What Makes Theatre 'Good' ?

Realizing that it has been an eternity since my computer has pinged the address that is the existence of Live Journal, I was in class today and we were discussing: What Makes Theatre a Success?

I have my own ideas of this, as everyone does, but I feel bold enough to post them to the world. Although, frequently whenever I express my viewpoint and opinions to the class, or the world for that matter, I feel somewhat idiotic. So what? Here goes nothing.

1.) For theatre to be successful, it must have an appeal to the audience.- A personal example of this consists of back before I ever transferred to UNCA, before I even stepped foot into the world of theatre as I know it today, I was in the world of "home". This small, industrial furniture and textile based community is nestled snugly in the upright and rigid ideology of the Bible belt. Touring thru this community was the musical, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." A witty title, and daring plot, this musical put the audience uncomfortably on their toes. With every other word from the Sheriff's mouth an obscenity, the audience consisting mostly of the retired work force began to become offended and made no effort to stay to see the rest of the show. I myself was a bit uncomfortable with the content of the show.

However, now looking back, and knowing what I know now, I can say that the show was a success in the fact that it was technically sound. The actors, lived within the given circumstances of the plot, made dynamic and often stereotypical choices of southern characteristics. The house was packed, and despite the people who walked out, the show went on. Later, letters of complaint were sent to the establishment where the musical performed, but now that the show had moved on, I feel that it was a waste of paper.

To counterpoint, earlier in the year, another traveling show came thru- The classic "Fiddler on the Roof." Again selling out to a packed house of a nearly identical audience, the audience...