Rumors

In case you didn't notice (I don't know maybe you don't read the paper, maybe you just read the blog — strange, but I can dig it), I haven't done any theater reviews lately.

I've been trying to break it to local theater folks gently, but yeah, we're not doing regular theater reviews anymore at The Californian. I know. I know. You're upset. You're angry. You want to slap somebody.

But it's going to be OK, guys. I'm still going to write seasonal previews, you know? Those big packages I started this year? The ones where I tell everyone in Bakersfield what plays are running for spring/summer and fall/winter? And we're still going to have Camile Gavin's column. We're still going to let people know what shows are opening on the weekends. We're still going to put the shows in the calendar. We'll even do the occasional feature on big shows when they come to town. (Like how I wrote preview stories for "Teatro Bizarro" and "The Vagina Monologues.") We're not going to ignore a big show.

But I know that a lot of folks will still be upset. It's OK for you to be upset. I mean, my predecessor even reviewed high school plays. I had to cut that out if I was going to hit opening weekend of the actual theater houses.

So we're not abandoning you. Any of you. Heck. I love you crazy guys. And I'm still going to write about you from time-to-time. You'll certainly still pop up in WOTS. It's just now you don't have to worry about me having to write mean things about plays I don't like anymore (even though I know you liked it when I wrote great things about plays I loved! I'm still talking about "Into the Woods," Hal! Still tell everyone Doug Cheesman, Monique Gomez and Joe Cannon are the best young actors in town. Still like those poor, crazy bohemians at the Empty Space! Even when it's bad, it's like bad in this beautiful, fantastic "La Boheme," "we're-all-gonna-die-poor-so-lets-put-on-a- show!" sort of way.)

So, buck up thespians of Bakersfield! It's going to be a bit of an adjustment, but everything is going to be OK. Really. If you want me to hold your hand and talk you through it you've all got my number (some of you even have my cell phone number. Some of you even know where I live) so just e-mail me or give me a call or blog your concerns below.

You know I'm always there to lend you an ear.

Your friendly neighborhood entertainment reporter,

Danielle