I'm seeing Curious Incident tonight, and when checking my envelope of tickets, I found a note saying that ALL bags, backpacks, luggage, packages, etc. must be both searched AND checked (for a $2 fee and undoubtedly a huge line after the show).
Do they actually enforce this? I can imagine that's the official policy in many houses, but I think maybe once in hundreds of Broadway shows I've attended have I had to check a small backpack/gym bag. Can anyone confirm/deny? I'll avoid bringing a bag if I'll really be subject to checking and retrieving it.
I've received the same notice with every ticket I've bought for a show at the Barrymore since DEATH OF A SALESMAN, and I've never seen it enforced. I was carrying my briefcase when I saw CURIOUS INCIDENT and was not asked--or forced--to check it.
I have only ever been "forced" to check a bag at the Shubert doing standing room years ago.
When I worked at the Palace, the staff made people check their plastic bags of food/leftovers. The arguments I overheard from people worried that someone was going to eat their Olive Garden during the show...
Saw the show on Saturday, and I had to take a train right after so I had both my duffle bag & my handbag with me. They only wanted to check my duffle, which I did check downstairs. No one made me check the other smaller bag. There was no line at the bag/coat check after the show! I just walked up and got my things.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards