Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS Tonight
Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS Tonight
#1Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS Tonight
Posted: 4/13/09 at 11:54pm
Tonight, I witnessed possibly the most inappropriate theater behavior I have seen in my life. It is up there with eating in the theater, unwrapping candy, and getting drunk and being rowdy - that behavior was public display of affection.
Disclaimer: Yes, it was a male gay couple that was engaging in this behavior, but I would be saying the exact same thing if it was a straight couple or a lesbian couple. I myself am gay and I am pro gay rights. I think that two men who are in a relationship should be able to hold hands on the streets without getting ridiculed. I am also not jealous of these two men since they are in a relationship and I am currently not in one. However, there should be a limit on the amount of public display of affection that people express - especially if it is distracting to audience members.
As many of you know, THE NORMAN CONQUESTS is done in the round. This means that the cast performs the play in the center, with audience members surrounding from every angle. Unfortunately (in this case), this also means that you can see the audience members sitting across from you.
A gay couple was sitting across from my two friends and I and during all of Act 2, they found it necessary to make a spectacle of themselves - to the point that it was incredibly distracting. The one on the left was wearing a striped shirt and the one on the right was wearing a purple shirt. Purple could not keep his hands off of stripes. He had his arm all the way around him and then stripes had his hand over his shoulder massaging purple's hand. They also frequently whispered in each others' ears, smiled at each other and fawned over each other, as if they were playing to the back of the Gershwin Theater. Also, purple kept on laying his head on stripes' shoulder and hugging him very tightly. Stripes was also laughing uncontrolably, applauding way above his head to stand out, so hard that he was practically falling out of his front row seat.
Yes, I did say front row seat. It is one thing if we were in a regular theater holding hands and cuddling. I have held hands at THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA with somoene I dated, and I even went a little further with a date at The Met one evening (no, nothing that bad). However, it was dark, the show wasn't in the round, and we were very discrete. These two guys were in the front row of the theater, and the spotlight was on them so everyone could see what they were doing.
I noticed it immediately, and I wasn't the only one, because during the first blackout in Act 2, both of my friends turned to me and whispered "are you seeing what is going on across the stage??" At one point, one of the actors was playing a scene and looking directly at them...I can't imagine that even he didn't notice what was going on. It was so distracting.
Was anyone else there tonight who noticed? Was anyone else distracted by this?
I want to reiterate that I am not bashing being openly gay about one's relationship...I'm just saying that there is a time and a place for this type of behavior - the front row of a theater in the round where everyone can see you is certainly not the place.
PiraguaGuy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/10/08
#2re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:02am
You're opening up a can of worms here, bud. This reads like Corine wrote it, especially all the qualifying yourself. "Not that I'm a homophobe, but would those gays stop being mildly affectionate?"
Jesus. They weren't screwing or anything. Some K-Y might help get that stick out of your ass.
Formerly SirNotAppearing - Joined 3/08
#2re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:06am
My friend did say that I would probably get bashed for posting this...but maybe you had to be there. I tried to word it so that everyone reading it could understand it from my perspective. I'm sure everyone sitting on my side of the theater was at least a little bit distracted...
The show was great by the way!
ZONEACE
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#3re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:07am
THAT'S SO RACIST!!!.
or something like that.
when ducks grow thumbs then maybe my opinion will change.
#4re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:10am
Sorry, we will try to control ourselves next time.
Signed,
Stripes.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
#5re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:13amno way i agree with you WAT. there is no reason they should be doing anything of that nature(not gay bashing either, pro gay rights as well) i dont care if it was a guy and a girl, a guy and a guy, or a monkey and a yo-yo. you don't go to the theater to show public affection to each other. that's what the movies are for.
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#6re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:14amA bit jealous, are we?
ZONEACE
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#7re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:14amgays these days, you should just be thankful they didn't go down on each other in the aisle.
when ducks grow thumbs then maybe my opinion will change.
#8re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:14am
I was there too, and I have to 100% back up everything WAT said. It was more than mild public affection. Mild is holding hands. These two were practically in each others laps. They were turned sideways in their seats so they could each their arms around the others waist.
It was not only distracting, but it was rude to the actors. I mean they could see them as easily as we could. The whispering and pointing was also uncalled for.
It's not like the Norman Conquests is Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding, or even some very romantic show. Sit in your seat, pay attention and have a blast. The one is stripes was so concerned with the cuddling that when he did turn his attention to the play he almost looked bored.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
Updated On: 4/14/09 at 12:14 AM
PiraguaGuy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/10/08
#9re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:15am
I don't think I "had to be there". I'm not calling you a homophobe, but my mind was only drawn to that possibility because you repeatedly qualified your post with such - like saying "not that I hate black people or anything, but two of them were yelling at the screen sitting behind me at the movies and I wanted to shoot them in the face - not that I hate black people!) On the contrary. I think if you were one of those two men (and you have been in the past, as you yourself admitted - please tell me where the line is between the Metropolitan Opera and theater in the round) and someone confronted you about it (as I'm sure you were ready to do) you would have cried homophobia on here faster than a speeding bullet. It strikes me as a tad hypocritical.
