Editor:

I saw The Wild Guys last week and I must have been at a different play than your critic, William S. Kowinski ("Stage Matters," Feb. 5). First mistake is in the first sentence: Andy (Mike Halton) clearly states that he has only been in a men's group for a few months and has never been on a weekend retreat. 

I and most of my friends who attended found it to be a very witty and entertaining play. Not only did we laugh ’til it hurt, but it also sparked discussions about our own experiences with the men's movement and the changes we witnessed. 

I think most of the problems with the critique can be traced to a misunderstanding about the meaning of satire and comedy. Perhaps it hit too close to home for someone who declares "There's no one alive who has done more for American poetry than Robert Bly." Don't take yourself so seriously, William. Lighten up and laugh more. I encourage everyone to go and see for yourself at the Ferndale Rep (until Feb. 15).

— Rohn Jennings, Redway

Editor:

I read the Journal's critique of Ferndale Rep's "Wild Guys" (Jan 5) the day after I saw the performance. It pains me to think how many might not have attended as a result of Kowinski's article and missed a solid evening of much-needed laughter. 

It is true that to enjoy the show, one needs to come off one's high horse and muck around in the woods with men who often can't tell Bly from a beer bottle. The play, however, doesn't "attack" the men's movement, but rather lovingly enjoys those men who, unguided by those wiser, attempt their own version. 

— Jenny Edwards, Redway

Editor:

I wanted to add my voice concerning the show I saw this weekend at Ferndale Repertory Theater. The Wild Guys made me laugh, and brought up some great issues to talk about. I feel proud of the hard work people are willing to put into community theater. The four players have a great sense of camaraderie, which made me relax and enjoy the fast-moving character-driven play. The set was wonderful and the music added to the story. Thank you, Ferndale Rep, for making good theater available in our community.

— Jessica Bittner, Bayside