Terry Teachout Interviewed at Rollins College.

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Terry Teachout, the drama critic of The Wall Street Journal, was interviewed about his views on theater at Rollins College. He is also the critic-at-large of Commentary, and the author of “Sightings,” a biweekly column for the Friday Journal
about the arts in America. He also writes about the arts on his blog,
“About Last Night”. His latest book, Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington, was published by Gotham Books. He wrote part of Duke at the MacDowell Colony and received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2012 to support the book completion. Satchmo at the Waldorf,
his first play, was premiered in 2011 in Orlando, Florida starring Dennis Neil as Satchmo. Dennis’s performance was powerful and convincing at that world premiere production.  It would be hard to imagine another actor filling those shoes. Since that production, Dennis moved to Los Angeles. Satchmo was
later produced last year by Shakespeare and Company of Lenox, Massachusetts,
Long Wharf Theatre of New Haven, Connecticut, and the Wilma Theater of
Philadelphia. 

Satchmo at the Waldorf transferred to New York’s Westside Theatre, an off-Broadway house, on March 4, 2014. It closed there on June 29, 2014, after 18 previews and 136 performances. According to The New Yorker,
“Teachout, Thompson, and the director, Gordon Edelstein, together
create an extraordinarily rich and complex characterization. The show
centers on the trumpeter’s relationship with his Mob-connected Jewish
manager of more than thirty-five years, Joe Glaser Thompson forcefully
inhabits both men, and throws in a chilling Miles Davis, delivering an
altogether riveting performance.” Thompson won the 2013-14 Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for “Outstanding Solo Performance” for his performance in the play.

After reviewing so many shows that didn’t work, Terry gained insights on what does work best in theater. The simple act of constantly writing made it possible for him to create any scene needed with honest compelling emotion. Sometimes simple persistence and perseverance is what is needed to keep the creative process going. Terry remains an inspiration, sharing his insights with Rollins students year after year.

Satchmo at the Waldorf

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I went to an open rehearsal for Satchmo at the Waldorf on the evening before its world premiere. The play was written by Terry Teachout perhaps best known as the Wall Street Journal theater critic. The play, directed by Rus Blackwell stars Dennis Neal. The play was based on 650 reel to reel tapes that Satchmo, Louis Armstrong, made over the course of his career. A tape to tape recorder was on set and a few times Dennis spoke directly to it. Circular tables were arranged cabaret style around the stage.

During the course of the play Dennis plays both Satchmo and his lifelong manager Joe Glaser. He transformed instantly and believably on a dime. It is through this relationship that the hidden details of Armstrong’s life were revealed. Although fellow performers referenced him as an “Uncle Tom”, singing and waving a handkerchief mistral style for the white folks, he was actually quite a bad ass with a sharp tongue. Talking to a reporter about whites spitting at young black children going to desegregated schools, he called them out for what they were, “Mother f*ckers!”

Looking down at his trumpet, he remarked about how lucky he was to find Lucille, the love of his life. “She know this trumpet come first, even before her. That’s my livin’ and my life.” He had never had a Christmas tree growing up and she set one up for him as a surprise. He looked at the lights all night. He wouldn’t let her shut it off.

Dennis Neal gave an inspiring performance. He never played the trumpet but his monologue slowly unraveled the inner spirit of a great performer. Tech for the show broke down at one point when a sound effect was lost and had to be tracked down. Dennis sat quietly on the stage, waiting. He said, “Bad scrimmage, great game.” It was like Satchmo himself waiting for the world to catch up to his inner driving force. Terry sat on stage with him. Photographer Kristin Wheeler took the opportunity to photograph the actor and playwright together. This was a historic moment. A great show was about to be born.

Performances are at 7:30pm Thursday through Saturday and at 2:30pm Sundays through October 2nd at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Tickets are $20general and $16 for seniors and students. Call 407 405-8091 or e-mail SatchmoWaldorfAstoria@gmail.com for more information.

Confessions of a critic

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Wall Street Journal theater critic Terry Teachout gave a talk on what he feels a theater critics roll is in society. He told a story of how he met a critic once over a drink and when he asked his fellow critic what he was up to next, the critic perked up and said with glee that he was about to pan a play. He explained that to many critics go into a production with a review already set in there mind. He feels that to many critics are not competent enough to right reviews. The first 15 minutes of any play always have the audiences full attention. At that 15 minute mark the play ether continues to grab the audience or they are lost. He always goes into a play wanting to write a good review.
Terry confessed that his first love was music, but at a painful point in his life he had to admit that he did not have a creative spirit. He found he was a better writer than a musician. Therefor he always approaches a theater review with a bit of reverence, respecting the very act of putting on a show. He explained that theater is as vibrant as ever, but in these uncertain economic times it is important that people go to the shows. The very future of theater depends on it.