A couple other early reviews weren’t quite as kind, complaining of volume (it’s rock n’ roll people!) but based on audience reaction and our Goldstar reviews, I don’t pay much attention to them.  The show is a hit, and I’ve done my best to help it be one.

Latest La Mirada Theatre podcast with an interview with…me, about Buddy, and mixing for theatre in general.

“Josh Bessom’s sound design allows Mr. Schmidt’s score to sparkle; the pianos ring clear from the stage and the voices are sharp without sounding over-amplified.”

Very kind words, indeed.

Which is good, but the review isn’t necessarily good:

"Their nuance is doubly admirable since it must register despite
microphones. Though discreetly handled by sound designer Josh Bessom,
the amplification periodically pulls our ears from the action on stage
to the speakers alongside the proscenium." – LA Times Calendar, June 5th, 2007.

 Not sure that I agree, the review is basically saying that the actors are wearing mics, and their voices are coming out of the speakers.  Yep.  There are ways to direct focus towards the stage, such as putting more vocal in the front fill speakers – which I did – but in a hall the size of La Mirada Theatre, a little volume is necessary to cover the venue, and make sure dialog is heard AND understood.

 Can’t please everyone all the time I suppose.

Next up is co-design for "Pirates of Penzance" at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach, as well as a Lazy Preacher show at the Plush Cafe in Fullerton.

All this working, and no time for music.  It’s sad.  Maybe I’ll win the lottery.