What Happened to Radio City?

[DramaTeach]

Aesthetically it is still a stunner, but oof! I've never been as thoroughly disgusted as I was by the audience at tonight's Christmas Show. I've heard the complaints on here about modern audiences, but this was above anything I've witnessed. Ever.

While waiting outside to go in in freezing cold weather, when a 20-something year old tried to cut the line that little children were freezing on, I said, "You have to go to the back." Her response, "I didn't ask you." "Happy holidays," I offered as she walked toward the back and "F*CK you" were the last words she spoke to me.

Once in my seat in the rear orchestra, I realized that the weather was apparently meant to reflect that of the North Pole. It stayed an arctic temperature for the entirety of the show. That's probably because a good 40 minutes into the show and people were still entering - speaking at full volume and distracting everyone from the production. Once seated, many of these audience members wanted to capture the show so as not to forget a moment, so phones were literally recording the show in full sight of employees. Many! All of that recording kept their hands tied up and prevented them from applauding. The audience was SO quiet when they should have been their loudest. And then to match the late arrivals, they all started leaving before it ended. A truly appreciative crowd.

I have been to a lot of shows and this was, without a doubt, the worst experience I've ever had. It bothered me so much that I was distracted and couldn't enjoy thit show. Won't be back to Radio City any time soon.

[Miles2Go2]

That’s so unfortunate. I treated my parents to a touring production several Christmases ago. As I recall everyone acted appropriately. Of course, this was before cell phones were quite as omnipresent in our lives as they are today. I heard someone (Lin maybe?) say recently (on NPR?) that the theatre is one of the only places now where we turn off our phones and enjoy something together. Too bad that wasn’t enforced at Radio City although I understand it’s not your typical musical. Also,.as I recall, people showed up on time and stayed until the end at the production I saw in OKC, but again this was also several years ago. Sorry other people ruined what could have been an entertaining time.

[Phantom4ever]

The first time I saw the Christmas Spectacular, I was so shocked at the audiences behavior that I wrote a letter to whatever cable company owned it. That cable company (Comcast? Time Warner? Who cares?) messed up the internet connection at the high school I taught at and sent the school tons of free tickets. This was in 2007. Even then, just about every audience member was recording the show in plain view. Children were talking loudly and getting up over and over again to buy more snacks and souvenirs.
I have seen it several times since then and since I knew what to expect, I wasn’t as upset. But we should not hold our breath before Radio City suddenly decides to tell people to not use phones and make their kids shut their traps.

[Anakela]

The Rockettes Christmas show audience has always been awful. Separate and apart from the new norm of awful theatre audiences. I went to the Rockettes show once, it was a good 10 years ago, and it was people coming and going all through the show, and flash photography from cameras, and audience talking, and eating, and kids yelling, etc. I wasn’t under the impression back then that it was supposed to be like a ‘normal’ theatre audience; I can only imagine what it’s like now (she says, as she has friends this year who have actually posted Insta stories during the show.) I’ve always described it as one of those NY things you only need to do once, like watching the Thanksgiving Parade from the street, but it is nothing like what being in a theatre is supposed to be.

[dramamama611]

This certainly isn't new. It's the same when you go to those Disney on Ice shows....just awful. Even my own children were appalled. 

[DramaTeach]

dramamama611 said: "This certainly isn't new. It's the same when you go to those Disney on Ice shows....just awful. Even my own children were appalled."

I always thought that Radio City and the Christmas Show would be of a higher caliber than Disney On Ice.  I mean, that venue alone to me exuded so much class.  Sad.

[adamgreer]

It was the same thing when I used to go see A Christmas Carol, and later Peter Pan at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. I was appalled by how many people talked throughout, and how many people arrived very late. I learned that the best way to combat this, sadly, was to splurge and purchase a higher priced ticket in the “VIP section.” In that smallish area of the theater, the audience was quite well-behaved, and I was able to tune out the distractions behind me.

[uncageg]

I saw a touring production of the show in Colorado years ago andnit was wonderful. I decided I really wanted to see it at Radio City. I went to see Cirque's ZARKANA (on an invite thank goodness) and I was apalled at the audience behavior. Phones and video recorders everywhere throughout the show. People talking out loud. It was awful. The ushers just gave up.

I have been there for the Tony Awards and America's Got Talent also. Those two events were controlled due to them being broadcast on tv so people behaved. The Tonys are probably the only thing I will ever go back there to see. Maybe a concert .

[yankeefan7]

"All of that recording kept their hands tied up and prevented them from applauding. The audience was SO quiet when they should have been their loudest. And then to match the late arrivals, they all started leaving before it ended. A truly appreciative crowd. "

All these type of people care about is that they can put a clip on FB and let everyone know they were there - lol.

[Dollypop]

It seems Radio City has always attracted a chatty crowd. Remember that man in CATCHER IN THE RYE who kept repeating, "That's precision" every time the Rockettes danced?

