tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post3864342268605202517..comments2023-11-28T09:07:17.642-05:00Comments on South Florida Theatre Scene: Actor's Publicty Stunt Backfires in a Big WayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-38316047727450406762009-01-29T22:32:00.000-05:002009-01-29T22:32:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-38864782758914180362009-01-29T22:05:00.000-05:002009-01-29T22:05:00.000-05:00Mary Damiano and the New Times blog took the word ...<I>Mary Damiano and the New Times blog took the word of Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist Church over the word of one of its own </I><BR/><BR/>Actually, Larry, that's completely untrue. Mary Damiano DID take Mr. Goldyn at his word. It's obvious when you read her original article, and I've pointed it out at every opportunity. The New Times <I>retracted</I> its story. <BR/><BR/>No one, not even me, has launched a smear campaign. These events actually happened as described. You did this, not me. That's not "smearing." That's "reporting." You did something stupid, and we reported it. <BR/><BR/>The ire you're feeling isn't mine. It isn't Mary Damiano's. I doubt that it's Brandon's, either. The comments you are objecting to are coming from professional actors - and one director - in our community. They come from your neighbors.<BR/><BR/>Larry, you've been ignoring a lot of very good advice in the last month. Heed me now: exit the spotlight, and say no more. You've painted yourself into a corner, and now you're adding a third coat.<BR/><BR/>As Ken has tried to point out, your scene is done. Go home.C.L.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01734352657431970430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-33311639018632488922009-01-29T18:20:00.000-05:002009-01-29T18:20:00.000-05:00Aaaaaaaaand... SCENE!Aaaaaaaaand... SCENE!KenClementhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07707577036580321885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-60352322869159941882009-01-29T17:31:00.000-05:002009-01-29T17:31:00.000-05:00I have an idea. How about if we all go get a life...I have an idea. How about if we all go get a life? Aren't there audition pieces we should be rehearsing, or pilates classes we should be taking? Vocal workshops? Yoga? ANYTHING????? Has the South Florida Theatre Community really dried up so much in this recession that we have nothing better to do than worry about what Larry is doing today? Especially when so many of you have made your negative feelings about Larry abundantly clear? Why let it get to you? Most of you don't even know the kid, so why worry about mistakes he is making? I must say I am perplexed by the media coverage of all of this bullshit. And that is what it is boys and girls. Bullshit. <BR/><BR/>I fully intend to take up juggling after hitting the "post my comment" button. I encourage all of you to go develop a new skill, or perfect an old one. Just let this sleeping dog lie. Go back to your lives, and make some good theatre to keep everyone employed and entertained so that we don't have to rely on Larry to do it for us.<BR/><BR/>-ElizabethUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00443883624362659895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-7129395536314448802009-01-29T17:07:00.000-05:002009-01-29T17:07:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-49965863976656264892009-01-29T11:25:00.000-05:002009-01-29T11:25:00.000-05:00Larry I have looked at your resume. We can go down...Larry I have looked at your resume. We can go down your list of credits and discuss them one by one if you like. But lets not go there. Let us talk about what is not on your resume. What is not on there are theatres like Naked Stage, The Promethean Theatre, Mad Cat, Gable Stage, Alliance Theatre, New Theatre, Florida Stage or any other legitimate theatre that puts on GOOD work. Your biggest credit is the children's Theatre at Actor's Playhouse. That's not good.<BR/>I doubt that the theatres that I have mentioned will cast you in light of the damage your actions have caused.<BR/>You see Larry, before you did such a stupid thing, the theatre community down here had little knowledge of who Larry Fields was. And that was a good thing. You did not bring any baggage into your auditions with you. Now we know who you are and what damage you are capable of.<BR/>You are an actor who does not know his place. Actors DO NOT send out press releases. Actors DO NOT write incendiary letters to critics(no matter how wrong they are about you in their review). For the record, I think Mary Damiano was wrong in mentioning your appearance in her review. You should have just let her look bad. By replying to her remarks the way that you did, you put the light on you and off of her bad review.<BR/>I know that people are coming down on you in a harsh way, but that is only because we feel duped by you. I honestly do not know if you can overcome this. I do not know if Raising Action can overcome this. The damage you have done to that theatre's credibility is not what I would want to happen to mine. How can I be sure that you will not do these same things if I was to cast you in a show. I can't take that chance. So I will tell you face to face (via the internet) what the rest of the theatre community has been saying behind the scenes - I will not be casting you in any of the shows I direct. That is not to say that I do not wish you well. I do. My wish for you is that you learn something from this mess that you have caused. My wish for the few directors who do cast you is that they have the strength to keep you from hurting their productions. I am sure that I will see you at auditions. Until then remember this- humility and true contrition go a long way in helping people heal from any wrong doing.SF Directorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03743589537864254337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-37629816456012033812009-01-29T09:37:00.000-05:002009-01-29T09:37:00.000-05:00Well, I just checked it out on Al Gore's internets...Well, I just checked it out on Al Gore's internets. 