The University Press was planning to cover the Caldwell Theatre’s new play Modern Orthodox in this issue, but we ran into “creative differences” with the publicist there, who didn’t like the direction our story was taking. Her e-mail to the UP, excerpted below, turned out to be more amusing than anything we could come up with ourselves, so enjoy.
Modern Orthodox was written by a now 31-year-old playwright who is so hot this show has not only been optioned for a film, it’s being worked up as a new television comedy as well. Daniel Goldfarb teaches playwriting to students your age at New York University. He is a multiple award-winner who has not only broken box office records but has attracted theater lovers of all ages, including younger audiences, to theaters around the country as well.
When the show played to sold out audiences Off Broadway, it was billed as the “Jewish Sex and the City” because of its appeal to young audiences. It’s about 20 year-olds looking for love. From what I heard, it sounds as if the Teletubby movies are more your speed and that sort of tunnel vision on your part does not inspire confidence that FAU is grooming thoughtful, intelligent and creative students.
I was under the impression that students at FAU were diverse, well rounded, open minded and interested in learning about the arts, especially since you have a well known theater program. If you and your colleagues just care about Adam Sandler-type entertainment [which is so junior high school], then perhaps Florida’s tax-paying citizens should be aware of how our tax money is being spent. After all, you have a choice whether to publish certain articles and the public has a right to know how its tax monies are being spent.
Your narrow-mindedness affects FAU’s readership, some of whom, I can say with certainty, enjoy theater, even if Vin Diesel isn’t in the cast. It is precisely because of mentalities like yours that overall arts’ budgets have been drastically slashed throughout our country and those students who would benefit from exposure to the arts are left sitting on the sidelines, unable to pursue their love of music, theater and ballet.
Sincerely,Allyson KleimanCaldwell Theatre Company7873 North Federal HighwayBoca Raton, FL