[JennH]

This might be my favorite thread on here, ever. I've been working here for the season, and I've never in my life come across such idiotic people/people who seem to have no clue about live theatre etiquette. It's couldn't be more obvious that most of them have never seen a live show in their life. Look, I know we all have to start somewhere, but come ON...a little common sense that a show has a start time, to be respectful of those around you in the house, reading signs, etc. would go a long way. These audiences treat this like it's a damn movie theater, spilling popcorn and beverage everywhere, rather than the LIVE venue that it is. I even had a patron ask me, "Excuse me, when in the world did they start selling popcorn and food for this??" Not that I had an answer, but I couldn't exactly blame her and that's when I had that epiphany.

I've lost count how many times I've seen patrons wandering aimlessly and suddenly realize that show started and freak, even thought they've been wandering for the past 15 minutes. Or people continuously leaving the house to use the bathroom for a show that's only 90 MINUTES, and the insane amount of late arrivals that come a HALF HOUR LATE. There's always an amazing amount of people still in line for merch or concessions when the show actually starts, and of course if you're on the main foyer, you can hear the overture starting on the speakers...like, do you not realize that the show has started?? Why aren't you making a mad dash for your seats?? This show has literally taught me that it seems outside of the regular/educated theatergoer circle, people really have no idea how live theatre works...I will say, half the reason people still aren't inside on time is security, they take way too long, and have cracked down even further since the recent attack here which is annoying as heck, but even then isn't it prudent to give yourself time to find where you need to go?

uncageg-The Tony's is practically the entire NYC theatre community in one space who obviously know how to behave in a live venue, so thereby, of course that experience will be more pleasant. The Spectacular is the very definition of a tourist trap, it's arguably the number reason people come her around Christmas time, hence those audiences will be very different and obviously not in a good way. I'll clarify the show itself is a great one, it's been around every year for this long for a reason, but that doesn't mean its not a tourist trap, but at least it's a good one. I've worked "touristy" broadway shows as well, and even they had better behaved audiences than this, at least from what I could tell. I have no explanation for why that is.

[Theater3232]

The Radio City crowd has never bothered me.  If people are paying and come late, so what?  They wasted their money.  The volume is way over-amplified (probably so you can hear over anyone else talking) and I never had a problem hearing.  In fact, I need earplugs.  If you've been to some movie theaters that attract a rowdy crowd, trust me, you'll be quite happy to be at Radio City!

[BroadwayNYC2]

I avoid matinees and any tourist-y production now. If I do go, it will be on a Tuesday during an off-week. It is getting ridiculous. What a shame. And frankly, it has nothing to do with geography. Everyone loves to criticize the tourists from the midwest, but man, the ones from New York state are equally atrocious 

[DramaTeach]

Jenn, it's so interesting to hear from someone working the show.  Are you told not to bother confronting people when they take out their phones?  I hope you've still been able to maintain some holiday cheer in that type of environment.  The show really is still beautiful.

 

Theater3232, "so what" is that I was distracted from enjoying the production that I too paid good money for.  The shuffling into rows and talking at full volume to find seats was unacceptable (the people sitting next to me were in disbelief too), and to compare it to a rowdy crowd at a movie theater and say it's not as bad isn't setting the bar very high.  A movie is $15, and I still think it's unacceptable when people are distractions in that setting.  This was another level.

[yankeefan7]

"These audiences treat this like it's a damn movie theater, spilling popcorn and beverage everywhere, rather than the LIVE venue that it is. I even had a patron ask me, "Excuse me, when in the world did they start selling popcorn and food for this??" Not that I had an answer, but I couldn't exactly blame her and that's when I had that epiphany."

The minute Broadway and shows like Radio City sold out to try and make as much money as possible with food and drink, you knew this was going to happen. Going to the theater lost a bunch of class when they did this IMO  and now like you said it is treated by quite a few people no different than seeing the latest Star Wars movie - lol.

"This show has literally taught me that it seems outside of the regular/educated theatergoer circle, people really have no idea how live theatre works...I will say, half the reason people still aren't inside on time is security, they take way too long, and have cracked down even further since the recent attack here which is annoying as heck, but even then isn't it prudent to give yourself time to find where you need to go?"

Do people really need to be taught that you get to show on time and that security is going to check your bag - wow. This type of thing is done at concerts and sporting events also so it is not just Broadway or Radio City show.  It is easy for me because I never carry anything but my wallet and cell phone but my wife and daughters bring the smallest bag possible so it does not take security more than a second or two to look at it.

"to be respectful of those around you in the house, reading signs, etc. would go a long way."

Sadly, people are just plain rude today and it is all about them. How many times do people need to be told to shut their cell phones off and pictures can't be taken and they just don't care? Is it anything more than common sense you don't talk to someone during the performance because other people are trying to enjoy the show - oh well.

