Definition

1. Noun:
   • A critic of theatrical performances: A person who writes or gives opinions, judgments, and analyses about plays, musicals, operas, and other forms of live theater. Their work typically involves reviewing productions, evaluating elements like acting, directing, stage design, and writing, and publishing these critiques in newspapers, magazines, or online media.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new production received a glowing review from the city's leading drama critic.
  • She works as a drama critic for a national newspaper, attending several shows each week.
  • The playwright was nervous about the drama critic's opinion, knowing it could influence the play's success.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a harsh/lenient drama critic": Describes the style or severity of a critic's judgments.
  • He is known for being a particularly harsh drama critic, rarely giving positive reviews.
• "the role of the drama critic": Refers to the function and influence of this profession in the cultural landscape.
  • The role of the drama critic has evolved with the rise of digital media and audience blogs.

Variants and Related Words

• Theater critic (n): A synonym for drama critic, often used interchangeably.
  • The theater critic from the Times will be in attendance tonight.
• Reviewer (n): A more general term for someone who writes reviews, which can include drama critics.
  • The restaurant reviewer and the drama critic work for the same publication.

Synonyms

• Theater reviewer: A person who reviews theatrical performances.
• Play critic: A critic who specializes in plays.

Related Phrases

• "a critic's pick": A designation given by a critic to a highly recommended performance.
  • The show was labeled a critic's pick by three major drama critics.
• "to pan a performance": (Informal) To write a very negative review of a show. This is an action a drama critic might take.
  • The famous drama critic panned the Broadway debut, calling it "utterly forgettable".

Noun

1. a critic of theatrical performances