Bad Theater Behavior

[dreaming]

Well at "The Maids" last week, my friend and I were treated to the lovely beeping of someone's cell phone as it received incoming mail or texts or something. (It was pretty loud-and they did nothing to stop it.)

[Broadwaygirl202]

IDK OKBroadwayFan. She never really seemed that interested in either show, but maybe she was. Some people just never figure it out. If I sit next to her at all this next season, I am going to ask how she liked those shows to see if I get any sort of positive reaction.

[Alix]

At Hedwig on Friday, I encountered the single most obnoxious audience member I’ve ever witnessed. Before the show started, this man (who was quite old) seemed to be demanding attention; he was wearing a white suit (to go with his entirely white hair) and was dancing in the aisle. (He was sitting on the aisle in the left orchestra—I think he must have been in C1. My boyfriend and I were in the two farthest-left seats in the row behind this guy: D11 and D13.) At first I thought it was sort of sweet that this man was clearly so excited to be there.…

**Spoiler-ish Descriptions Ahead**

He was okay for a little while, but it all went downhill starting with “Sugar Daddy.” The guy in front of him got the car wash and he leaned over to try to grab Hedwig’s Christmas-light skirt during it. Hedwig called him a dirty old man and then gave him a lap dance. From that point forward, he seemed to think he was part of the show. He yelled out strange and/or inappropriate things intermittently, and a few times stood up in the aisle to applaud when a song ended (I guess it’s nice that he was trying to start mid-show standing ovations?). Some of the stranger highlights were yelling out “Ooh la la!” when Hedwig bent over at one point, and shouting “I’ve got a tip for you” during a very quiet moment. Hedwig called him out on it twice—the first time in a funny and sort-of-amused way; the second time Neil just seemed mad. The guy also waved up at Hedwig repeatedly throughout the show while saying “Hello,” and was jerking around violently in his seat during “Exquisite Corpse.” (I was actually a little worried for his health at that point. Again, he was very old, and those strobe lights are a little intense.)

**End Spoilers**

I did not enjoy the show as much as I would have had this guy not been in the audience. Even when he wasn’t doing anything disruptive, it got to the point where I was perpetually nervous that he was going to yell out something else at an inappropriate moment, and I found myself thinking about that and not fully focused on what was happening onstage. There are several extended silences toward the end of the show—I became very aware of each of them! On the way out of the theater, I overheard many audience members talking about this man and saying they wished he’d been escorted out.

[gleek4114]

^ that's basically how I felt about The Color Purple. If that one man had not been there I would have LOVED it.

Broadwaygirl202 - I have had nothing but positive experiences at the Kentucky Center. Except for a couple minor things that happened when I saw BOM. This guy behind me had a very weird laugh. That's not his falt though. It just annoyed me. Also when I saw it the 2nd time there was this super fan who made a point of letting everyone know this was his 13th time seeing the show. I thought it was a bit obnoxious and showy. He was also at the stage door and seemed practically like a stalker. He asked one of the cast members to accept his Facebook friend request.

As for Louisville's upcoming season the shows I predict to have the biggest behavior problems are Lucy and Lion Ling. Lots of elderly patrons at Lucy and a lot of kids at Lion King. Goodie goodie!

[Broadwaygirl202]

gleek4114 Other that those two instances, I have had great experiences at the Kentucky Center as well. I am expecting problems at Lion King as well because of all of the little kids. Hopefully since I am in the front row, the parents won't have gotten tickets that close and I can enjoy the show. I don't know about I Love Lucy, I guess I would just assume that there wouldn't be any sort of problems, but who knows.

[Alix]

I had already seen Hedwig in May, so fortunately it didn't taint my impression of the show itself. But it definitely took away from my enjoyment of Friday's performance! Sorry about your Color Purple experience, Gleek.

[gleek4114]

I've gotten over it by now :) It just really irked me at the time. I am going to see Spring Awakening at that some theater tonight and I hope to god that guy does not show up.

[dreaming]

Re: Hedwig: When I went, I had some woman in the front row who put her hands up (I couldn't figure out if she was trying to grab Neil or what-it sort of looked like she was pre-empting on what happens at the end. Anyway, Neil called her out, telling her to put her hands down and that she was blocking the view of the people in back of her).

