its 8:30 AM in the morning...

So, I've decided I want to explain myself on this point: The Standing Ovation.

I didn't stand up for the show in January. I think some of the cast deserved the standing they received. But, for me at least, a few stellar performances don't deserve a standing O.

When I stood up last night, it wasn't because I was totally drawn into the play. It wasn't merely because the costume and light design were in harmony or because the set worked fantastically. I stood because what I had seen was the successful achievement of a play: unified and whole, from each facet.

So please, don't be offended if I don't stand at your show at some point in the future. The Standing O is not like a sympathy or pity date: You don't do it to make someone feel better because they tried really hard. When we've seen professional plays, we seldom give it, yet we seem so quick to jump to our feet on our home turf.

Just think about it, would you?