Bad Theater Behavior

[dramamama611]

Of course, it WAS acceptable behavior....all of it: talking to the actors, feet on the stage, eating.  Yes, that was lifetimes ago, but it did happen and was expected.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uai7M4RpoLU

 

See 2:05

[AC126748]

I don't think feet on the stage would have been acceptable behavior, largely because that was usually a standing area in the early modern days of theater. But I somehow doubt that the people munching on M&Ms and chatting with their friends are doing so in an attempt to invoke the customs of the English Renaissance.

[wonderfulwizard11]

"And don't even get me started on the people who bring their babies."

Oh, there was definitely at least one crying baby as well. Personally, I don't know why you'd want to bring your infant to any theatre, let alone a outdoor one on a hot day. The people in front of me also had a few young kids- definitely no older than preteen. They were actually fairly well-behaved, but it must have been a little uncomfortable, since this production of Taming of the Shrew doesn't really shrink from the aggressive nature of Petruchio's abuse. 

[MVintheheartland]

I recently saw "School of Rock", which was disappointing as the understudy was on (he is way too old to be playing the role). There was a group of about 6 teen girls and 3 adult women (probably moms) who arrived at 7:55 for a 7:30 curtain, and clambered over us (we were sitting on the aisle).

Of course, at intermission, they all had to get up (at different times of course) and go back and forth.

By the second act, one young lady had to get up and leave several times, and of course, some of her girlfriends had to follow ("to help", Then a mom would get up and climb over us to check on the girls.

It turns out that the one young lady had the stomach flu and was apparently throwing up in the bathroom, and my friend overheard them talking that they thought she was feeling well enough to go to the show.

For pete's sake, if you are sick, STAY HOME AND OUT OF THE DAMN THEATER. AND CHECK YOUR TICKET FOR CURTAIN TIME.

 

 

[gmhots]

When I went to Fiddler last week, some guy in the first row put his Playbill on the stage during intermission and left it there when the show started. When Danny Burstein walked past in the first song of Act 2, he kicked the Playbill off the stage with vehemence. It was great.

[ChiTheaterFan]

I had some people behind me in the mezzanine at bright star a few weeks ago that so annoying. They had evidently heard there was some plot twist and decided it was their mission to figure out what it was. The woman kept asking her husband what was going on (because it's evidently a terribly complicated plot) and the husband had these crazy theories about how things were connected.  Putting these in spoilers just in case, but neither of them is actually true. 

 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

First, during the Asheville scene he decided that Margo and Alice were the same person. Evidently he thought it was some kind of parallel universe. 

 

Then, in one of the scenes with Darryl in the second act he said "oh I bet Darryl is her son."  The wife was like "oh you're GOOD. You're soooo good."  

They were genuinely surprised at the actual reveal and couldn't believe they were wrong. 

 

Although I was annoyed I found it kind of amusing since I had seen the show already but I felt bad for those around me. My friend had never seen it before but fortunately she said she couldn't hear them.  (I have no idea how but I am glad.) I shushed them a couple of times but it did no good and I was too far away to actually say anything. 

 

And at Hamilton a few weeks ago, there were some OBNOXIOUS people in standing room. (I was in the very rear orchestra.). They were drunk and were acting like it was a party, laughing and goofing around. Then they sang along with some of the songs. I complained to the usher at intermission and he did nothing. 

 

I do find that I have fewer of these experiences sitting closer to the stage. Sure, there are incidents every once in awhile in the orchestra but I feel like EVERY time I'm in the mezzanine someone is chattering away. Maybe because there is more separation from the actors on stage?  

[LizzieCurry]

ChiTheaterFan said: "I do find that I have fewer of these experiences sitting closer to the stage. Sure, there are incidents every once in awhile in the orchestra but I feel like EVERY time I'm in the mezzanine someone is chattering away. Maybe because there is more separation from the actors on stage?  "

I definitely think this is a major part of it. I had the worst experience at Les Miz up there during previews of the current revival, and had chalked it up to tourists being tourists and/or people being so familiar with the show that they just wanted to talk about it during the show. However, I've since seen the show only from the orchestra, and there were never problems down there. I think part of that is also that (at the Imperial, at least), it's much easier for the ushers to reach an offender than in the mezz.

[ArtMan]

When I was at The Color Purple on May 21 (evening performance) at intermission, while walking to the bathroom I overheard a 40 something woman loudly telling a 70 plus woman that she was going to kick her ass, among other things.  The 40 something woman was stating that the older woman touched her.  Nobody was doing anything other than watching this woman berate a senior citizen.  I went and found an usher, who got security and they kicked out the 40 something woman and her friend. The usher told me the 40 something woman was texting during the show and the older woman tapped her on the arm to ask her to stop.  However, they didn't kick her out for the texting.  It was for the physical threats.  I am happy to say that for me, I had no issues with people with cell phones during the show.  A miracle!!

