By Joe Siegel

I want to set the record straight on something. Last year, I praised Richard Griffin for his performance in Laughter on the 23rd Floor at The Arctic Playhouse.

This is what I wrote: “Neil Simon’s hilarious comedy “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” now being presented at The Arctic Playhouse, contains one absolutely brilliant performance, as well as many good ones.

“The setting is the writers’ room for “The Max Prince Show,” a television variety show in the 1950s. Richard Griffin portrays Max in a highly compelling characterization. He’s a mass of paranoid unpredictability: He strips down to his boxer shorts in front of everyone, and punches holes in the wall. Now, that’s a man you don’t want to fool with.”

Last November, I nominated Richard for Best Actor for that performance in the New England Theater Awards. He did not win.

Yesterday, Richard said I “tear people down for views.” Then, just to make sure I got the point – “And worst of all, you know you’ve attempted to hurt people, and you just don’t care.”

NOTHING could be further from the truth. I gave positive reviews to 4 of the last 5 shows I reviewed. 4 out of 5. That’s 80% positive. So no, Richard, I don’t “tear people down.” I praise their work and lift them up with my writing.

I’ve taken my share of knocks too in the past. I even got a death threat for a review I gave once. (And, I should note, this happened less than two weeks after being PUNCHED in the face for an editorial I wrote).

But I never backed down. I refused to live my life in fear. I never found out who threatened me. It was a message in a paper bag taped to my door. That person was, and still is, a coward.

I never set out to give anyone a negative review. I never criticize an actors’ performance. Well, maybe twice in like, 14 years. I always give credit to the technical crew for their hard work.

And the biggest irony in all this? I PRAISED Richard Griffin’s directing! I was criticizing the PLAYWRIGHT, Noel Coward, for depicting misogyny and domestic violence. I did not find that funny. So sue me! Or rather, don’t. The lawyers already make enough money.

So Richard, dear, if you want to have a civilized conversation about the play, I’m willing. I’ll even pay for the coffee.

Richard Griffin