So you leave a show early to go meet the cast to tell them what a wonderful show you just saw that you just left early so you could meet them? It gets curiouser and curiouser... Biggest insult I've seen as far as people leaving was when Leonard Cohen played his hometown of Montreal a couple years ago. As soon as he performed Hallelujah towards the end (but definitely not the end) of the show, people started streaming out...at least 20-30% of them. I was convinced the other team had scored a game clinching touchdown....
I just don't understand the fangirls and fanboys (fewer fanboys for Broadway? dunno). It's like something is literally broken in their brains. I find it hilarious that those who claim to be "the biggest fans" of Menzel or whoever are also amongst the RUDEST people, to other would-be fans (of the actual show), and even to the object of their affections.
Personally, I would never stage door; just stick with the mail route.
Anyway, it seems the common agreement in this thread is that the best time to leave is intermission if you want to.
"devonian.t, why so snarky? It's just an exchange of opinions."
Right? Users devonian.t and Snafu seem to have issues with reading comprehension, so I guess ... they mad? Leaving at intermission it totally fine, something I stated yesterday, but even though they agree with that statement they want me to get off high horses and play with prams. Adorbs.
I was at a performance of "Torch Song Trilogy" where people got up an left at different times through all 3 acts. Started with about 150 people and ended with just over 20. I thought it was engaging, but it is a long show. I could understand people that had to get up for work in the morning leaving after act 2. I think I left the theater at 11:50 on a Thursday night.
I can think of 3 shows I have left at intermission (and I've been seeing shows since 1960 or so). BAND IN BERLIN on Broadway (was that the title?). After Act 1 I just looked at my partner and we left.
Two shows in London: CHILDREN OF PARADISE an interminable piece that was so long that intermission felt like a break after 2 hours (which I think it literally was) and LITTLE MALCOLM AND THE EUNUCHS starring Ewan McGregor - the piece and the dialict eluded us so we left.
In all 3 cases we actually had other things we wanted to do on those days. And the thought of a few more hours or so at each and the travel entailed in getting home or to where we wanted to go in London was more valuable.
The one thing I remember from CHILDREN OF PARADISE, besides the length, was the set - it moved around a lot and it made terrible noises while doing so.
I love that word...pram. Perhaps Devonian meant something like this image? By the way, I've only left a show once, during intermission. It was a touring production of "Spamalot" at the Music Hall in Dallas. I loved the "Lady of the Lake", but the rest were boring me to tears. I'm aware that they're talented and all, but that sort of Monty Python comedy is not for me.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
I have left many shows at intermission, and that's my decision. Only once did I leave a show after intermission. We were at a preview of SCARLET PIMPERNEL, and I fully intended to leave at intermission. My friend actually "barred" me from going, insisting that the show was "historically bad" and we could not leave. He made such a scene that I quietly returned to my seat. Shortly after the second act began and another endless dirge was being sung, my husband and I got up and left. Rude? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.
We saw the critics darling Copenhagen. We were bored out of our minds but stayed till the bitter end. The guy next to us did not leave at intermission as he was fast asleep. We did see others leave however
Because comes a moment in time while watching If, Then that you realize that you will have a better time doing your laundry than watching this crap. If I only did my laundry than I wouldn't be bored silly watching this nonsense.
Felt this way at If,Then; and The Last Ship and some other clinkers as of late.