same writers, maybe even to spite you guys. I’m sure nothing would make you happier.