I must say the BEST behaved audience was Aladdin-the children around me were all really well behaved (the two drunk women behind me were another story).

[GilmoreGirlO2]

I’ve never had a truly terrible incident (more like inconveniences and oddities), but here are a few experiences I have had recently:

Seeing “Pippin” last summer, my girlfriend and I had seats third row center orchestra, right on the aisle. We were seated next to a couple aged somewhere between 50 – 60. As soon as the show started, the woman started bouncing in her seat and singing along to herself (but, loud enough to be heard by those around her). Eventually, the couple in front of them turned around and shushed her and she was quiet for the rest of the show. Singing in the audience is never acceptable and I definitely don’t think anyone should be allowed to do it, but it was clear that it was just coming out the sheer enthusiasm she had for the show and I almost felt bad when she had to stop.

Then, about a third way into the show the husband needed to get out of his seat (right in the middle of a song). There is very little legroom in these aisles, so my girlfriend and I had to physically get out of our seats, trying to crouch down in the aisle the whole time, so that he could get out. While a bit annoying to have it happen during the middle of a song, I understand that there can be bathroom emergencies, so I had no problem. He came back a little bit later in the middle of another song and we did the whole crouching in the aisle routine again – at this point, I grew a little annoyed, because I thought it was odd that the ushers didn’t have him wait until the applause to return to his seat. Then, near the end of the first act, he needs to leave again (always in the middle of a song). We once again get out of our seats and crouch in the aisle. This time I am sure he won’t return to his seat before the end of the act, especially because he is still able to stand at the back of the theatre and watch the rest of the act. Unfortunately, I was wrong and during “Morning Glow”, there he is to get back into his seat. While I was astounded by the ignorance of him not realizing how much he is inconveniencing those around him (I feel bad for those directly behind us as well) and not even trying to make an effort at returning at more opportune moments, I was even more astounded that the ushers allowed him to return to his seats at these times (especially the last time), especially considering that he could still watch the show from the back. During intermission, he apologized and said he wouldn’t get up again (and he didn’t), but it was beyond frustrating, nonetheless.

At “Rocky” this summer, I was third row, right orchestra on the aisle. Nearing the boxing match, a woman directly across from me sitting in center orchestra on the aisle began blatantly checking her phone (one which had a particularly large screen). She was clearly growing distressed about something and showing her husband whatever is on her phone and keeps clicking it on and off and texting. She begins to cry (not making any noise) and keeps showing her husband. Whatever is happening on her phone clearly is not a dire situation, because the husband just looks annoyed and is clearly trying to get her to put it away. It then came time for her section to move onto the stage and she was still checking her phone and crying, but went right on up anyway. If something truly terrible had happened, I’m sure she would have just left the theatre (and the husband wouldn’t have been so dismissive of it). Not to mention, whatever drama was happening on her phone she would not have been aware of (and, in turn, upset by) if she hadn’t checked her phone in the first place. It was very odd to see, especially watching this teary-eyed woman climbing the stairs to get onstage for the boxing match.

Perhaps one thing that bothers me the most, however, is when someone doesn’t like the show and they go out of their way to make sure those around them know it. Even worse, I experience this behavior the most when it’s an adult taking a child to the show. At “Matilda” I was seated next to a young girl and her father. The girl was clearly enthralled with the show, but the Dad kept making huge sighs, making a big point to hang his head on his chin, and also closing his eyes. Making it even worse, we were in the second row.

I saw the non-equity tour of “Bring it On” in Milwaukee some months ago and the same thing happened: third row seats, right next to a family with 2 kids, a mother, and father. The father kept sighing, blatantly looking around (not at the stage), sleeping.

This kind of behavior makes me particularly upset because it’s a terrible example for the kid and, especially since the kids are usually clearly enjoying the shows, I hope seeing their parents acting in these ways don’t make the kids feel embarrassed or stupid for liking what is happening on stage. I also will never understand why these parents will pay these high ticket prices to take their kids to the show, but can’t even bother to feign enthusiasm (or even indifference) for the sake of their child’s enjoyment.

And, throwing this one in for fun, since it was something I had never seen before: at the intermission of “Bring it On” in Milwaukee, I passed by someone in their seat with a toddler in a full onesie pajamas being fed her bottle.

