I've never really bought any show merchandise. I didn't ever feel the urge. However, I DO cherish items from the shows that cast members have gifted me with. I've actually had some of them framed and they're hanging in my office.
I rarely buy merchandise. I own one shirt from a regional production of Chess that says "Nobody's Side" because I thought it was cool and more versatile than a cheesy touristy tshirt advertising a show. I keep my playbills with my ticket from the show stored in boxes chronologically.
I do have a few free souvenirs from certain shows- like confetti or handkerchiefs or flowers that were thrown into the audience during the performance. I didn't go seeking it out, I just caught what came to me. Kind of weird, but more memorable to me than a generic tchotchke from the merchandise counter.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never
knowing how
"People (especially the young'uns) are more interested in DOCUMENTING their lives rather than living them. If they don't/can't post/fb/tweet/YouTube it, it didn't happen.
I'm with you, I like my actualy memories. (I must be showing my age!)"
I'm a young'un but I agree 100% and I hate it. I have friends who must have a camera with them at all times and it drives me nuts. Then they upload all those photos and never look at them again anyway.
I used to get a t-shirt and program at every show I saw. Now I'm always broke so if I get a beverage in one of those plastic cups that is my souvenir along with the Playbill.
As other people said I go to the flea market and get good deals there if I really want something and they have it.
Don't believe everything that you hear! Only the peeps involved know the truth!
If there's a souvenir program, I get it. Always. I've been "collecting" them since I was small and it's just natural now. That is, if I have the money.
I was compelled to buy the FOLLIES pillow from the last revival. Don't ask why.
I buy merchandise only when I LOVE the show. Like when I LOVED Wicked, I bought a T-Shirt and the Chistery Doll. I would've bought the CD, but I already had it. The soundtrack is what made me buy tickets to the show.
They all call me a troll. Ok, call me a troll. If I stand on my own, so be it.
a) stop seeing shows b) get a 2nd refrigerator c) use a metal file cabinet, also handy for storing your Playbills!
I'm afraid none of these is practical for me. :) I think I'm going to just display the current seasons's magnets and a selection of others in rotation.