When I think about Broadway I think of these words: Magical, transformative, community, inspiring, storied. When I think about some of the people who attend Broadway shows I think of these words: rude …well... just rude. Never, “In My Dreams,” had I ever thought I’d have an urge to write this kind of blog post. However, here goes my mini-rant about just some of the audience at today’s matinee of Anastasia.
*Phones. Yup… the use of cell phones was alive and well. Why are you at a show texting and reading your mail?! WHY? Is it really that urgent?! Do you really think nobody can see the bright iPhone screen? Put your phone away and stop texting OR taking pictures. Yes. One person snapped photos and I just wanted to yell “Put the phone down and enjoy the performance! Live in the moment not through your screen!” “Learn To Do It.”
*I understand that people need to get up and leave during a show for various reasons. They need to use the restroom. They need to stretch their legs. Whatever. It’s totally understandable. However, to get up in a middle of a number is just … rude. Not just any number but “Journey to the Past.” Like come on? “Stay, I Pray You!” Even the person behind me audibly sighed. I just don’t understand getting up mid-number unless you’re having some kind of medical emergency.
*Eating. Don’t get me started. This is what I heard during “Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart)…. crinkling of multiple plastic wrappers. Not just one moment of crinkling. The whole track had crinkling over it. Would you do that during an entire work meeting? I don’t think so.
*Leaving during curtain call. I think it’s horribly rude to leave during curtain call. The musicians, crew, actors all just worked their butts off to give you their best performance. The least you can do is give them the round of applause they deserve. How would you feel if that happened to you? It’s just rude. One lady was like “I gotta get to the Stage Door!” I get it, but seriously?” (I did write a blog about stage door etiquette a few years ago. Here’s the link http://theworldaccordingtojaz.blogspot.com/2013/03/sharpie-smackdown.html
Needless to say… a majority of people who go to the theatre are polite and quiet. There is no question about that. If you’re reading this, my grievances are probably not directed to you. My point is this. You paid a decent amount of money to enjoy a Broadway show. The person sitting in front of you did too. Some people travel across the world to see a show.The actors, musicians, stage hands, etc…. all have worked countless of hours and work 8 days a week to tell you a story and bring you some Broadway magic. I’d really love to “Close the Door” on the discussion of theatre etiquette.