'Dewey defeats Truman' was already taken.KenClementhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07707577036580321885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-1575633154194584382009-01-28T19:23:00.000-05:002009-01-28T19:23:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-1648725059552571282009-01-28T17:41:00.000-05:002009-01-28T17:41:00.000-05:00Larry,I thought you were "done with this"?Why do y...Larry,<BR/>I thought you were "done with this"?<BR/>Why do you keep digging yourself in deeper and deeper? Do you really not realize the damage you've done to your "career"? <BR/>Yes, I know, you are a working actor. You do this for a living. You stay booked solid. And your need to endlessly repeat that just proves what we all know: You are a sad, pathetic, insecure man.<BR/>Your letter to Mary was repulsive. Your "apology letter" was a joke.<BR/>Maybe now is the time for you to sit down and give it a rest. <BR/>Are you capable of that, Larry?<BR/><BR/>By the way, I've seen you audition, and I've seen your resume... let's not get too cocky....https://www.blogger.com/profile/00437328250827391479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-70836748980687874082009-01-28T17:13:00.000-05:002009-01-28T17:13:00.000-05:00Do you read what you write before you publish it? ...Do you read what you write before you publish it? You're putting a huge spotlight on that Macy's window. Why are your responses regarding your irresponsible behavior overshadowed by defense of your lack of talent. I didn't see (or care about) your performance, and with the windows open, I didn't smell it so I have no firsthand opinion. I have nothing against you because you suck. I know plenty of actors who suck. It's OK- go suck. And it doesn't surprise me that there are producers who hire you- I've probably squirmed through some of their productions. This is all about your poor judgement and irresponsible actions and nothing to do with your apparent lack of talent.MikeSmallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14627005439326423631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-39174547059310693052009-01-28T16:41:00.000-05:002009-01-28T16:41:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-82877644269274570312009-01-28T16:01:00.000-05:002009-01-28T16:01:00.000-05:00A response to the Entertainer from the Michael per...A response to the Entertainer from the Michael person:<BR/>You're going to talk to me about grandstanding and credibility?! My friends who attended your production were union actors who described the show as excruciating and agreed with Mary Damiano's assessment that you are totally without talent. As for your gay Moses remark- widen your vision, you myopic moron, your stunt had the potential to do damage to my theater friends, my gay friends, and me and my neighbors. Your level of delusion is astounding. Good luck with your career in South Florida.MikeSmallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14627005439326423631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-55238238533891301572009-01-28T14:41:00.000-05:002009-01-28T14:41:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-83739534837721829772009-01-28T13:00:00.000-05:002009-01-28T13:00:00.000-05:00Wow. What drama here in S. Fla! I have been follow...Wow. What drama here in S. Fla! I have been following this goofiness from the periphery and feel the need to comment on the tone in which 'The Entertainer' infects all of his correspondence and also express some other yet-to-be-mentioned points. Friends of mine altered their plans, bought full-price tickets, and made donations to this theater group solely to support it from what was reported as unfair targeting from a hate group. They endured what they described as an excrutiating production, but left feeling proud of being supportive. They now feel duped and embarrassed. I live 2 1/2 blocks from this theater and never knew it existed. Entertainer tells how he sat at home in Miami and emailed Westboro and refers to it as a publicity stunt. He sat in Miami and invited these hatemongers into MY neighborhood?! Were there assurances that there wouldn't be violence? Or arrests? Or ANY adverse effect on MY neighborhood? Or to my people, as I am a member of both the theatrical and gay communities. I agree with an earlier post that advances the thought that Goldyn was aware that the email was sent by someone connected to the production. He emailed Westboro to gloat, but didn't wonder how his obscure, nearly invisible, little theater was targeted? As far as Entertainer's perception that there is some faction "out to get" him, I will quote from the bible, "If you stand naked in Macy's window with a small penis, somone will hollar- Hey, look at the guy with the small penis."<BR/>This guy's actions and attitude is an insult to the theatrical community and the gay community. And how dare he invite hatred into MY neighborhood.MikeSmallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14627005439326423631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-59106411949846892482009-01-28T09:24:00.000-05:002009-01-28T09:24:00.000-05:00Valid points all around, Antonio.Valid points all around, Antonio.C.L.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01734352657431970430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-30459689955131525042009-01-28T09:20:00.000-05:002009-01-28T09:20:00.000-05:00I think Larry DOES have a point. It's not ours to ...I think Larry DOES have a point. It's not ours to say if there was any ill intention on his part. We should probably lay off of him a bit on that point.