[Jane2]

Alix, I didn't want to quote your entire post about the old man with the all white hair, but sounds like he was having an awfully good time. Perhaps things have changed drastically from the Jane, but that kind of behavior was more common there and everyone was in that mood anyway. It was never really quiet during the show.

p.s. If he was as old as you describe, then good for him!!!! double good for him. And I don't believe that you were so worried about his health. I think you were just annoyed. Sorry he ruined it for you.

[Alix]

I mean, like I said, it wasn't so bad in the beginning. The show absolutely lends itself to that for a while. But toward the end, when there are much heavier, quieter moments, it seemed disrespectful to me and seemingly everyone sitting around me that he continued to shout things out. There were moments when his voice was the only sound in the theater. Well, his voice and the subsequent chorus of shushes directed at him.

It's tough with shows like Hedwig.... Audience participation absolutely has its place, but somehow most people seem to sense when it is inappropriate. And others just don't.

[dreaming]

Alix-I totally get what you're saying about Hedwig. I was there when the interactive box was filled with drunks. That was a rather awkward situation...(he didn't quite know how to react). One person was laughing hysterically at things that weren't very funny (it took NPH a little by surprise-and not in a good way).

[Sutton Ross]

So, I went to Les Miserables this past week, finally, and it was amazing! I was in the second row of the orchestra, on the aisle. This girl, two seats to my left is texting like a madwoman. However, this is before the show began, so it was totally fine. Then, I hear someone shouting while walking down the aisle. It's an usher, quite possibly the most awesome usher in the world. "Attention people! You need to turn of your phones NOW because no one wants to see them out! There is NO texting, talking, or even touching your phone during the show! Also, don't talk. Don't chit chat, NO ONE wants to hear YOU talk, they want to hear the actors". It was a thing of beauty, watching people's mouths drop because of the way this usher was speaking. I loved it and hope it happens everywhere.

Anyway, this girl still had her phone on her lap when the lights went down. He raced down the aisle and said "Young lady, turn your f*cking phone off. I don't even deal with it after the show begins, I'm just going to call security and they will escort you out". She put her head in her hands and just started sobbing. He made her cry. DAG.

Good news? She didn't have her phone out once during the show. The usher wins!!!

[ArtMan]

Good for him. But if she reported him for using the word f*cking, he could possibly get in trouble. As a volunteer usher, I would have loved to use certain choice words, but some would say that would be unprofessional.

[wonderfulwizard11]

After seeing Lady Day this afternoon, I had to comment on this thread because the audience there was the worst. A man in the row in front of me blatantly filmed several of the songs with his camera and several people used the very bright flashlight on the iPhone t check their Playbill. Furthermore, during one of the most quiet moments of the play at the end, a cell phone went off. Audra covered it well and in character, but it was so disturbing in the moment.

People also kept leaving to use the restroom during the performance. While I get that it can't be helped sometimes, the show is an hour and a half- how difficult is it to use use the restroom before the show begins? I was really sad to see such awful behavior from people, especially because the show and Audra's performance was the most breathtaking thing I've ever had the privilege to see. I wish more of the audience respected the immense talent pouring her heart and soul out before them.

[Sutton Ross]

The ushers at Circle in the Square are passive as hell. It's like they're afraid of confronting the assholes who break the rules. While no cell phones went off when I was at Lady Day, three people in the table seating section (where I was) got up to go to the bathroom. During one of her quietest moment a guy got up, and had no idea where to go. He got up on the stage SHE was on, and did a hurdle over the banister, and then headed up to the exit. It was horrifying. I get it, they served us water and champagne but it's only 90 minutes.

She is pouring her heart and soul in that performance, and it sickens me that people would be filming it, and have their phones out. Those ushers need to take a class and patrons need a swift kick in the ass. Unbelievable.

[Broadwaydreaming]

Circle in the Square is very lenient. I went to see Godspell there and it was a mess. The show was laid back, but still not a reason to be taking pics on your phone. People were talking, getting up, freaking out when Corbin Blu went into the audience...just not a great time. There's such a sense of entitlement out there it kills me.

