Bad Theater Behavior

[BruceBogtrotter]

dramamama611 said: "Ridiculous.  A pony tail does NOT add 5-8 inches on top of any head.  (Unless we're talking more of the poof you can get from African American hair.)   Still, it's not likely the person purposefully styled her hair that way TO be an annoyance."

Five inches, maybe. Eight inches seems to be a stretch unless she was going for that Cindy Lou Who look. And I don't think he was saying she was doing it to be purposefully annoying, but that it was inconsiderate whether she meant it or not.

[uncageg]

War Paint makes 2 announcements. (At least they did at the first preview) I was upstairs. When they got to the final number a guy 4 rows in front of me started filming. At the end of the song, phones came out left and right. Out pf nowhere ushers swooped in to stop the filming and picture taking. Unfortunately there were so many doing it that I am sure they didn't catch them all. They didn't get the guy filming. I was totally going to tell an usher but he got out before I could get to an usher.

I will, without hesitation ask someone to turn their phone off. At Finding Neverland I approached a guy 2 rows up across the aisle who kept checking his phone during Act 1 and asked him to stop and thatnit was very distracting. I scare the hell out of a guy sitting in front of me at ROCKY when he pulled a mini camcorder out and starting filming. I quietly lened into his right ear and said "I work here and you meed to stop that right now". He stopped. I don't work at The Winter Garden.

[mailhandler777]

TweetyPie2 said: "mailhandler777 said: "At Wicked in Rochester on Saturday night the lady behind me was cracking her gum throughout the show.

 "Speaking of ushers. They were more distracting to me constantly running around during the show flashing lights in everyones faces thinking they were taking pics. I have a smart watch that I put on airplane mode but it still lights up when I clap. Guess that confused them."

 

Simple solution: Take your watch off during the show.

 

 

 

"

I'm afraid I'll lose it if I take it off. Most times I don't have a bag with. I turn the light down as far as I can and try to keep my sleeve over it. 

[karen24]

Just wanted to comment that I saw "Sunday in the Park" last Saturday night (loved it) and I realized afterwards that I didn't recall them doing any pre-show "turn off your phones" announcement. There was a notice in the Playbill that using cell phones in the theater is illegal, but how many people would really see that before the show? However, at least in my area (3rd row of the mezz), everyone was well-behaved. No phones going off, no whispering, etc. Was everyone just loving the show? Excited to be near Jake? Excited to be in the beautiful newly- renovated theater? Or was I just lucky? Does this reinforce the idea that the announcements are pointless?

The one thing that kind of irritated me was that both Jake and Annaleigh got entrance applause. I find that distracting although obviously not nearly as bad as some of the things described here. At least Annaleigh got her share and not just the Big Movie Star (he was great, nothing against him in the role!)

[Tsao5]

When I saw Sunday in the Park last week, same experience.  No announcement.  Great audience.  No phones, no talking, no bad behavior.  Audience loved it.  Same at Fun Home last year.  I guess it's kinda luck of the draw.

[bwaykelly2]

So I will preface this by saying I am a tall lady. I'm 6'2" and there isn't anything I can do to change it! That being said, I see shows between once and three times a week sometimes and I'm always very conscious of the people around me. I don't wear my hair in a bun, I don't lean forward in my seat, and I try to switch with a friend if I notice there's a little kid behind me. I think that's a lot more courteous than most! 

So now for my story. It was September when Hamilton had just opened and the in person lottery was still going strong. I won the lottery and brought my husband along. He's a tall guy as well. Our seats were in the front row just right of center. When we came in to take our seats we were so excited! We were seeing Hamilton in the front row! Well, when we take our seats, the woman sitting behind m husband starts huffing and puffing. She was doing this loud enough that I could hear. Then she said her husband, "Well. I can't see anything now. Will you switch with me?" He must have said no because she started huffing and puffing even louder. Then she says, "well, my night is ruined now. I might as well just go sit out in the lobby." And when I say huffing and puffing I mean that breathy "hmffffffffff" sound that people make when they don't get their way. It didn't ruin our night, but it did make me feel super self-conscious about something that's completely out of my control. I've been in plenty of situations where I can't see because there is a tall person in front of me! It has more to do with the rake of the seats than anything else. 

