Intersting perspective. I have always thought it got really bad as a result of American Idol. That audience stood for every GD number. Since it was a mega-success (and presumably attracted an audience that included many who attend musical theatre), those viewers essentially became de-sensitized, and assumed standing was normal, as opposed to recognizing something truly great.
I can see your point, though. 'I paid so much to see this that I am going to love it, whether I actually do or not'.
We're probably both right. I'm 51 and way out of the demographic that would know how American Idol influences young theater-goers. But I think price=special occasion is what started the trend, and somewhat still informs it. What people are now programmed to perceive as the correct response based on television probably informs it a lot today, too.
EthelMae said: "I used to listen to this cast recording a lot at the time and still love the sound of it. Overture is great. Missed Bacall but saw Baxter and thought she was great. Besides what's been posted here, I don't think it could be revived because we don't have a Bacall or a Baxter or even a Dahl around now that I can think of that could pull it off.
"No she couldn't. lol you think otherwise. But then also lol you couldn't quote the person who actually wrote the comment. Me."
Check my original post, I quoted you correctly. Beats me why it attributed your quote to me with my response. All I will say is for somebody who could not sing,dance or act, she amazingly won two Tony awards for Best Actress (1970 & 1981). Winning one can be a fluke, two not so much.