[RENT_is_Wicked2]

When I saw War Horse on tour, this lady next to me started shaking a box of candy during the second act. The lady in front of her turned around and waved her hand in the lady's face and shushing her. In response, the lady next to me lunges at the lady in front of her and almost slaps her. The ushers didn't catch on, but it was petty eventful.

I also remember seeing Wicked in NYC and a group of about 7-10 people came in half-way through Act 1. Towards the end of the act, their row was being inspected by 2 ushers because of the use of phones.

[JPeterman]

I went to see a Holiday Kenny G show in a fancy opera house last Christmas, and the ladies behind us wouldn't stop talking. So my date asked them to please stop talking, and they literally said to her ... "shut the f--- up, or we will cut you, b----".

[ArtMan]

When I saw Lady Day on September 21, at least 50 customers arrived more than thirty minutes into the show. About 10 arrived when there was only 15 minutes left. I had heard there was traffic problems due to the protest, but you plan accordingly. I had never seen that many people arrive so late into a show that had already started. For the last 10, what was the point?

[perfectlymarvelous]

There was a woman in front of me at Lady Day last night who kept taking photos/videos on her iPhone. I mean, seriously? Why do you think that's okay? The usher eventually caught her, and I hope they made her delete them afterwards.

[wonderfulwizard11]

I wonder if the concert atmosphere at Lady Day, as well as the fact that there isn't a pre-show announcement, makes people think these types of things are ok. I get not wanting to have an a recorded announcement, but I'm surprised the ushers didn't remind people before the show started, or at least before the band entered.

[Sutton Ross]

People need to understand that calling people out is totally acceptable. I know a lot of people are afraid of confrontation but I think a lot of people don't legit understand how much their behavior disturbs other people. Perfectlymarvelous, you should have told the lady to put it away the minute she took it out. That is insane.

There was an announcement when I was there but as i said before, those ushers are pretty terrible. Are they volunteer ushers or something?

[Subjective Sarcasm]

I took my Mother to see Cinderella on Broadway this last winter, and got seats right orchestra isle, about six (or so) rows back. A girl came in about 10 minutes after curtain carrying about seven large shopping bags and (of course) had the empty seat right next to me. She pushed through the isle, not being mindful of her bags hitting us as she passed, and plopped into her seat. She then spent the next ten minutes moving and situating (loudly ruffling) the bags at her feet so they all fit.

At this point, I was beyond annoyed. She finally finished her shopping-tetris-bag-game at her feet and sat up. Not even ten seconds later, she pulled out her phone and checked Facebook. I quickly responded by whispering to her, "Please put that away". She looked up to me with such HORROR on her face, as if I was some lowly peasant and she was the Queen of England. She exhailed loudly and looked around and noticed a open seat was directly behind her. She then began loudly grabbing all of her shopping bags and put them at the feet of the seat behind her.

To this day, I still can't comprehend what happened next. She then continued to CLIMB over the seat, almost falling over, to get to the open seat behind her. She almost kicked the kid, who was sitting on the other side of her, in the side of the head during the physical struggle between her and the back of the chair. When she finally got into the seat, she pulled out her phone and continued to do whatever she thought was much more important than giving giving the actors' her attention. Oh, and at intermission, she left.

I hope she got hit by a taxi when she left the theater that day (just kidding).




(I'm not kidding).

[Sutton Ross]

Sorry not sorry!

While I don't hope she got hit by a car, I do hope she was disciplined, tripped in the street while leaving, and had her million shopping bags stolen.

Bitches gots to learn.

[Mister Matt]

They were shows for the masses, and the masses includes aholes.

Not just the masses, it seems.

y point is just that there seems to be a direct correlation between the IQ of a show and the IQ of its patrons

Uh, that would include yourself given that you provided examples of attending those shows. Your point that you are somehow superior to the unwashed masses seems to be a big fail. Especially since probably everyone here and everyone you respect and admire have all probably attended (and may have enjoyed) all those shows upon which you smugly frown. But I'm sure someone somewhere is impressed you attended a laundry list of productions for the behaviorally privileged.

Meanwhile, when I attended a kid-filled Saturday matinee of Matilda, you could have heard a pin drop. Impeccable behavior from the adult vermin and maggots alike. Don't always see that happen at the Better People plays, of which I have attended hundreds of thousands.