[Marianne2]

^ That's awful. Glad something was done.

I know this isn't as bad as what others have said here, but I don't understand why people need to take their shoes off in the theater. A couple of people did it when we were in the front row at God of Carnage a few years ago. And some woman did it at Tuck Everlasting when I saw it. She announced she was going to do it like she always does when she goes to the theater as well. I guess with the way you sit in the theater, I see no purpose. Like if there were foot rests or you were supposed to be relaxed on a couch, I could see it. 

[PThespian]

MVintheheartland said: "I recently saw "School of Rock", which was disappointing as the understudy was on (he is way too old to be playing the role). There was a group of about 6 teen girls and 3 adult women (probably moms) who arrived at 7:55 for a 7:30 curtain, and clambered over us (we were sitting on the aisle).

Of course, at intermission, they all had to get up (at different times of course) and go back and forth.

By the second act, one young lady had to get up and leave several times, and of course, some of her girlfriends had to follow ("to help", Then a mom would get up and climb over us to check on the girls.

It turns out that the one young lady had the stomach flu and was apparently throwing up in the bathroom, and my friend overheard them talking that they thought she was feeling well enough to go to the show.

For pete's sake, if you are sick, STAY HOME AND OUT OF THE DAMN THEATER. AND CHECK YOUR TICKET FOR CURTAIN TIME.

 

 

 

We get people showing up at the wrong time all the time because of our unusual performance schedule. 

Sunday night there was a couple that arrived about five minutes before intermission and a woman who arrived during intermission.  

At the end of the show the woman came up to me, showed me a sheet of paper, and asked me who she should turn it into. 

The sheet was the one that the Box Office gives out explaining how past dating works. I reviewed the policy with her, and she said it wouldn't do her any good as she lived in Houston and was leaving the next morning. 

I showed her that her ticket clearly said 6pm. She responded that the company that sold it to her gave it to her in an envelope which she hadn't opened until she arrived. I then pointed out that the outside of the envelope said 6pm as well. 

By this point the couple had meandered over and said that they had the same problem. They arrived late because they thought the show was at 730. 

Their tickets too said 6pm. 

They were all adamant that they were entitled to a refund since they missed half the show. I told them had the mistake been on our part that might have been a possibility. However since it was their fault they were late it would not be happening. 

They were not happy. To say the least. Ah well. 

BTW. I'm guessing you must have seen Jonathan Wagner as Dewey since he is the primary understudy/alternate. 

It's interesting you found him way too old for the role since he's only three years older than Jack Black was when he did the role and two years older than Alex is. 

Merrit David Janes, the second understudy, is older though. Maybe you saw him?

How long ago did you see it? Alex hasn't missed an evening show in quite awhile. 

 

[MVintheheartland]

PT Thespian said:

"BTW. I'm guessing you must have seen Jonathan Wagner as Dewey since he is the primary understudy/alternate. 
It's interesting you found him way too old for the role since he's only three years older than Jack Black was when he did the role and two years older than Alex is. 
Merrit David Janes, the second understudy, is older though. Maybe you saw him?
How long ago did you see it? Alex hasn't missed an evening show in quite awhile. "
 

We saw the show April 8, a Friday night. It was Merrit David Janes. The announcement that Alex was out was made right before the show started, there was no program insert. I'm guessing he came down with something nasty right before curtain time. Makes me think there was a stomach virus going through Broadway that weekend. I tried to see "She Loves Me" but heard Laura Benati was out. Went to see "On Your Feet" and the understudy was on for actress playing Gloria Estefan, However, did get to see "Waitress" and "Shuffle Along" with all the principals in good health.
 

[PThespian]

MVintheheartland said: "PT Thespian said:

"BTW. I'm guessing you must have seen Jonathan Wagner as Dewey since he is the primary understudy/alternate. 
It's interesting you found him way too old for the role since he's only three years older than Jack Black was when he did the role and two years older than Alex is. 
Merrit David Janes, the second understudy, is older though. Maybe you saw him?
How long ago did you see it? Alex hasn't missed an evening show in quite awhile. "
 

We saw the show April 8, a Friday night. It was Merrit David Janes. The announcement that Alex was out was made right before the show started, there was no program insert. I'm guessing he came down with something nasty right before curtain time. Makes me think there was a stomach virus going through Broadway that weekend. I tried to see "She Loves Me" but heard Laura Benati was out. Went to see "On Your Feet" and the understudy was on for actress playing Gloria Estefan, However, did get to see "Waitress" and "Shuffle Along" with all the principals in good health.
 

 

That explains it. Merrit is considerably older. 

You are correct. Alex had food poisoning. The evening before he had to be replaced at intermission because he had "tossed his cookies."

