Late Seating on Broadway

[bwayobsessed]

Posted: 11/9/19 at 8:32am

I apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere but I didnt find anything in a search. Frankly I think if people are late to a Broadway show, they shouldnt be admitted til intermission and if theres no intermission, o well. However I get that these people bought tickets and paid money so I think a more reasonable policy is that they save a few seats super close to the door for the late comers to sit in so they dont have to disrupt everyone else in their section. I saw The Sound Inside last night (amazing) which is a quiet and dimly lit show at Studio 54. Studio 54s mezzanine has no leg room. For people to cross thru an aisle, it is extremely inconvenient. The usher sat multiple people after the show started, insisting that they sit in their assigned seat and not seats on the aisle, and her flashlight was literally so bright it was illuminating things on stage. I found it incredibly disruptive. Do others have thoughts?

[kdogg36]

Posted: 11/9/19 at 8:45am

It's definitely been discussed. I agree with your point of view. Late-arriving audience members bother me more intensely and far more frequently than other often-discussed disruptions, like phone use. I've considered the possibility of refusing to stand up when late arrivals are seated in my aisle, but I realize this would cause greater disruption. I admit that I have very quietly whispered pointed comments as the offenders pass by.

By my count, I've been to 240 Broadway performances, and I have never arrived late. If I did, I would ask the theater staff about my options, and decline any possibility that caused disruption to those who arrived on time.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/9/19 at 8:57am

I completely agree with you. I have never been late to a show. I always ensure that I allow ample travel time when going to the theatre. 

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 11/9/19 at 9:07am

I also have never been late to a show BUT I have cut it close before and both times were because of my bus from Beetlejuice being late. I made it to Beetlejuice only a few minutes before showtime. When I saw Next to Normal for my fourth time, my bus was THREE HOURS LATE! I got off the mega bus stop and my boyfriend and I RAN to the theatre, sat in our seats at 8:06 and the show literally started as we sat.

It’s annoying for sure, but with the train the way it is and how buses are rarely on time, I try to understand.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/9/19 at 9:11am

Most shows provide instructions for the front of house staff and designate a specific time for late seating to occur. In my experience it is generally immediately after the opening number during the applause but each show is different. I seem remember Hello, Dolly! having a very strict no late seating policy.

[Wick3]

Posted: 11/9/19 at 9:25am

I recall for the Carousel revival and Ain't Too Proud they have a TV monitor in the lobby where extreme latecomers (After 20 mins) can sit and watch the show if they come late. They would then be seated at intermission.

[Mediamaven2]

Posted: 11/9/19 at 9:39am

I’ve never arrived late to a broadway show either though I have been nowhere near attending 240! I can see how it would be incredibly disrupting if it is your row or right in front of you. I’ve certainly noticed the disruption - though from far back or side orchestra when it occurs in center orchestra close to the stage. Hard for anyone in the theater to miss those. I find though as you do the ushers wait for the lull, for after the main opening number is done, when people are usually still applauding, to minimize it. Of course if it is near you, or your row,  however, the flashlight, the  murmurs, and the need to stand up etc  disrupt and break the magic,  “lull” or not. Stuff is always happening on the stage once a show has started, at whatever point it is at....

i once saw an actor from the stage call out the latecomers - but it was completely in keeping with the character’s personality etc to improvise that into the monologue to the audience at that point. I am talking about Stephanie Block at The Cher Show. Right after the show’s opening number, when this couple is taking their center orchestra seats near the  stage (effectively disrupting her and competing unintentionally for the spotlight)  she started ragging on them, in good humor and in character, to laughs from the audience. I dont remember her  exact words but as “Cher” she said “what are you guys doing here late? You missed a great opening number” Then something like “I guess you were busy eating a great dinner at some restaurant? ” or something like that but wittier. Obviously that’s a rare show, and timing point w/i the  show, that let the actor use it. 

In contrast I notice that often - if not always - plays strictly state no late seating. Thankfully.

I was once about 10 min late to NYCB - side / back orchestra - and we were not allowed in. I confess this upset me at the time mainly because our delay was caused by some unusual ticket pick up situation we were not aware of. We assumed the tix were at the Koch Theater box office but we were directed to that other building across the street where tkts is (not sure tkts was there at the time) so that added some walking to and fro to physically get these special price tickets, in hindsight the policy of no seating til intermission is a good one.