Anyone know the REAL reason Hello Dolly refused to perform at the TONYS?- Page 5

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 2:40pm

JSquared2 said: "poisonivy2 said: "What actually leaves a bad taste in my mouth about the Hello Dolly! run was the rudeness of the Shubert Theater workers during the Bette run. In no other theater have I experienced workers who barked orders to the audience the way this theater's workers did. I understand they were under instructions to keep a tight lid on the entire production (including the red curtain) but there are other shows which are/were hot tickets when I went to them (DEH twice, Three Tall Women) where rules were enforced but without anywhere near the amount of rudeness at the Shubert."

Care to be a bit more specific? What kind of "orders" were being barked at you?"

"OPEN YOUR BAG!" 

"YOU HAVE WATER IN YOUR BAG. THROW IT OUT!!!"

"Can I drink it and then throw it out?"

"NO THERE'S NO TIME THROW IT OUT!!!"

Once I got in the theater, constant yelling for people to be seated, actual hovering over customers as the customers turned their cell phones off, more general yelling at people who were a bit slow getting to their seats. Once I really had to go to the bathroom in the middle of act one and I was in an aisle seat. I quietly asked an usher if I could run to the bathroom and come right back. "NO YOU LEAVE AND YOU'RE LOCKED OUT FOR THE REST OF THE ACT." 

This was at the beginning of the run in March. I did notice that the ushers were more relaxed by the summer but that kind of customer service is IMO unacceptable and I haven't experienced it in any other theater.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 2:47pm

poisonivy2 said: "JSquared2 said: "poisonivy2 said: "What actually leaves a bad taste in my mouth about the Hello Dolly! run was the rudeness of the Shubert Theater workers during the Bette run. In no other theater have I experienced workers who barked orders to the audience the way this theater's workers did. I understand they were under instructions to keep a tight lid on the entire production (including the red curtain) but there are other shows which are/were hot tickets when I went to them (DEH twice, Three Tall Women) where rules were enforced but without anywhere near the amount of rudeness at the Shubert."

Care to be a bit more specific? What kind of "orders" were being barked at you?"

"OPEN YOUR BAG!"

"YOU HAVE WATER IN YOUR BAG. THROW IT OUT!!!"

"Can I drink it and then throw it out?"

"NO THERE'S NO TIME THROW IT OUT!!!"

Once I got in the theater, constant yelling for people to be seated, actual hovering over customers as the customers turned their cell phones off, more general yelling at people who were a bit slow getting to their seats. Once I really had to go to the bathroom in the middle of act one and I was in an aisle seat. I quietly asked an usher if I could run to the bathroom and come right back. "NO YOU LEAVE AND YOU'RE LOCKED OUT FOR THE REST OF THE ACT."

This was at the beginning of the run in March. I did notice that the ushers were more relaxed by the summer but that kind of customer service is IMO unacceptable and I haven't experienced it in any other theater."

 

So in other words they wanted you the follow the same rules that apply to everyone else?  The nerve!!! Didn't you explain to them that you are SPECIAL!

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 2:49pm

I had the opposite experience with Shubert staff. Terrific assistance helping get my mom out of her wheelchair into her center orchestra seat. Very helpful giving us earphones for her. Very accommodating letting my group stay till everyone had left so we could take photos in front of the Hello, Dolly emblazoned curtain.

Updated On: 5/25/18 at 02:49 PM

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 2:49pm

Duplicate post

Updated On: 5/25/18 at 02:49 PM

[kdogg36]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 2:54pm

JSquared2 said: "So in other words they wanted you the follow the same rules that apply to everyone else? The nerve!!! Didn't you explain to them that you are SPECIAL!"

Sometimes, in dealing with customers, you have to enforce rules, and tell them they can't do something (or must do something else). However, since these are customers, this must be done with extraordinary politeness. If particular theater workers were routinely aggressive or curt in enforcing rules, they should be replaced with individuals who can deal reasonably with customers.

I didn't experience this myself when I saw Hello Dolly!, but I don't have much trouble believing the story.

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 3:03pm

kdogg36 said: "JSquared2 said: "So in other words they wanted you the follow the same rules that apply to everyone else? The nerve!!! Didn't you explain to them that you are SPECIAL!"

Sometimes, in dealing with customers, you have to enforce rules, and tell them they can't do something (or must do something else). However, since these are customers, this must be done with extraordinary politeness. If particular theater workers were routinelyaggressive or curt in enforcing rules, they should be replaced with individuals who can deal reasonably with customers.

I didn't experience this myself when I sawHello Dolly!,but I don't have much trouble believing the story."