[PepperedShepherd]

Okay, this was a really bad one:

Last week, I am seeing An American in Paris at the Hollywood Pantages and sitting in Center Orchestra, Row F, 3 seats off aisle.  Not, in other words, the cheap seats.

The show starts, and the 3 seats in front of me are empty. They remain that way for about 15 minutes until, during "I Got Rhythm", a man and two women -- all middle-aged -- arrive. Now, rather than quietly slinking into their seats to minimize their disruption, they fuss and bother, taking off coats, juggling purses, etc. They finally get settled. But apparently the one woman doesn't like her seat, so they all get up and shuffle around -- moving themselves and the aforementioned coats & purses to a new configuration.

Well, thank goodness that's done. But wait! Scarcely two minutes go by before the man stands up, talks to the women, and then makes his way out of the row -- once again disrupting everyone around.  Then, unbelievably, within seconds of his departure, both women pull out their cellphones!  One starts texting, while the other fires up a game!  Before I can say anything, the guy sitting next to them tells them to put the phones away, which -- after some fussing -- they do. (Remember, these are not kids I'm talking about but grown, middle-aged adults.)

The women actually start paying attention to the stage at this point, but the man is nowhere to be seen. He doesn't come back for a good 20 minutes -- at which point he doesn't return to his seat but, rather, stands in the aisle, leaning over to talk to the woman who is 3 seats in. I can't hear what is being said, but he's obviously asking for something as she picks up her purse and starts digging through it.  (Meanwhile, I can't believe this ass has the nerve to stand there and block people's view of the stage. But, as he's not blocking mine, I don't say anything.)  The woman finally locates whatever she was looking for, hands it to him, and he disappears again.

He is gone for most of the rest of the act, only returning for the last 15 minutes or so.  At which point, he sits down -- and proceeds to carry on a conversation with one of the women!  He never even looked at the stage.  After about a minute and a half of this nonsense, I have had enough and lean forward. In my quietest, coldest voice I say, "Could you please be quiet? You are disrupting the entire audience."  I was a little afraid it might trigger a brawl, but, believe it or not, it worked!  He shut up, turned to the stage -- and the final 10 minutes of Act One proceeded without further incident.

During intermission, with the offenders absent, everyone in the vicinity was talking about them.  Several people actually thanked me to speaking up.  We also apprised the ushers of the situation, and they were going to talk to the party -- but, fortunately, the jerks did not come back after intermission.  

It made for a much better experience during Act Two.  :) 

[VintageSnarker]

Re: ponytail discussion

I don't think we should really be policing hairstyles. Especially a simple ponytail. Unless you do something to wrap the hair where it's tied I don't understand how you would get it higher than the top of your head. Would you complain if someone was wearing their hair in a teased out afro? I think it's a different situation if someone is wearing a big hat. It's easy to take off a hat. 

[haterobics]

mailhandler777 said: "Speaking of ushers. They were more distracting to me constantly running around during the show flashing lights in everyones faces thinking they were taking pics. I have a smart watch that I put on airplane mode but it still lights up when I clap. Guess that confused them."

If it's an Apple Watch, they added a Theater Mode in the last update:

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/watchos-3-2-theater-mode/

[mailhandler777]

haterobics said: "mailhandler777 said: "Speaking of ushers. They were more distracting to me constantly running around during the show flashing lights in everyones faces thinking they were taking pics. I have a smart watch that I put on airplane mode but it still lights up when I clap. Guess that confused them."

If it's an Apple Watch, they added a Theater Mode in the last update:

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/watchos-3-2-theater-mode/

 

"

It's a Samsung but I'll look into seeing if they have that available. 

[PThespian]

Those Smart Watches are a pain because they do look like cellphones as do the Show Trans devices. 

Frequently stage lighting shining through water bottles or eyeglasses look like cameras. This is especially true at SOR with so many different colored lights sweeping over the audience. 

I always make sure I'm 100% certain that something is a cell or camera before flashing someone. 

[Dancingthrulife2]

mailhandler777 said: "TweetyPie2 said: "mailhandler777 said: "At Wicked in Rochester on Saturday night the lady behind me was cracking her gum throughout the show.

 "Speaking of ushers. They were more distracting to me constantly running around during the show flashing lights in everyones faces thinking they were taking pics. I have a smart watch that I put on airplane mode but it still lights up when I clap. Guess that confused them."