He wanted to go on that night, but it became clear as he was doing his warmup exercises that that was not going to work. 

I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. 

 

[slumdogdelaware]

Thought I'd bring some light to this thread. I was at She Loves Me tonight (for the second time in less than a week, I can't help my love for this production) and was sitting in the mid-mezzanine. A gentleman sitting in front of me kept leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees during certain songs, which thus blocked my view of whoever was center stage.  So the third time he did it, I tapped on his shoulder and without needing to say anything or even communicate, he sat straight back and didn't do it again. Wasn't rude about it, but seemed to realize what he was doing and that was it. It was nice.

[Cupid Boy2]

How refreshing to hear a story of someone who's aware of a distracting inclination they have  and is willing to correct it without a fight. 

[VintageSnarker]

I don't see a lot of jukebox musicals though I've heard horror stories from Beautiful, Jersey Boys, etc. The Marvelous Wonderettes was comparatively tame, especially for an off-Broadway show with audience participation. Just a couple chatting away in the front row and some ladies who felt the need to repeat jokes and narrate things that were happening on stage (I will never understand the impulse towards the latter). Nevertheless, I wonder if the jukebox musical/off-Broadway novelty crowd is generally worse or about the same.

[LizzieCurry]

I've seen Jersey Boys in multiple cities, and NYC was always the rudest -- especially if asked to stop singing/talking/eating. Last time I went, though, they were remarkably tame. Some M&M eaters but far fewer sing-alongers. (Singers-along?)

[bwayandstuff]

My friends and I rushed a Sunday matinee of Bright Star and the rush seats were extreme left front orchestra. There were 2 women behind us and the one farthest to the left couldn't see so her friend kept telling, and by telling I mean speaking at louder than normal volume, her what was happening, it was maddening. I just don't understand why people can't sit quietly and focus for 2 hrs.

Also, what's up with theaters putting ice in their drinks and serving food that is incredibly noisy when consumed?!

[Phantom4ever]

I saw 5 shows this weekend (Blackbird, Phantom, Shuffle, Bright Star, Chicago) and did not experience bad theater behavior at any of them! Part of it was aggressive ushers and part of it was stern-sound announcements at the top of the show rather than anything cutesy.  There may have been a whisper here and there and crinkling candy wrappers, but no talking, no singing along, no cellphones, no bright screens.....just good theater behavior. 

[MarkBearSF]

Call_me_jorge said: "420 is extremely important to society except when the theatre is involved. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/420_(cannabis_culture)

Actually, I've found that a medicinal treat eaten 30 minutes pre-show is wonderful. And I'm certain that I'm more acceptable to fellow audience members than if I had another cocktail instead. 
Not that I'm an ill-behaved audience member, I believe.

[schubox]

MVintheheartland said: "I recently saw "School of Rock", which was disappointing as the understudy was on (he is way too old to be playing the role). There was a group of about 6 teen girls and 3 adult women (probably moms) who arrived at 7:55 for a 7:30 curtain, and clambered over us (we were sitting on the aisle).

Of course, at intermission, they all had to get up (at different times of course) and go back and forth.

By the second act, one young lady had to get up and leave several times, and of course, some of her girlfriends had to follow ("to help", Then a mom would get up and climb over us to check on the girls.

It turns out that the one young lady had the stomach flu and was apparently throwing up in the bathroom, and my friend overheard them talking that they thought she was feeling well enough to go to the show.

For pete's sake, if you are sick, STAY HOME AND OUT OF THE DAMN THEATER. AND CHECK YOUR TICKET FOR CURTAIN TIME.

 

 

 

"

I think the 7:30 curtain time is confusing people. I went to SoR Saturday night and I think at least 100 people showed up well after curtain 

[PThespian]

There was a bus from Martha's Vineyard that came late to SOR on Saturday. 

They knew it was a 730 curtain, but they got stuck in traffic. 

[PThespian]

Phantom4ever said: "I saw 5 shows this weekend (Blackbird, Phantom, Shuffle, Bright Star, Chicago) and did not experience bad theater behavior at any of them! Part of it was aggressive ushers and part of it was stern-sound announcements at the top of the show rather than anything cutesy.  There may have been a whisper here and there and crinkling candy wrappers, but no talking, no singing along, no cellphones, no bright screens.....just good theater behavior. 

 

"

You really lucked out at Phantom. 

I work there quite a bit, and it is one of the hardest shows to work because of the constant cellphones and cameras. This is especially true up in the mezzanine. 

The vast majority of audience members up there either don't speak English (making it hard to explain to them that phones and cameras are not allowed) or kids in school groups who don't really want to be there and can't live without their phones. 

It is a constant battle there. 