<BR/><BR/>However, he did make some really bad choices in the past few weeks, and so the South Florida theatre community came down on him. Them's the breaks when you choose to enter into this business. The press is not out to get him, they're just reporting the news.The news pieces on this issue were all pretty void of opinion. When they were egged on to give their opinion, they were clearly going to do so. That's how it works. No one is out to get anyone, but Larry was indded at fault for this whole thing. He's not an evil person, but he did start this sh*t storm. I don't know if anyone else had a part in the letter to Westboro, so I don't think it is fair of us to speculate. We DO know that Larry wrote the email, then kept quiet while the world came down on David Goldyn. It was Larry's responsibility to keep that from happening. The press is going to cover a story if it is there to be covered. THAT is how it works. You can't PROCLAIM that they are vindictive for doing so. That is a reality we ALL face in the theatre cmmunity. If you don't like it, get out of the business. <BR/><BR/>But now that Larry HAS come forward, we can stop crucifying him for these actions. It was poor judgement. That's all. There are MANY other ways to promote a show as well as the gay and lesbian cause. I hope Larry understands that.<BR/><BR/>P.S. I wouldn't worry about being "Blacklisted" in this community. There have been many, over the years, who believed they had been "Blacklisted" for their actions in the past. They all get second chances. None of us are perfect. Keep auditioning and let your work speak for itself.The Naked Stagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12822098712248894803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-19271599002027001012009-01-27T23:27:00.000-05:002009-01-27T23:27:00.000-05:00Everybody makes mistakes; but those who won't lear...Everybody makes mistakes; but those who won't learn from them are dangerous to be around, and that's what's going to make a director think twice about hiring you. Hate mail to the critics, goading hate-groups; you're a loose cannon, Larry. Worse, you're a loose cannon with a persecution complex.<BR/><BR/>Nobody is out to "get" you. There are no "well connected" people conspiring to crush your "career." You just keep doing stupid things in a very big, very public way. Congratulations, you're an entertainer.C.L.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01734352657431970430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-81824038869538861782009-01-27T23:07:00.000-05:002009-01-27T23:07:00.000-05:00For the record, neither Goldyn or me made any requ...For the record, neither Goldyn or me made any requests for counter protests. I sent one letter that amounted to a press release to Westboro. I only hoped that a few articles would be written about the church's plans that would spark additional interest in the show. The show, not a counter protest, not violence, THE SHOW. Some are now playing the "what if" game about had the protest occurred. I know we in the theatre world love to think about the magic "if", but right now it is being used to drag me through the mud. This is simple. The nastiness being tossed around about me and David Goldyn has little to do with the facts surrounding the story and everything to do with personal vendettas. <BR/><BR/>I notice there are a few anonymous posters on the New Times Blog, actually I assume they are actually the same person, who seem to have a particular problem with me as a person and performer. Why they say what they have to say and also identify themselves? If what they have to say is worthwhile and justified, why not let us know who they are? It is cowardly to post anonymously in this way. <BR/><BR/>I see that some are calling for me to be, in effect, blacklisted in the South Florida theatre community because they are so outraged by a publicity stunt (and NO ONE in this business has ever pulled a publicity stunt). <BR/>This over-reaction comes as the result of a few well connected people in the business who have it out for me, I'd mention who they are by name, but it would only serve to belabor the point. Anyone with even passing knowledge about this situation know exactly who those people are. <BR/><BR/>I am done with this. I'm not reading it any more. I am too busy. I'm moving on, I have a new script to memorize and events to perform at. My career moves on, as does my undying loyalty and commitment to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. <BR/><BR/>Some have intimated that many in the GLBT community were fearful or anxious about the planned Westboro protest. While I understand that that may have been the case for some, and to those people I give my full and most sincere apology, my friends and contacts within the community weren't scared of Westboro or fearful. They were happy for the opportunity to confront them head on. Happy for the opportunity to freely express themselves and stand up and be proud of who they are. That was my experience with it. <BR/><BR/>It is important to understand that the gay community is not a monolith. It is a community filled with individuals, and people as diverse in their opinions and reactions as any other group. <BR/><BR/>There are some in the press who would seek to make it seem that I have offended the entire gay community, and some of those reporters aren't even members of our community. They seek to lump all GLBT people into one. I am a proud member of this vibrant GLBT community, and my friends within it and many others who I am not personal friends with have let me know that they see things quite differently. My gay friends shared the sentiment that it would be a good idea to use the hatemongers at Westboro to promote and help an entity of the gay community. We know now with hindsight being what it is, that this isn't how it turned out, mostly due to journalists who jumped to conclusions based on the word of Westboro, and were all too eager to publish unfounded lies from the people at the "church." <BR/><BR/>So, I regret sending the press release, but I am no villain to the GLBT community. I am a member of it, I support it, I am proud to be a part of it, and I am sorry to any gay person who truly did experience any stress due to the protest. <BR/><BR/>Maybe now the people covering this story will now move on to covering theatre in this community again, and move on from attacking me and David Goldyn. Surely there must be more going on that warrants more attention than this old story. Or maybe grudges overtake professional conduct.