Also, isn't this info provided for most shows? On the Oklahoma overview page on Telecharge, it says: "This performance contains fog, loud gunshot effects, moments of darkness, and violence."
Some theaters tell you when gunshots are used in a production but they never tell you when. I understand that "when" might reveal spoilers but it doesn't help those of us with loud noise sensitivity. I often cannot see anything with a noise warning. Thank you for your help. It is greatly appreciated by me and many others.
Seeing Gary tonight. I’m bracing myself for the loud burst of music that starts the show. But then again Ink, which I caught this afternoon, also had loud music cues. It can’t be that loud, can it?
Anyway, yes. Thank you to the OP for starting this thread, as someone who is very sensitive to sudden loud noises. (I went to pieces during fire drills at school)
5.25.16 My life was changed by Bright Star
4.12.17 My life was saved by Anastasia
RumTumJM said: "Sorry if I'm "beating a dead horse" here, but...
How loud & sudden/startling are the pyro moments in BEETLEJUICE & ALADDIN?
I've heard that all of the pyro in Beetlejuice happens during songs. What songs/moments?
Also, I've seen video of the Friend Like Me sequence in Aladdin. Are there any other pyro moments or just that song?"
I saw Beetlejuice last night so it’s still fresh in my mind for me to answer this: there is a lot of pyro in this show but it’s not necessarily “loud.” Beetlejuice’s character throws sparks and lights things in his hand on fire. But those aren’t the startling moments of the show. I think you will be fine!
Not sure if it helps to know this: but the house lights don’t come up during intermisssion. Instead you have swirling green and purple lights all over the place. The lights dimmed slightly for the top of Act 2 and the music kicking in really startled me. I’m sorry if that’s not exactly answering your question but thought this was worth mentioning in relation to these sensitivities. I hope you have a great time seeing the show when you do!
Also, be prepared for strobes. They’re lined around the frame (?) of the proscenium.
I know Network closes in less than a week, but there’s a pretty startling moment in the middle of the show if you are in the back orchestra or standing room.
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It’s not even gunshot related.
One of the exit doors open with quite a loud bang and Cranston barges in like a mad man. The problem is, the second it happens, you don’t realize it’s Cranston. I actually thought it was a mad man with a gun that would start shooting up the place.
RumTumJM said: "Thanks for your immediate response.
So there is not really anypyro in Beetlejuice that makes an audible/startling BANG or BOOM?"
I’m one of the people that are terrified of gunshots / loud effects in shows. I didn’t find beetlejuice’s to Be loud at all, as the music is playing/the actors are singing. They almost seemed silent.
Also - big thanks to the poster who noted the gunshots in Network - I was able to cover my ears/prepare myself prior to the shots thanks to your post.
Mike Barrett said: "Without spoiling plot too much, can someone tell me where the gun shots are in Miss Saigon?"
In Miss Saigon, the first gunshot is towards the middle of act one. However, it's not one that comes up out of the blue. The actress playing Kim holds onto it for a little bit before firing. So, that should give you a good heads up/ample time to cover your ears if needed.
The last gunshot is in the final scene. without giving away any spoilers, the dramatic tension can give you a hint of when it is to come.
As for gunshots, I have very sensitive hearing and hate it. Hell, I ushered more performances than I can count of The Play That Goes Wrong. There was one gunshot and even though I knew when it was a going to happen after ushering god knows how many performances, it still bothered me nonetheless.
I did see All My Sons last week, and while there was a gunshot at the very end, it was interesting that they never mentioned it on that sign in the lobby that usually informs folks of things like that.
Islander_fan said: "I did see All My Sons last week, and while there was a gunshot at the very end, it was interesting that they never mentioned it on that sign in the lobby that usually informs folks of things like that."
I saw AMS too and I guess they didn't want to spoil the show? Which idk if that works though, as it's obvious the way the characters talk that someone is going to get shot, it's heavily foreshadowed.
I’m pretty sure the pyro from Aladdin is just during Friend Like Me though the sound effects from the Cave of Wonders can be loud too.
Since it’s still touring, I’ll mention Anastasia too. It happens in the 1st 10 min of the show. It’s suposed to represent gunshots but it sounds more like a really loud explosion.
