Questions for Roxy, Dollypop and any other loooong time theater patrons

[Hellob]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 6:38pm

Hi- Since I know you to be a long time theater goer, I was wondering if you could answer some questions like a theater AMA

1. Besides the well discussed behavior of the current audiences, what is the biggest difference between the past and the present theater audience?

2. Did shows usually offer discounts like they do now? What about lottery/rush? If not, when was that implemented?

3. With the exception of huge hits with huge prices, do you think theater is more or less accessible now?

4. Has there ever been something as crazy as the Hamilton fervor? If not, what is the closest example and how did people react?

5. Has the change from majority original works from iconic writers and composers to jukebox and screen to stage tarnished the prestige of Broadway? 

6. Do the stars of yesterday outshine the ones of today?

7. Dismissing shows like "The Hamilton" and BOM, when adjusted for inflation are prices significantly higher (excluding premium seats)

8. What are the moments/shows that had a big impact on you?

9. If you could go back in time and bring back any show you've seen, what would it be?

That's all for now, but I might think of more. Thanks!!

ETA I don't know all the older members' handles who have been going for 40 years or more so if you fall into the category, I would love to hear your thoughts and I think many others would, too. : )

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 06:38 PM

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 7:41pm

This should be a PM. 

[@z5]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 7:52pm

lol. this is funny

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 7:57pm

To Hellob

 

I will PM you. as apparently this bothers some in the peanut gallery. If we do not have a new Hamilton thread created every 2 or 3 seconds they get antsy. If they are not interested they do things like this. It is all rather comical when you think about . I cannot say I am surprised by  some of the replies you got.

[Sam2]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:02pm

I'm actually interested in hearing thoughts from longtime theatre goers as well. Why would this thread be a problem if other people are invited to share their thoughts too? The questions are pretty interesting! 

[macnyc]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:12pm

I agree! If people are not interested In reading the answers, they can click on the next thread. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:13pm

I just sent Hellob a PM with my detailed response. Sorry you will not get to read my answers but I did not want to irk those who, for whatever the reason, had a problem with it. Some people will complain about anything for lack of anything better to do.

[Hellob]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:14pm

GreasedLightning said: "This should be a PM. 

 

"

Why? Maybe others have questions, too. I said it's an AMA. He has a lot of theater history knowledge and this is a theater board. FFS, why don't all the self appointed kings and queens of the board make a sticky post so we know your rules. Idk why asking theater history is a PM if I'm asking someone who was there but it's ok to ask the same questions generally.

And PS, you're not the boss of the Internet 

[Hellob]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:16pm

Mr Roxy said: "I just sent Hellob a PM with my detailed response. Sorry you will not get to read my answers but I did not want to irk those who, for whatever the reason, had a problem with it. Some people will complain about anything for lack of anything better to do.

 

"

I'll copy and paste it if you don't mind. I'm going to eat now but will do it soon or you can do it. Who cares about the others? Bullies

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 08:16 PM

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:16pm

Oh, stop crying. 

 

Go ahead. Discuss. I've moved on. You all should too. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:18pm

Some people want to show their BWW bonafides and one of those is attacking me directly or indirectly. I have gone thru so much in my life this kind of childish behavior is like water rolling off a ducks back to me. Sad very sad.

 

Hellob You are free to copy & paste if you want.

[Hellob]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:18pm

GreasedLightning said: "Oh, stop crying. 

 

 

 

Go ahead. Discuss. I've moved on. You all should too. 

 

"

I'm Puerto Rican, I don't cry, I make others cry. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 8:21pm

Greased just proved my point. If he cannot be the star in the baseball game, he will pick up his ball, bat & glove & go home.

 

If the thread is not about Hamilton, it is irrelevant to many.

[Hellob]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 9:02pm

Here are Roxy's answers-

1. Lack of respect for fellow theatergoers with things like late attendance and using cell phones & eating during a performance.

2. There were things called twofers. They looked like actual tickets and had the show printed on them. It showed the original price & price with the discount. They had the dates they were good for. You than went to the box office and used them when you bought your tickets.

3. Much less unaccessible

4. Never anything like it. The Producers had long lines and the introduction of premium prices but nothing like the madness of line sitters & standing outside in freezing weather to buy them.

5. More original works by composers

6. Many did outshine those of today but we do have our fair share of great performers

7. Much much higher.

8. The whole show of the original Superman musical. it came at a time I was about to enter the  service and it cheered me up. . There were too many other theatrical moments to numerous to mention

9. Again there are to many but I will name a few musicals that deserve a revival

   a) Superman

   b) I Had A Ball

   c) High Spirits

   d) Lil Abner

 

I have a few follow ups for you- if it's too intrusive lmk. 

A- What were the average price for tickets by the decade (if that's too detailed to remember, maybe by events pre enlistment, during your working years et al)

B- Has there always been long running shows like today or is that a newer phenomenon after A Chorus Line opened? Before ACL, what was considered a long running show? 

C- You mention the general complaints about current theater goers but did the "classier" attendees of yore not ever have similar traits (minus devices). There's always that stereotype of the woman with the big hat and huge fur.

D- do you ever see a time (non health related) that you will give up theater and be content with PBS? Is the thrill still there? Has there been any recent shows that have moved you and reinforced your love?

Thanks! 

 

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 9:08pm

Hellob said: "I'm Puerto Rican, I don't cry, I make others cry."

 

Mr Roxy said: "If the thread is not about Hamilton, it is irrelevant to many."

 

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 9:11pm

This is how extramarital affairs start. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 9:16pm

Re D

 

I can see a time giving up on it totally. It is no longer theater I grew up with nor is it what my wife and I enjoyed over the years. Mentioning special shows would open the floodgates of criticism so I will pm you these. I will address your other questions in due course

 

Re C there were alway theatergoers who were a pain you know where but never to the extent they are today.

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 09:16 PM

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 9:52pm

Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions about an artform we all love, Roxy.  Don't let the vocal minority on here ever make you think your comments are not appreciated by the thousands on here that realize the past informs the future ... in all things.... and you are funny.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:00pm

Now I want peanuts after the reference to the gallery.

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:06pm

I cannot even believe this thread exists. 

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:08pm

Hellob, send the questions to Dollypop too, I think he's been going to theater even longer than Roxy!!!  I know he has stories.  His history with Hello Dolly is fabulous.

 

 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:11pm

Dolly was around when the ancient Greeks were performing the classics as new worksSeriously, Namo has a good point. Dolly is a fountain of knowledge that needs to be tapped. Suggest you pm him rather than start another  thread to avoid another round of b.s. thrown at you

 

To Mr Rogers

 

Unless a thread is about "The Show" it is not a legitimate discussion in the eyes of many.

 

To Mike C

 

Again thanks for the kind words. If you continue being nice to me, you will become a target for piles of crap being thrown at you.

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 10:11 PM

[haterobics]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:18pm

Hellob said: "I was wondering if you could answer some questions like a theater AMA"

 

Roxy's first question: What is an AMA?!

[gypsy101]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:19pm

American Music Awards

[Hellob]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:19pm

FindingNamo said: "Hellob, send the questions to Dollypop too, I think he's been going to theater even longer than Roxy!!!  I know he has stories.  His history with Hello Dolly is fabulous.

 

 

 

 

 

"

I didn't know that. I can edit the name into the thread title and edit my OP to include. I was only aware of Roxy being a long going attendee. Thanks!