Group Says Costumed Panhandlers are to Blame for Low Broadway Sales- Page 2

[jnb9872]

Posted: 7/10/14 at 7:12pm

LOL at FANatic for taking umbrage with the word "pimp" - they are literally pimping their show. That is their job. They represent a night of entertainment that would like your money and they are advertising it and pushing it so that you would pay for the delight of experiencing it and they then receive a kickback of the money you pay afterwards. That is literally what they are doing.

I think this is most likely a little sideways push on that licensing-and-regulating push for the costumed panhandlers, which I think is very warranted. I haven't been accosted personally, but I've heard friends' stories and seen it look it would happen were it not for an intervening third party. The city has a vested interest in tourism, and maintaining the most popular and iconic tourist district by regulating those who want to make a living there is well within the city's responsibilities if you ask me.

But it sure as sh!t ain't as big a reason for sales patterns as exorbitant prices and scalpers are.

[haterobics]

Posted: 7/10/14 at 7:28pm

Pimps or not, they did tell me if I saw Aladdin I'd get a happy ending.

[candydog2]

Posted: 7/10/14 at 7:37pm

You know what irks me the most about the costumed characters? The way they casually take off their masks/heads in the middle of the street in front of all the children - it happens all the time. Now granted, most kids are smart enough to know that these characters aren't "real", but still...

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 9:42am

thanks, rjm516. Figured it can't hurt to reference recent Supreme Court decisions here.

Agree with the others who say the bus touts (is that a better word?) are more annoying than the costumed panhandlers.

And what's the gimmick with the comedy shows? I never go, but didn't know they were ripoffs.

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 5:21pm

I was walking down Times Square with a friend of mine on our way to the theatre a few weeks back. She said that she felt the folks in costume in Times Square were this decade's version of the squeegee men back in the 90's. I don't know if I totally agree with her. But, the issue is that it isn't clear from the viewpoint of the parent, that they need to tip after a picture is taken. There have been some stories of the folks in costume getting too volatile from folks who walk away without tipping. That's the only issue I see with them.

[I'm a starkid]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 5:22pm

I don't know their gimmick, but I agree whenever I see a comedy show advertiser, they are always shouting after someone who refused their offer, or are trying to say something witty and failing. When my friend and I saw Newsies last week we refused their offer, and the guys response was, "You look like a darn sexy marshmallow." (My friend was wearing white). I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a comedy show at all though, they were advertising it as an excuse to get drunk.

[emo_geek]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 5:26pm

If someone misses Audra Mcdonald's breathtaking portrayal of Billie Holiday because they are scared of Hello Kitty- they need to grow some. Ridiculous.

[jkstheatrescene]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 5:30pm

Add me to list of bus tour barker haters. Especially on 42nd Street - from the corner to Dallas BBQ (either direction) they step in front of you, or hold out their pamphlet so that it has to brush you. Ridiculous!

emo_geek: YOU ARE HILARIOUS! I literally Laughed Out Loud! (And, yes, I know what "literally" means...)

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 5:30pm

^^ I agree. Just ignore these costumed freaks like everywhere else does.

[Tom5]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 5:58pm

Highly unlikely they have anything to do with declining Broadway attendance. But to those here who say they are not bothered by them are not the wide-eyed tourists who are targeted as easy marks. So some regulation might be in order.

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 8:29pm

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 8:31pm

The comedy club scam is they usually try to sell you tickets to a show and don't tell you that there's a mandatory 2 drink minimum which tourists don't find out until after they are in there. They will also use names of comedians who won't be there. Basically whatever it takes to get you in the club. It must work enough times because there's tons of these people out there trying to sell the tickets.

[haterobics]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 10:39pm

Isn't part of the scam that they are all comedians, and if they sell X number of tickets they get stage time?

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 10:44pm

The CHICAGO girls make me very sad.

Posted: 7/11/14 at 11:36pm

I second that emotion on those Chicago girls.

I look at them and I cry.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 11:41pm

Elmo ain't real?

You're kidding , right?

[haterobics]

Posted: 7/11/14 at 11:42pm

What is so sad about the Chicago girls? Or is it just being reminded that Chicago is still on Broadway?