I don't disagree but the first step before you dismiss someone is to always counsel them and see if they can modify their behavior to be more appropriate and customer friendly. From the poster's own comment, it sounds like this change to more appropriate behavior was noted on his/her next visit over the summer. So not sure I see the point of complaining about behavior that had already changed close to a year ago.

Updated On: 5/25/18 at 03:03 PM

[kdogg36]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 3:08pm

UncleCharlie said: "I don't disagree but the first step before you dismiss someone is to always counsel them and see if they can modify their behavior to be more appropriate and customer friendly."

And I agree with that too, of course! That's part of what I meant by "routinely."

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 5:45pm

I have been going to the theatre almost as long as Scott Rudin. And in that time I have been exposed to perhaps a dozen rude house staff. I have also been exposed to certainly in excess of a thousand rude audience members: those who show up at 2 minutes to curtain and need to use the restroom because they were still drinking at a bar or restaurant when they should have been relieving themselves; those who make noise with water bottles, candy wrappers or whatever other evil they can bring to their seats; those who are standing in the other aisle chit-chatting with someone or annoying a "star" who they feel obliged to tell how much they love their work, and then make it impossible for the show to start because they are wandering around the orchestra; etc.; etc.; etc. Like Rudin (I presume) I don't like any of that. Unlike me, however, he has the ability to do something about it. And frankly, if you don't like that he does things to prevent 1% of the audience from imposing their sense of entitlement on the other 99%, delaying the start of shows, disrupting the show, and the like, then don't go to his shows. Neither he nor I will care. If it is important enough to see Bette Midler, it's important enough to get to the theatre earlier enough, take care of business, nourish and hydrate yourself,before the show starts. 

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 6:18pm

HogansHero said: "I have been going to the theatre almost as long as Scott Rudin. And in that time I have been exposed to perhaps a dozen rude house staff. I have also been exposed to certainly in excess of a thousand rude audience members: those who show up at 2 minutes to curtain and need to use the restroom because they were still drinking at a bar or restaurant when they should have been relieving themselves; those who make noise with water bottles, candy wrappers or whatever other evil they can bring to their seats; those who are standing in the other aisle chit-chatting with someone or annoying a "star" who they feel obliged to tell how much they love their work, and then make it impossible for the show to start because they are wandering around the orchestra; etc.; etc.; etc. Like Rudin (I presume) I don't like any of that. Unlike me, however, he has the ability to do something about it. And frankly, if you don't like that he does things to prevent 1% of the audience from imposing their sense of entitlement on the other 99%, delaying the start of shows, disrupting the show, and the like, then don't go to his shows. Neither he nor I will care. If it is important enough to see Bette Midler, it's important enough to get to the theatre earlier enough,take care of business, nourish and hydrate yourself,before the show starts."

I agree with everything you say.  I did have a nice experience when I did standing room for a matinee of Dolly back around Easter.  The show was about to start.  A older lady in the very front got up to run to the bathroom.  A male usher stopped her as she was about to go pass the standing area and told her the show was about to start and she would have to watch from the back till intermission if she did not make it back.  I heard the lady say.; "I know.. but I have to go and it is something I can't control. "  The usher said to her.. if you have to go you have to go.  As she kept going he got on his intercom and communicated with whom I assume is the house manager.  And then another female usher ran up to him.. they chatted and she ran off to see to the woman.  Would you believe they held curtain for her?  I thought that was so nice.  It was only like 2 more minutes.  The second the lady was on her way back they started the overture and got her to her seat.    I have seen this male usher at the Shubert almost every time I have seen Dolly.  He is excellent at his job.

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 6:34pm

HogansHero said: "I have been going to the theatre almost as long as Scott Rudin. And in that time I have been exposed to perhaps a dozen rude house staff. I have also been exposed to certainly in excess of a thousand rude audience members: those who show up at 2 minutes to curtain and need to use the restroom because they were still drinking at a bar or restaurant when they should have been relieving themselves; those who make noise with water bottles, candy wrappers or whatever other evil they can bring to their seats; those who are standing in the other aisle chit-chatting with someone or annoying a "star" who they feel obliged to tell how much they love their work, and then make it impossible for the show to start because they are wandering around the orchestra; etc.; etc.; etc. Like Rudin (I presume) I don't like any of that. Unlike me, however, he has the ability to do something about it. And frankly, if you don't like that he does things to prevent 1% of the audience from imposing their sense of entitlement on the other 99%, delaying the start of shows, disrupting the show, and the like, then don't go to his shows. Neither he nor I will care. If it is important enough to see Bette Midler, it's important enough to get to the theatre earlier enough,take care of business, nourish and hydrate yourself,before the show starts."