[pmsept]

What are people's feelings on seat cushions? I'm going to see Hamilton in a month and I'm a little scared that my view will be obstructed by the person sitting in front of me since I'm definitely on the shorter side. Thinking of getting a seat cushion to bring to the show but I'm worried the person sitting behind me would consider this rude. I spent a lot of $$ on the tickets and really hoping I would be able to enjoy it without craning my neck the entire show. 

[PThespian]

Virtually every theater has its own cushions and/or booster seats. Well at least all Shubert houses do. I can't speak specifically to the RR.

I recommend them all the time to adult members who can't see over the person in front of them. People always have the same concern that you are raising here.

All I can say is that I've never heard anyone complain. The cushions do raise you up a bit, but do not turn you into some sort of giant all of a sudden that can't be seen over.

If you are on the short side another four inches or so won't really bother the people in back of you. It will probably make you "average" height. It can make a world of difference to you.

[Phantom4ever]

PThespian said: "
You really lucked out at Phantom. 
I work there quite a bit, and it is one of the hardest shows to work because of the constant cellphones and cameras. This is especially true up in the mezzanine. 
The vast majority of audience members up there either don't speak English (making it hard to explain to them that phones and cameras are not allowed) or kids in school groups who don't really want to be there and can't live without their phones. 
It is a constant battle there. 

That was my 61st time seeing Phantom at the Majestic (I know I know that's against the mean-girl vibe of this board but who cares), so I've seen it all. Any time I sit in the front mezz, I get annoyed by foreign tourists who won't shut up and who won't stop translating. And in the rear mezz, it's even worse because of the school groups, who carry on conversations like they're in a lunchroom. Many times I've gotten up at intermission and cursed out an entire group of kids, their chaperones, and the ushers. So I won't be sitting in the mezz of Phantom for a while.  I do take issue with you claiming that the foreign tourists don't speak English.......just because they speak another language does not mean they can't understand English.  I think that's a decidedly American view of bilingualism that is seen far too much on this board. 

 

 

"

 

[PThespian]

Phantom4ever said: "PThespian said: "
You really lucked out at Phantom. 
I work there quite a bit, and it is one of the hardest shows to work because of the constant cellphones and cameras. This is especially true up in the mezzanine. 
The vast majority of audience members up there either don't speak English (making it hard to explain to them that phones and cameras are not allowed) or kids in school groups who don't really want to be there and can't live without their phones. 
It is a constant battle there. 

That was my 61st time seeing Phantom at the Majestic (I know I know that's against the mean-girl vibe of this board but who cares), so I've seen it all. Any time I sit in the front mezz, I get annoyed by foreign tourists who won't shut up and who won't stop translating. And in the rear mezz, it's even worse because of the school groups, who carry on conversations like they're in a lunchroom. Many times I've gotten up at intermission and cursed out an entire group of kids, their chaperones, and the ushers. So I won't be sitting in the mezz of Phantom for a while.  I do take issue with you claiming that the foreign tourists don't speak English.......just because they speak another language does not mean they can't understand English.  I think that's a decidedly American view of bilingualism that is seen far too much on this board. 

I am fully cognizant of the fact that just because one is a foreigner doesn't mean that you don't speak English. 

However the Majestic used to be my theater  I worked Phantom for over two years and still fill in there two or three times a month  

I promise you I have seen it more than 61 times and interacted with its audiences more than you have.  

I love it when there is a foreign audience member who speaks English. It makes my life much easier.  

However more often than not I am left with completely blank stares that contain a mix of terror and confusion in the eyes when I do something as simple as trying to explain where there seat is, not to put programs on the ledge, where the bathrooms are, not to take pictures, etc  

Most of the time their response is "Spanish?", "Italian?", etc or they start trying to figure out together what I just said.  Why? Because they are foreign tourists who don't speak English  

There is an usher who works there who is from China. I explained to this Chinese patron one night where the woman's room is. She went up to the usher and told her I said she couldn't use the bathroom. She didn't understand me. Why? Because she's a foreign tourist who doesn't speak English.

On numerous occasions I have had to step in front of people's cameras to stop them from taking pictures after security makes the "No more photos" announcent at the end of the show. Many people don't undrrstand it. Why? Because they are foreigners who don't speak English.

When I work there it is a struggle to communicate with patrons about simple things. Many think the show is over at intermission. Many want to know how long the show is. Many of them struggle to ask coherent questions about these things (so I can understand what they are asking) and struggle to understand my response. Why?  Because they are foreigners who don't speak English.  

 

I am bilingual English-French (I lived in France when I was in high school). You cannot imagine how grateful French speaking patrons are to be able to communicate with me in French, and I am happy to do so with them.

i wish I spoke more languages, but I don't. I have to struggle with everyone else.

I certainly didn't mean to imply that all foreign tourists don't speak English. I did mean to imply that that is the case with the vast majority of them that come to see Phantom. Trust me on that.  

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

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