 

Simple solution: Take your watch off during the show.

 

 

 

"

I'm afraid I'll lose it if I take it off. Most times I don't have a bag with. I turn the light down as far as I can and try to keep my sleeve over it. 

 

"

Don't you have a pocket or two in your pants?

[Dancingthrulife2]

bwaykelly2 said: "So I will preface this by saying I am a tall lady. I'm 6'2" and there isn't anything I can do to change it! That being said, I see shows between once and three times a week sometimes and I'm always very conscious of the people around me. I don't wear my hair in a bun, I don't lean forward in my seat, and I try to switch with a friend if I notice there's a little kid behind me. I think that's a lot more courteous than most! 

So now for my story. It was September when Hamilton had just opened and the in person lottery was still going strong. I won the lottery and brought my husband along. He's a tall guy as well. Our seats were in the front row just right of center. When we came in to take our seats we were so excited! We were seeing Hamilton in the front row! Well, when we take our seats, the woman sitting behind m husband starts huffing and puffing. She was doing this loud enough that I could hear. Then she said her husband, "Well. I can't see anything now. Will you switch with me?" He must have said no because she started huffing and puffing even louder. Then she says, "well, my night is ruined now. I might as well just go sit out in the lobby." And when I say huffing and puffing I mean that breathy "hmffffffffff" sound that people make when they don't get their way. It didn't ruin our night, but it did make me feel super self-conscious about something that's completely out of my control. I've been in plenty of situations where I can't see because there is a tall person in front of me! It has more to do with the rake of the seats than anything else. 

 

"

It was not your fault. She could've got a booster seat if she wanted to.

[dramamama611]

Just recently, I noticed the reflections of the lights on wristwatches look like a device, too 

[clb10162]

I'm afraid I'll lose it if I take it off. Most times I don't have a bag with. I turn the light down as far as I can and try to keep my sleeve over it. 

Have you tried turning it so the face is on the inside of your wrist (i.e., the palm side of your hand)?  You can still see the time with just a quick glance.

[Babe_Williams]

clb10162 said: "
I'm afraid I'll lose it if I take it off. Most times I don't have a bag with. I turn the light down as far as I can and try to keep my sleeve over it. 

Have you tried turning it so the face is on the inside of your wrist (i.e., the palm side of your hand)?  You can still see the time with just a quick glance.

 

"

 

Or, even better, try not wearing it to the theater?

 

[masqphan]

At the first preview of Sunset Boulevard this year there were two 60ish ladies next to me that were chatting away as the show started.  The man in front of them had a fedora type hat on and the ladies lean forward asking him "Would you take off your hat?".  He actually was in the process of taking it off because he had a thin fabric beanie in hand that he was in the process of putting on instead.    He turns back to them, "Would you mind stop talking?"   Finally the ladies shut up.

I feel that some of the issue with people using phones, talking etc is worse today because with folks being so hooked on their devices that they're used to constantly being engaged in doing something.  They aren't used to paying attention around them or sitting still.  It certainly doesn't make it ok to do these things during a show.  I seriously want to slap some people when I see the way they act at shows.  I wish they'd stay home.

[wonkit]

I think we should have a video synopsis available that shows people the highlights of a popular show. Then they can watch it, brag to their friends and talk about what they "saw" and NOT show up to bother the rest of us who are there to pay attention. Bragging rights without the disruption others?

[GavestonPS]

karen24 said: "...The one thing that kind of irritated me was that both Jake and Annaleigh got entrance applause. I find that distracting although obviously not nearly as bad as some of the things described here. At least Annaleigh got her share and not just the Big Movie Star (he was great, nothing against him in the role!)

 

"

If entrance applause bothers you so much, you should by all means stay home and watch HBO or Netflix. Both offer filmed entertainment, uninterrupted, that will be the same no matter how many times you watch it.

Seriously. With so much of "live" theater now amplified, digitized and pre-recorded, why gripe about a rare moment when the audience reacts spontaneously and the actor has to respond to it?