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-39097346388700952442009-01-27T12:29:00.000-05:002009-01-27T12:29:00.000-05:00Chris:Hey! Hope you're well. I misplaced your busi...Chris:<BR/><BR/>Hey! Hope you're well. I misplaced your business card after we met at Mosaic, but I need to get in touch with you. Could you please drop me an email? bkthorp@bellsouth.net. <BR/><BR/>Grazie!<BR/>- BKTBKThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04829369187845612499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-77657815118750265532009-01-27T12:16:00.000-05:002009-01-27T12:16:00.000-05:00It is not fun for us in the gay community to face ...It is not fun for us in the gay community to face off with bigots like Mr. Phelps. The fact that a gay man would invite this hatemonger to come into our community and bring with him all the vile words and actions he uses against us is outrageous. Larry Fields and David Goldyn (I do not believe for one second the Mr. Goldyn knew nothing of this e-mail) have put the gay community in harms way. Mr. Phelps and his flock do not fight fair. What if something had gone wrong? What if someone had been arrested defending our community? It would have been a shame if all of this fighting had gone down just so that Raising Action could sell tickets to their show. They owe us more than an apology. They owe us some dignity. Raising Action should show us that dignity and close its doors. I will not be returning to see any production at Raising Action. I hope others in the Gay community will do the same.A.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07292846085032231398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-33660980911204152802009-01-26T23:00:00.000-05:002009-01-26T23:00:00.000-05:00How about 'Dewey defeats Truman'.How about 'Dewey defeats Truman'.KenClementhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07707577036580321885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-85193222482824343052009-01-25T20:11:00.000-05:002009-01-25T20:11:00.000-05:00It was a publicity stunt: just not yours. I've al...It <I>was</I> a publicity stunt: just not yours. I've altered the title accordingly, although I believe that the story clearly indicates that you and the theatre didn't have anything to do with this fiasco, outside of you losing your temper with Mary Damiano.<BR/><BR/>This is a cautionary tale for us all: if we have a great idea to promote a show we're involved in, we must be responsible to the other people in that production and take the idea to our producer.C.L.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01734352657431970430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-41917748702531925312009-01-25T19:36:00.000-05:002009-01-25T19:36:00.000-05:00Dear CLI am sorry I lost my temper in the last com...Dear CL<BR/><BR/>I am sorry I lost my temper in the last comment. That is my problem and cross to bear.And I take full responsibiity for it.<BR/><BR/>Since the theatre nor I knew nothing of this so called publicity stunt, your title is misleading and puts a bad light on our theatre. I urge you to change it.<BR/><BR/>I can't believe with all this malicious behavior on the part of Westboro Church you would want to cause our theatre more harm.<BR/><BR/>Larry Fields is one of 250 independent contractor/actors who cross our doors every year. He is not a permanant member of the theatre nor is he affiliated with us other than as an independent contractor/actor<BR/><BR/>Now that you know the truth, the right thing to do would be changing the headline. It was NOT<BR/>our publicity stunt and your headline and article still seems to put us at fault.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Feel free to call me and discuss this. Mary DAmiano has the number. So does your friend Brandon.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>David GoldynDavid Goldynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08945734201572926071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-54255663622649079872009-01-25T14:07:00.000-05:002009-01-25T14:07:00.000-05:00The current headline is more accurate.First, Damia...The current headline is more accurate.<BR/><BR/>First, Damiano's story was completely accurate, and my story was about your protest of that story. Had you not threatened Ms. Damiano for writing a completely accurate - and fair - story, I would never have picked it up.<BR/><BR/>I take no responsibility for damage to your theater because I am not responsible for any damage to your theatre; that responsibility lies with you and Mr. Fields. He created the mess, and you made it worse. <BR/><BR/>I have updated the story as new facts became available.C.L.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01734352657431970430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919587666858265958.post-47968244166209160992009-01-25T13:27:00.000-05:002009-01-25T13:27:00.000-05:00I urge you to change your headline.Shouldn't your ...I urge you to change your headline.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Shouldn't your headline be <BR/>"Journalists and Media jump to conclusions."<BR/><BR/>You take no responsibility as a journalist for what has transpired<BR/>and has hurt our theatre.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/><BR/>David GoldynDavid Goldynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08945734201572926071noreply@blogger.com