TONYTONETONI

It has come to my attention that several fans of Basic Training have come to my defense in an online argument regarding an unfavorable review of Basic Training in TimeOut New York. On the TimeOut NY website these fans have posted comments defending the show and my talent against some reviewer who remains among the 1% of people who didn't like the show despite the fact that he was laughing and applauding throughout. (one of the fans sat behind him on the night he saw Basic Training). He has a right to his opinion, I just think these people want him to make up his mind.

The editor of the TimeOut New York theater section expressed that he didn't appreciate these fans calling his reviewer a jerk and he accused me of 'standing in the doorway and creating an awkward exit' as if I don't allow people to leave the theater when the show is over. This is New York. When New Yorkers are ready to go, they go. And I stand to the side after the show. I was raised to say thank you. It never ceases to amaze me how someone who didn't even see the show can make assumptions about things they know nothing about.

Maybe he needs to stand there 'in the doorway' with me and listen to the stories of hope audience members share with me as they exit about how they don't normally go to the theater and my show makes them feel like they might want to consider going again- for a few reasons:

a. Basic Training ain't a musical and it actually speaks to issues that are on people's hearts and minds every day

b. The American Fear Machine wants everyone to think we'll all be living in hostels and eating at soup kitchens by 2010 so hearing a story of hope and redemption is never a bad thing.

To the fans I thank you, because you are the reason I get out of bed every day. Much like the 2008 election, the people have spoken. It's good to see democracy at work.

Not everyone who sees this show likes it and I fully accept that. I think that's the same for every show, movie, restaurant, whatever. Choice is a good thing. But when you get 10 awesome reviews and one bad one, it ain't the show that needs to change.

Keep it comin.