[VintageSnarker]

GavestonPS said: "Seriously. With so much of "live" theater now amplified, digitized and pre-recorded, why gripe about a rare moment when the audience reacts spontaneously and the actor has to respond to it?"

http://bigstory.ap.org/urn:publicid:ap.org:f5220b7049444bc9ab4e273edf022cba?nc=1444228480727

"I think the ideal is you walk onstage and they're so rapt by what's happening to you that they don't think of you as an actor. They get lost themselves. That's home free, right there," Jones said. "That's what we all want. Forget the entrance applause, please."

[mailhandler777]

Babe_Williams said: "clb10162 said: "
I'm afraid I'll lose it if I take it off. Most times I don't have a bag with. I turn the light down as far as I can and try to keep my sleeve over it. 

Have you tried turning it so the face is on the inside of your wrist (i.e., the palm side of your hand)?  You can still see the time with just a quick glance.

 

"

 

Or, even better, try not wearing it to the theater?

 

 

"

In my experience most people wear a watch to tell the time. Imagine that. Most of the time my phone dies or I don't even have it with so I need some way to know the time.

[mailhandler777]

Dancingthrulife2 said: "mailhandler777 said: "TweetyPie2 said: "mailhandler777 said: "At Wicked in Rochester on Saturday night the lady behind me was cracking her gum throughout the show.

 "Speaking of ushers. They were more distracting to me constantly running around during the show flashing lights in everyones faces thinking they were taking pics. I have a smart watch that I put on airplane mode but it still lights up when I clap. Guess that confused them."

 

Simple solution: Take your watch off during the show.

 

 

 

"

I'm afraid I'll lose it if I take it off. Most times I don't have a bag with. I turn the light down as far as I can and try to keep my sleeve over it. 

 

"

Don't you have a pocket or two in your pants?

 

"

I usually have 4 but with womens pants the pockets are basically non existent. Nothing fits in them and a watch that can break will definitely not fit.

[Crazy NooNooHead]

VintageSnarker said: "Re: ponytail discussion

I don't think we should really be policing hairstyles. Especially a simple ponytail. Unless you do something to wrap the hair where it's tied I don't understand how you would get it higher than the top of your head. Would you complain if someone was wearing their hair in a teased out afro? I think it's a different situation if someone is wearing a big hat. It's easy to take off a hat. "

Does anyone even still wear a hat?

[LxGstv]

VintageSnarker said: "GavestonPS said: "Seriously. With so much of "live" theater now amplified, digitized and pre-recorded, why gripe about a rare moment when the audience reacts spontaneously and the actor has to respond to it?"

http://bigstory.ap.org/urn:publicid:ap.org:f5220b7049444bc9ab4e273edf022cba?nc=1444228480727

"I think the ideal is you walk onstage and they're so rapt by what's happening to you that they don't think of you as an actor. They get lost themselves. That's home free, right there," Jones said. "That's what we all want. Forget the entrance applause, please."

 

"

Interesting... It reminds me of when I saw The Front Page last year... it takes quite a while for Nathan Lane to appear, every time someone remotely similar to him walked on stage there would be this beginning of applause, only to quickly fade away once people realized it wasn't actually Nathan Lane... Granted, it could have been applause for the actor entering, but that's not really what it looked like...

[TheThreadMaster]

"

Interesting... It reminds me of when I saw The Front Page last year... it takes quite a while for Nathan Lane to appear, every time someone remotely similar to him walked on stage there would be this beginning of applause, only to quickly fade away once people realized it wasn't actually Nathan Lane... Granted, it could have been applause for the actor entering, but that's not really what it looked like...

 

"

YES. Every time a new character came on there was this roar of applause. This was STILL occurring AFTER Goodman, Slattery, Jefferson Mays,  and Sherie Rene Scott had entered. Maybe people just assumed it was Nathan Lane without knowing that Walter Burns isnt in the text until the middle of act 2.

[Auggie27]

"Sunday in the Park..." yesterday (Easter matinee), a man had his iPad on at the top of the second act. Another man kept texting until the usher came down (he ignored me). Then he finally went to the top of the balcony.  Compared to other experiences (an Apple phone at "King and I" exactly one year ago), minor perhaps. But imagine the mindset that says "I have a right to have my iPad on in the theater."  For the record, 95% of the electronic device offenders are people my age (over 50).  When this habit is laid at the feet of millennials, it's unfair.  Boomers should know better, and be ashamed. Very.