One person alone can't make or break a theatrical show - but a prima donna can turn an audience disgruntled at an obnoxious display of pomp and ego.

Some circumstances I can take - the best actor should play the lead character - just not accompanied by snootiness displayed by Carlotta's character in "The Phantom of the Opera."

The only thing worse than a principle actor, is when they ignore the important roles that set designers, gaffers and costumers play in the overall presentation of a show.

I am a longtime theater junkie. I have seen and acted in many shows. Although high school marked the end of my theater career, even then the actors never had the correct appreciation for behind-the-scenes players.

I admit being one of the guilty party. My freshman year every actor was required to spend their Saturdays at school helping with costumes or building the set.

Sadly, our director left and when her replacement arrived, the tradition that had instilled a sense of appreciation and understanding between the two groups of theater kids was lost.

Actors stopped showing up on Saturdays. A trickle remained, but the halls were mostly filled with people who knew how to use a table saw or a ratchet.

Unfortunately, the division was noticeable not only in the group discourse, but also in the final product.

The point of this high school flashback is to explain how I'll base my judgment when I review the plays and musicals I attend this semester.

It doesn't matter if the lead at the MSU Theatre production can sing like Bernadette Peters, or if the lead of a local theater group performs a soliloquy like he were Kenneth Branagh.

When I see a show, I'll look for overall presentation. If there has been little or no attention paid to the set when the show calls for a lavish display, I will take note.

Of course, I'll take into account the intent of the show. If the script calls for minimalism, specifically to draw attention to the acting, then a lack of scenery is understood.

But a lack of effort is always noticeable. If a show is set in the early 1800s and I see hoop skirts, there will be comments made. The same goes for the acting - shoddy characters but a spectacular set do not spell good review.

I understand in the "real world" of theater, actors are not generally expected to help with the construction of scenery or sew button holes. Each member of the show, in their own particular role, has to hone their talent.

But attention to oneself should not block out the importance every other member of the show has on it becoming a success.

Directors are there to take note, not only of the acting, but of the entire presentation, and failure to recognize the importance lighting can have in a scene says the director might not possess the experience needed to conduct a show of that magnitude.

Remember how Carlotta's character is one to hate, while Christine's is one to love, and keep in mind both characters would look pretty ridiculous singing an opera naked.

Maddie Trier is The State News arts reporter and can be reached at trierrou@msu.edu