Hi Scott. Second of all what you write is such crap. I've been to several Rudin shows including A Doll"s House Pt. 2, Carousel and Three Tall Women and the rude experience was only at the Bette show I attended. He clearly feels that he could afford to treat the Bette audience rudely bc the show was making so much money. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 6:55pm

nice theories @poisonivy2 except that your self-entitled compadres kvetched about the same thing at other Rudin shows not long ago lol but I guess you were too busy indulging yourself to notice.

[DAME]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 7:23pm

HogansHero said: "I have been going to the theatre almost as long as Scott Rudin. And in that time I have been exposed to perhaps a dozen rude house staff. I have also been exposed to certainly in excess of a thousand rude audience members: those who show up at 2 minutes to curtain and need to use the restroom because they were still drinking at a bar or restaurant when they should have been relieving themselves; those who make noise with water bottles, candy wrappers or whatever other evil they can bring to their seats; those who are standing in the other aisle chit-chatting with someone or annoying a "star" who they feel obliged to tell how much they love their work, and then make it impossible for the show to start because they are wandering around the orchestra; etc.; etc.; etc. Like Rudin (I presume) I don't like any of that. Unlike me, however, he has the ability to do something about it. And frankly, if you don't like that he does things to prevent 1% of the audience from imposing their sense of entitlement on the other 99%, delaying the start of shows, disrupting the show, and the like, then don't go to his shows. Neither he nor I will care. If it is important enough to see Bette Midler, it's important enough to get to the theatre earlier enough,take care of business, nourish and hydrate yourself,before the show starts."

Well said.  Very on point .

[Gizmo6]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 7:45pm

ABitOnTheSide said: "Gizmo6 said: "I saw Bette, who I adore but frankly she wasn’t cut out for the role, And agree with posters who said that’s why no videos were released, I wish I had seen Murphy."

Not cut out for the role, huh? That's why she won the Tony and performed to sold out houses for her entire run.

This is DOLLY LEVI, not HEDDA GABBLER.

I really wish people would get over their transparent Bette hate.

"

I adore Bette, I wish I could have more Bette in my life. 

I don’t share your disdain for musicals, I love the art form above any other. 

My points stand vocally the range wasn’t there and the dancing either. However I loved the bluesy version of So long dearie. 

You can be a fan and not admire every role. 

[Gizmo6]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 7:49pm

haterobics said: "Gizmo6 said: "I saw Bette, who I adore but frankly she wasn’t cut out for the role, And agree with posters who said that’s why no videos were released, I wish I had seen Murphy."

Donna was good, but Bette was perfection. Going back two more times in August (one, if she announces a West End run before wrapping up here)."

If she does announce West End I’ll probbaaaly bring some family. I wonder who’d Donna for her when she’s over here. 

And I love Bette but I’d love to hear PATTI or a voice that huge to belt it out. 

[Oak2]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 7:53pm

I don't know, I think they have a point. I had all kinds of problems the whole way through when I went to see Hello Dolly. It started from buying the tickets. I needed day of tickets (It's a long story), so I had to get my tickets from the "TIKKITS" booth over in some back alley. I did get a discount for the ticket at least -only one kidney. Then they wouldn't even let me into the Shubbert theater without giving up all my valuables for inspection to ensure they didn't have any cameras. They said the inspection and verification would take a while, but I still haven't gotten them back. There was only one Usher, and he was ok I guess, but I'm not a fan of his music. At the performance itself I don't think it was even Bette Midler - it was someone tap-dancing with a big photograph of Bette Midler's face stapled to their head. Other than that the show was fun at least - Usher kind of ruined the big number though. And then I wasn't allowed to leave unless I paid $450 for the program, which was a half-eaten box of months-old Valentines chocolates. NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN.

[Gizmo6]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 7:55pm

JSquared2 said: "Gizmo6 said: "Sorry I’m European we pay €10/£10 max for Souvenir programme.

I’m delighted your excited to spend your money on the brochure.

It’s just my opinion.

I handed over $50 and got back $5. I expected somewhere around max $25 I didn’t question it usually merchandise is in line across the board, in Europe /West End anyway.

I have beautiful programs where the design is way more advanced than a cut~out, I know you queens will defend it to the hilt. It’s pretty but it ain’t $45 pretty.

And once again, sweetie. No one put a gun to your head and forced you to buy it. I've never been "delighted" to spend any money on a "brochure" as you call it --- and that's why I've never bought one for any show --- they're a major ripoff.

"

I buy one for every show and different casts I see, I have them from countless countries in a multitude of languages. After traveling from Europe and paying for hotels etc $45 is nothing to me. My issue is I don’t believe it was value, I believe they saw an oppportunity to exploit the audience. 

 

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 10:57pm

Gizmo6 said: "JSquared2 said: "Gizmo6 said: "Sorry I’m European we pay €10/£10 max for Souvenir programme.