 

[JennH]

Theatre3232-The issue isn't them coming late so oops, money wasted. That's a personal problem. It's a matter of respect to the performers and your fellow patrons. It's just as disrespectful to come that late (especially that many people at once, and this happens constantly), as is phones going off during a performance. Coming fashionably late is one thing, but I've seen nothing but constant SUPER lateness. One or two instances of this is tolerable, but this show attracts a certain clientele so to speak and this behavior would not be tolerated well at more "upscale" venues such as the ballet. Yes, ballet clientele deals with the snob stereotype, but at least they know how to behave as audience members.

BroadwayNYC2-Oh it's tourists in general for sure, nothing to do with midwest.

DramaTeach-I lost a lot of holiday cheer this year, but it had almost nothing to do with this environment. Of course, this didn't help. I'm actually not an usher, so I have no control over phone usage at all. Of course the show itself is brilliant! It's great! Therefore the brilliance that this village of people working together to put it on needs to be respected. It truly is a village, it's the longest list of cast and crew I've ever seen in my life in the theatre.

[JennH]

Yankeefan-Totally understand you, but I've never seen this much security at a Broadway show or concert venue. Patrons have actually complained about how long it took, and now that I've seen that line outside in action, I can see why. I was just at the Barclays a couple weeks ago, and I sailed right in, in comparison. And sure, Broadway shows now sell merchandise and food, but even then I've never seen the boorish behavior from audiences as I've seen at R.C. 

[DramaTeach]

Jenn, hope the new year brings happier moments!

[yankeefan7]

"Totally understand you, but I've never seen this much security at a Broadway show or concert venue. Patrons have actually complained about how long it took, and now that I've seen that line outside in action, I can see why. I was just at the Barclays a couple weeks ago, and I sailed right in, in comparison. And sure, Broadway shows now sell merchandise and food, but even then I've never seen the boorish behavior from audiences as I've seen at R.C. "

Wow, that is something. I only experienced something like you are saying a couple of years ago at Billy Joel concert in Charlotte. We got on line outside the arena at 7:15 for 8:00 concert and did not get to our seat until 8:30 just as Billy was going on stage.

Sorry you experienced this behavior at Radio City. I went with my family a few years ago and it was just fine and a lovely evening. After reading your posts, I guess we were pretty lucky !!

 

[uncageg]

uncageg-The Tony's is practically theentire NYC theatre community in one space who obviously know how tobehave in a live venue,so thereby, of course that experience will be more pleasant. The Spectacular is thevery definition of a tourist trap, it's arguably the number reason people come her around Christmas time, hence those audiences will be very different and obviously not in a good way. I'll clarify the show itself is a great one, it's been around every year for thislong for a reason, but that doesn't mean its not a tourist trap, but at least it's a good one.I've worked "touristy"broadway shows as well, and even they had better behaved audiences than this, at least fromwhat I could tell. I have no explanation for why that is."

 

Yes, I am aware of all of that! I work in the theatre community.

 

[BIG BALONEY]

The Peasants have taken over with their nose pickers. Whatever happened to class ?

[swanjewel]

I saw the Christmas show back in mid-November and have vowed not to go back. I sat in front of the rudest people I have ever encountered (they were tourists from Florida). During the show, they actually were watching videos on their phones and cackling. Mind you they were adults (40/50 year olds). When I couldn’t take it anymore (a 6 year old who was celebrating her birthday kept turning around to look at them), I complained to one of the ushers. He said he would go down and say something. Didn’t happen. At the end of the show, I found the manager of the ushers and told her all about what happened. I got a “I’m so sorry. I’ll have a talk to my ushers about that”. Have thought about writing to someone to complain. Does anyone know who I should contact?

Next year, I’m going to see The Nutcracker instead.

[A0326T]

The moment drinks and food are allowed inside the theater.... very much so the people can do whatever they want to do... talk, sleep, selfies, videotaping and move around like it is their living room.

[Blue_Lotus]

This thread is a friendly reminder to me why I rarely go out to the theater or cinema. It's become such an unpleasant experience. 

I was chatting with a friend who is going to go see the new Star Wars film tonight and she asked if I was planning on going to see it. I told her that I did want to see it but that I was hesitant in shelling out $$$ for exorbitantly priced movie tickets and then undergo a bad viewing experience. 

It's not worth the $$$, the energy and the frustration. I've tried on numerous occasions to not let others inconsiderate behavior ruin my experience of enjoying a film as it was meant to be seen - in a movie theater, but it's a battle I've lost.

I've never, ever disrespected anyone and once I politely asked someone to "be quiet" as I could not hear the film and was met with such anger and hostility. It's was alarming to say the least. Needless to say, I never did it again.

Sadly, this sort of behavior has spilled over to live theater and although I will make the sacrifice and spend the $$$ for a live theater event I won't do the same for a motion picture. I'd rather spare myself the aggravation and watch it from the comfort of my own home once it hits the streaming platforms.

 

 

 

[Skip23]

Never mind the audience.

It seems like the show is now a video with the Rockettes doing their thing about 10 times.

A tad boring.  If I wanted all that video....