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One fewer theater critic for the Twin Cities - for now?

Posted at 12:53 PM on November 24, 2009 by Marianne Combs (7 Comments)
Filed under: Criticism, Theater

Critic and reporter Dominic Papatola is leaving the St. Paul Pioneer Press for a position with the Otto Bremer Foundation, according to Minnpost's David Brauer.

Papatola is one of the few arts reporters lucky enough to be leaving a newspaper of his own free will, and not due to harsh cutbacks. But still those cutbacks could keep his position open for an extended period of time, or eliminate it entirely.

If you are a regular reader of Papatola's work, and/or are in the theater business, what do you make of the news? Concerned? Or no big deal?

Comments (7)

Has there been any decision on whether or not Mr. Papatola will continue to report for MPR? I don't subscribe to the Pioneer Press, but enjoy all the things I have learned from him through his MPR reports. He is an asset to MPR as well.

Posted by Jim Bargmann | November 24, 2009 1:43 PM

Jim -

My understanding is that Dominic will also cease to be on our air, since his new job is not specific to the arts.

Posted by Marianne Combs | November 24, 2009 1:46 PM

Learning that Dominic Papatola is leaving the Pioneer Press and relinquishing his morning arts commentator gig slightly bums me out.

Mr. Papatola was never the Frank Rich of the Twin Cities, but I'll miss reading and more importantly, disagreeing with his reviews.

All my best on your new endeavors, Dominic!

Michael Venske
Actor

Posted by Michael Venske | November 24, 2009 2:08 PM

I have always enjoyed Mr. Papatola's reviews and articles on twin cities theater, and I think his voice will be very much missed. If his position is now done by fill-ins and freelance writers it seems as if it would weaken the voice and validity of the paper, having all those different opinions. Papatola's presence has been more than just his reviews, it's been more of a dialogue with the arts community. Hopefully the Pi-Press will find a person to fill his shoes.

Posted by Brian | November 24, 2009 2:10 PM

Mr. Papatola has been a great voice for the Minnesota theatre scene! To the "powers that be" at the Pioneer Press: PLEASE DON'T MINIMIZE YOUR COVERAGE OF THEATRE! Minnesota's theatre scene is too vibrant to get less attention from the media. Thank you!

Posted by WinonaKath | November 24, 2009 3:44 PM

Papatola also has contributed some of the best monologues at the beginning of Minnesota Public TVs "Almanac" on Fridays. I hope he continues to do that on an occasional basis.

Posted by Chuck | November 24, 2009 4:07 PM

I am so disappointed to hear this. I have enjoyed following Mr. Papatola both on MPR and in the PPress. His voice will be sorely missed in the Twin Cities.

Posted by Andrea | December 2, 2009 4:59 PM