I’m delighted your excited to spend your money on the brochure.

It’s just my opinion.

I handed over $50 and got back $5. I expected somewhere around max $25 I didn’t question it usually merchandise is in line across the board, in Europe /West End anyway.

I have beautiful programs where the design is way more advanced than a cut~out, I know you queens will defend it to the hilt. It’s pretty but it ain’t $45 pretty.

And once again, sweetie. No one put a gun to your head and forced you to buy it. I've never been "delighted" to spend any money on a "brochure" as you call it --- and that's why I've never bought one for any show --- they're a major ripoff.

"

I buy one for every show and different casts I see, I have them from countless countries in a multitude of languages. After traveling from Europe and paying for hotels etc $45 is nothing to me. My issue is I don’t believe it was value, I believe they saw an oppportunity to exploit the audience.

"

I really like Bette's Dolly program.  And I got a ton of other merch as well.   And I usually don't buy anything.  But jeez you go on like someone forced you to get the thing. 

[Papi2013]

Posted: 5/25/18 at 11:49pm

Gizmo6 said: "JSquared2 said: "Gizmo6 said: "Sorry I’m European we pay €10/£10 max for Souvenir programme.

I’m delighted your excited to spend your money on the brochure.

It’s just my opinion.

I handed over $50 and got back $5. I expected somewhere around max $25 I didn’t question it usually merchandise is in line across the board, in Europe /West End anyway.

I have beautiful programs where the design is way more advanced than a cut~out, I know you queens will defend it to the hilt. It’s pretty but it ain’t $45 pretty.

And once again, sweetie. No one put a gun to your head and forced you to buy it. I've never been "delighted" to spend any money on a "brochure" as you call it --- and that's why I've never bought one for any show --- they're a major ripoff.

"

I buy one for every show and different casts I see, I have them from countless countries in a multitude of languages. After traveling from Europe and paying for hotels etc $45 is nothing to me. My issue is I don’t believe it was value, I believe they saw an oppportunity to exploit the audience.

"

I forgot  I had paid that much for my program.  I probably had a similar reaction.  But I hVe really  gotten a lot of joy from it and would like to purchase another one when I see Bette again. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 12:12am

poisonivy2 said: "I've been to several Rudin shows including A Doll"s House Pt. 2, Carousel and Three Tall Women and the rude experience was only at the Bette show I attended. He clearly feels that he could afford to treat the Bette audience rudely bc the show was making so much money."

Or he ensures the house is managed to Bette's specifications, like a producer doing his job to keep his star happy?

Not sure why there would be a policy to treat the house rudely related to how well a show is selling.

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 12:47am

Oak2 said: "I don't know, I think they have a point. I had all kinds of problems the whole way through when I went to see Hello Dolly. It started from buying the tickets. I needed day of tickets (It's a long story), so I had to get my tickets from the "TIKKITS" booth over in some back alley. I did get a discount for the ticket at least -only one kidney. Then they wouldn't even let me into the Shubbert theater without giving up all my valuables for inspection to ensure they didn't have any cameras. They said the inspection and verification would take a while, but I still haven't gotten them back. There was only one Usher, and he was ok I guess, but I'm not a fan of his music. At the performance itself I don't think it was even Bette Midler - it was someone tap-dancing with a big photograph of Bette Midler's face stapled to their head. Other than that the show was fun at least - Usher kind of ruined the big number though. And then I wasn't allowed to leave unless I paid $450 for the program, which was a half-eaten box of months-old Valentines chocolates. NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN."

To the actor on his deathbed:

"Aren't you scared of dying?"

"Dying is easy. Comedy is hard."

[Gizmo6]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 8:44am

No one forced me, it's called having an opinion and an informed one. I know you think the world of theatre revolves around Broadway. It doesn't. You should see the programme for Phantom of the Opera in Sweden, with beautiful fold outs and gauze style paper insets. Stunning and it was only around 70SEK I think 

My programme like all of them are now filed away in protective packaging. I'm happy to have it. My point still stands however, it wasn't of value and I see it as an increasing opportunistic exploitation of audiences.  

[RicardoMagon]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 9:16am

If  Hello Dolly is still making good money then why is Scott Rudin closing it? Someone on here said he doesn't need to close it, they're just choosing to. Well what is the reason? 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 9:20am

As has been said a dozen times: for whatever reason he couldn't get someone with enough star power to take over.

[ABitOnTheSide]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 9:21am

Because Bette told him to close it, just like she told him she refused to perform on the Tonys.

[RicardoMagon]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 9:37am

dramamama611 said: "As has been said a dozen times: for whatever reason he couldn't get someone with enough star power to take over."

And you believe that?