Having ones photos taken with Broadway stars

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 9/22/03 at 1:13pm

Let me start off by saying that this is an observation. NOT a criticism!

When did get to be such a big thing with Broadway fans? I know from the '30s onwards shutterbugs would snap photos of their favorite stars after a show or when they stars came to town for a concert or bond rally (one of my best friends Mom had a photo scrapbook where she pasted all her brownie camera pics of the dance bands that would come to the Brooklyn Paramount and other locales. Among them were some great candids of "Swoonatra" as she called him). But those were all fan snaps OF stars. Nowadays, it seems that so many fans expressly want their picture WITH the star - witness the very popular Photo Booth at yesterdays Broadway Flea Market. Personally, it's not my thing. As much as I love my favorite performers, I'd feel kinda funny asking to be IN a pic with them.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 9/22/03 at 1:25pm

Cameras have become much more readily accessible and film much cheaper and faster to develop in the last 20 years. It probably starts with that.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 9/22/03 at 1:27pm

Personally, I like to have them as memory keepsakes. I never do the celebrity table or photo booth at the flea market, but if I meet a performer after a show, I sometimes (not always) ask if I can take a picture with them. If I enjoyed their performance in a show, and think they are nice and talanted, it's nice to have a picture to remember meeting them.

It's not like I would show someone the photo and say I was friends with the person in it (unless I was). Though some people would do that.

[DofB5]

Posted: 9/22/03 at 7:26pm

Who needs film? I've gone digital!

D

[lass]

Posted: 9/22/03 at 7:55pm

When I asked a Broadway star if I could take his picture at the stage door, he asked, "Do you want to be in it?" DID I? I was just happy to stand next to him!

The next time I met him he was so sweet.I asked him if he would take a picture of me and my friend (we were the only ones at the stage door), he said "Sure!", smiled, and took two pictures of us. That man has my heart forever!


So, anyway, my first encounter with a Broadway star was with the one who happened to be the nicest guy in the business. I'll always treasure these pictures.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/22/03 at 9:27pm

The pnly Broadway star who could be that sweet is TSMrW. Tell me if I'm wrong!

[lass]

Posted: 9/23/03 at 2:20am

You're not wrong!

He really set a high standard for gentlemanly behavior at the stage door as far as I'm concerned.

Of course, I know better to have any expectations for any other actors. They owe us nothing but their performances on stage. This is why it's all the more momentous when they are so considerate offstage.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 9/23/03 at 2:23am

So, Lass, are you gonna spill the beans? Who was it?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 9/23/03 at 2:37am

This is a very interesting question. What makes “ordinary” people want pictures of themselves with or autographs of “famous” people?

I have always been a bit star struck. I am not an auto/photograph hound, but to the celebrities who have meant a great deal to me, or have moved me, it is a nice memento.
It is also an historical document that this person and I have been in personal contact. Or if the person is deceased, a record that this person had actual contact with this paper that they signed.

I had the honor of working, briefly, with both Bob Hope and George Burns as a young’un and I can tell you I wish I had a camera with me back then.

It is a very odd phenomenon, but something I can totally understand.

[lass]

Posted: 9/23/03 at 2:38am

As Dollypop knew, it's The Sensuous Patrick Wilson.

His new movie, THE ALAMO, will be released on Christmas. Not sure when HBO's "Angels in America" miniseries will start.

[Becky]

Posted: 9/23/03 at 9:43am

Don't forget there are also some performers who ask that you be in the picture, and sometimes ask that people not take pictures of them unless it's with the fan. I'm assuming it's to ensure that the picture isn't being taken with the intent to sell.

[jo]

Posted: 9/23/03 at 10:11am

A photo records some of life's most memorable events. One likes to look back at these occasions, big or small. And an evening in town, capped by an enjoyable show on stage, is one of those lovely occasions. Why with a Broadway star? Why not, if the actor doesn't mind ?


Jo

[orion59]

Posted: 9/23/03 at 12:15pm

It's sort like taking your picture near the Eiffel Tower if you are in Paris. it's a way of remembering the event and, at least for me, proof that it happened. Memories can fade over time. Sometimes I forget some of the people I've met. When you look at the photos it jogs the memory, brings back the details and the good, bad or funny stories connected with the encounter.