Personally, I would not have made such a stink. I mean, really? Were they making out? Tossing each other off? No. It seems the most egregious thing this couple did was massage each other's hands (...? You would have really had to have been watching closely to see that) and whisper in each other's ears. One of them laughed loudly. REALLY?
REALLY?
Formerly SirNotAppearing - Joined 3/08
Updated On: 4/14/09 at 12:15 AM
ZONEACE
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#10re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:17amOMG i hate when black people ruin movies by yelling at the screen. There should be separate theaters for them.
when ducks grow thumbs then maybe my opinion will change.
lightinthepizza2
Understudy Joined: 3/6/09
#11re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:19am
I was there tonight, though I sat closer to the couple than to where you were seated, so while you could see them right in front of you, they were only visible through my peripheral vision.
Still, through my peripheral vision, or even without trying to look at them, they stood out from the rest of the audience for me because of Stripes' relative rowdiness. I had no problem with their cuddling and PDA; it was cute. In my opinion if anything is to be deemed inappropriate, it was Stripes and his laughter/clapping. I don't think I've ever seen someone laugh and express it that intensely lol. I think considering the tone of the show, it was all in good fun, and I guess I could even say that watching his huge expressions and actions (as well as the rest of the audience's) made me laugh more at what was going on onstage.
It's not like he was clapping and laughing during a Tovah monologue.
Updated On: 4/14/09 at 12:19 AM
Craww
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
#12re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:19am
...honestly, from the set up I was expecting something more. BJs, HJs, even just some full on necking.
I'm totes disappointed.
ZONEACE
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#13re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:20amNow now craww, A handy is more appropriate at Mary Stuart.
when ducks grow thumbs then maybe my opinion will change.
#14re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:20am
No, the one was massaging the neck of the other one too, and snuggling up to rest his head on his shoulder. For me it was an issue of lack of respect for what was going on. The theater is not the time to be chatting. It is also inappropriate to distract your fellow audience members to such a degree. Especially the one just didn't seem like he was paying attention to the play at all.
Of course I've been to plays where I'm not paying attention, but not in the front row of being in the round. If they wanted a room so badly they should have left at intermission.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#15re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:23amWell, the best person to ask would be whomever was sitting directly behind them. A lot of times canoodling couples don't realize how much they're blocking the view of that person.
PiraguaGuy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/10/08
#16re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:24am
Attend the tale of purple and stripes
WAT wanted to beat them with a lead pipe
All throughout the entire play
From each other you couldn't keep them away
Not purple
And no, not stripes
The cuddling couple of Times Square
Eh, I try.
Formerly SirNotAppearing - Joined 3/08
ZONEACE
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#17re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:24amyou've done better
when ducks grow thumbs then maybe my opinion will change.
#18re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:25am
You're right, Calvin! It was probably even worse for them...
...and no, I am not jealous at all, adamgreer (as stated in my original post). Even if I were in a relationship right now, I would never do anything to stand out like that and distract the rest of the audience. Hold hands? Sure. Not what they did tonight.
dave1606
Broadway Star Joined: 12/8/07
#19re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:30am
I saw it too WAT, but honestly thought it was funny. One of my favovirte parts about the round was that it was watching the audiences reaction, especially the poor guy sitting next to them. He was soo uncomfortable.
The play was so good that I barely noticed. I can't wait to see the other two.
Craww
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
#20re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:30am"possibly the most inappropriate theater behavior I have seen in my life" though? I can't decide if that means you overreacted, or if you're just lucky on the obnoxious audience members front.
#21re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:31am
Is anyone sure one of them wasn't Sasha Baron Cohen? That sounds like something he would do-isnt his next guerrila comedy about a gay dude?
Regardless, that couple sounds annoying-gay, straight or bi, who cares. Also, with the overhead clapping and loud laughing there is a good chance they were stoned or in the Valley of the Dolls. :)
Sorry WAT. They would have bugged me too and broke my cathartic arch.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
#22re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:33am
"Also, with the overhead clapping and loud laughing there is a good chance they were stoned or in the Valley of the Dolls. :)"
My other friend who I went with said that they were mentally retarded...however, I didn't get that from their behavior at all. They were either stoned, or just wanted attention. It was very annoying.
#23re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:34amGay, straight, whatever...just get a room. There's a time and place for everything, and the theatre is not a place for public displays of affection, it's for the communal experience of appreciating art and storytelling. If you're causing any distraction, you're a waste of space.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
#24re: Inappropriate Theater Behavior - An Incident at THE NORMAN CONQUESTS To
Posted: 4/14/09 at 12:38amThat happened to me at the New Century at the Newhouse. There were some unruly bears who somehow thought the thrust stage meant interactive theatre and kept talking back to Mr. Charles and Linda Lavin. I think when the stage is thrust audience members have an even greater level of responsibility to keep quiet and still. Just my thoughts.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