I revisited the Downstage Center interview of Andre De Shields from February 1, 2010. (I strongly recommend listening or re-listening to this podcast.) In it, De Shields recounts the story of an early performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’ when Jackie Kennedy had a terrible reaction to a gunshot in the show. It’s a moving story.
CatastrophicDay said: "This topic feels built for me haha
Here are my best "they're spoilers but as littleas possible so you can enjoy the show":
Shows with: All My Sons
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There are no guns on stage, but there is a sound of one firing as the characters prepare to head to the police in Act 3.
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You say this is off-stage - is it a sound effect or an actual "loud" gunshot? Is there any way for me to prepare more accurately for when it is going to happen?
I'm sure it's a pretty well-known one, but just for the sake of it being in the thread a notable gunshot is in The Phantom of the Opera.
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As they're preparing to perform Don Juan Triumphant, officers surround the theater and an announcement is made to secure the doors. As the doors are secured the Phantom's voice is heard in random parts of the theater, and after shouting "I'm here!" three times the officer in the pit fires his gun.
For the record I've heard that TINA does have gunshots in it. (I'm not sure where & when.) Also, I've heard that AIN'T TO PROUD used gunshot sound effects in the show.
Perhaps, others here know more & can elaborate.
(As one of the persons who's had a gunshot/pyrotechnic "phobia" for decades, thanks to those who are contributing info to this thread. It really helps us enjoy the shows better.)
I always jump when gunshots happen even when they are telegraphed. The biggest offender, which was for effect, was The Public's "Office Hour" in 2017 -- if the theater had not been in basically a blackout, I would have left but instead just shivered in my seat.
Interested if others are also a squirmy as I am when you see actors holding guns on stage, even if not fired. I am from the South and grew up around guns and being told the importance of safety, etc. But still, when I see one, especially in a small theater space, I have a mild panic attack. CSC's Mies Julie this year really did it for me. The space is so small and raising the gun means essentially it is pointed in the direction of audience members (in the round). I was sitting front row and basically crawled out of my skin. Anyone else get nervous just by seeing a gun on stage?
Joanie2 said: "Some theaters tell you when gunshots are used in a production but they never tell you when. I understand that "when"might reveal spoilersbut it doesn't help those of us with loud noise sensitivity. I often cannot see anything with a noise warning. Thank you for your help. It is greatly appreciated by me and many others."
Often, if you talk to a house manager or usher and bring up your concerns, they can give you more detailed information. And when you're purchasing tickets, the box office attendant would probably also be able to give you the information you need. These people are there to help you have a good experience!
RumTumJM said: "So there is not really anypyro in Beetlejuice that makes an audible/startling BANG or BOOM?"
Just wanted to reinforce what alex814 said. I saw the show twice in DC and just this weekend on Broadway, and I think I can confirm that there’s nothing in the pyro that would startle someone with sensitivity to loud/sudden noises. However, there is a big WHOMP at the end of intermission to get the audience’s attention. It startled me every time, even when I knew it was coming, but I guess that was the point.
LLW2 said: "RumTumJM said: "So there is not really anypyro in Beetlejuice that makes an audible/startling BANG or BOOM?"
Just wanted to reinforce what alex814 said.I saw the show twice in DC and just this weekend on Broadway, and I think I can confirm that there’s nothing in the pyro that would startle someone with sensitivity to loud/sudden noises. However, there isa big WHOMP at the end of intermission to get the audience’s attention. It startled me every time, even whenI knew it was coming, but I guess that was the point."
PHENOMENAL! A sincere thank you for the info. I bet the info will help others, too!
A 'startle response' is not the same thing as full blown PTSD, and PTSD is not a lifelong, permanent condition. However, receiving therapeutic intervention is important in overcoming PTSD and, even then, some people may continue to experience startle responses to certain noises. I think it's reasonable that shows and theaters give a heads up to audiences about gun sounds, etc. in productions and I think it's fair that audiences expect that.
But theater is a dynamic and dramatic medium designed and intended to stir responses in audiences and the expectation is that we can handle it, which is reasonable. Part of dealing with a startle response or PTSD symptoms is how the individual copes with the unexpected in everyday life, not trying to ensure that everydaylife constantly accommodates ones PTSD symptoms. That's not only unrealistic, it's actually counterproductive in dealing with PTSD symptoms.
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joined:
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Posted: 5/5/19 at 2:38pm