AP Article on 'Loyal Fans'- Page 2

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/27/11 at 11:07pm

If I had known that last part, I'd have mentioned it. Apologies.

[HummingAlong]

Posted: 1/27/11 at 11:13pm

all i can say is that mr. "adamgreer" has my utmost respect when it comes to all things theatre. i always find his posts here knowledgeable and entertaining. never creepy in the slightest.

hopefully i'm a bit slow on the uptake and we're all arriving on that conclusion now. but cheers, nick! thanks for being a non-creepy theatre enthusiast and for sharing your passion and knowledge with the rest of us.

[steven22]

Posted: 1/27/11 at 11:14pm

the natalie girl thinks she is friends with alice..ehh

[KirbyCat]

Posted: 1/27/11 at 11:17pm

Adamgreer/Nick, I love you even more now. Just letting you know.

[HummingAlong]

Posted: 1/27/11 at 11:33pm

steven - ahh I agree, although Alice seems to really reinforce the whole "friends at the stagedoor" thing. Which i suppose is cool, but i think it sets a difficult precedence for other actors - particularly those finishing n2n's run, with such a die-hard fanbase. Obviously I don't think anyone here would argue that actors even have to come out at all to stagedoor, but now here we have little girls thinking that Meghann Fahy is just going to waltz out the door and be their next best friend because Alice used to... (although I will say that in my limited interactions with certain cast members, Ms. Fahy especially, they are ALL very kind) But I don't think they should have to be held to that standard simply because Alice likes to make stagedoor friends. And I do think it is giving people the wrong impression about their level of connection..

[steven22]

Posted: 1/27/11 at 11:36pm

hummingalong,


Exactly...and as a teenager like Natalie (the fan, not the character lol) I see how she connects to the show however..her obsession and all of that is quite uncomfortable.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 1/27/11 at 11:51pm

Omigosh, I met Natalie. She knows some friends of mine and I met her briefly at Flea Market. She was bubbling over about how she'd had lunch with her "mom" Alice Ripley. I didn't really speak to her since I didn't know her. Hours later I was getting off the train to go home and saw her. I said hello and walked to the parking garage to get my car. By the time I got home I had a friend request on facebook. I denied it because she didn't know me. I have shows that I love and have seen more than once but something about her just made me feel unsettled

[iDEFY_forgood]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 12:25am

http://www.buzzsawmag.org/2009/12/04/no-day-like-today/
Here's an article in which Natalie was interviewed for just a little over two years ago.

“There are a million and one better things to do with your money,” Chernicoff says. “That’s more than a semester of my college education.”

Wow, guess things change?

Also, adamgreer mentioned that both himself and Tracy have donated large sums to BC/EFA? I believe Tracy got a walk-on role IN WICKED because of her donation. So, adamgreer, don't make it seem like you donate "out of the goodness of your heart", because you both benefit from your donations.


"No good deed goes unpunished". As I'm sure you both know. (Times 100).

[After Eight]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 12:36am

To adamgreer,

You have nothing to apologize for.

You love the theatre, and you support it. The theatre is fortunate to have you as a theatregoer.

And i think you're one of the most intelligent, articulate, and well informed posters on this board. We are fortunate that you provide us with as much information as you do.

[fingerlakessinger]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 12:43am

Idefy_forgood
I seriously doubt that is the reason that Nick donates. Are their perks? Yes, but they donate because they believe its the right thing, doing the right thing is an amazing feeling, and I would say 90% of the time, there is no "benefits" of donating (I'm assuming cuz I never met either one, but they both seem like large supporters of the theater)

[iDEFY_forgood]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 12:50am

I understand that. But they donate to get something, too. I agree that it is great to donate that much money. It's amazing, actually! But I would definitely consider a walk-on role in Wicked a benefit.

[broadwayjunkie3]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 12:55am

I am a little disheartened by this post and the responses. I am not an actor and I am not in the business in any way. I simply find great joy in the theater. From attending several $5-10 shows a month locally (Utah) to working hard to make a journey to NY every year – it is something that I have found brings me great happiness. I donate when I can and spend as much as I can afford on theater of any kind…I believe in the arts.

My first real “Broadway Blowout” was last year and I managed to see 11 shows – and “stage doored” every one. I have the upmost respect for the actors and only wished to be able to bring home and cherish a souvenir from my experience (a signed poster). I framed all my posters and I love them.

I want to say I am very shy and it took me a lot of nerve to go to the stage door. The actors were all very nice but now listening to the way you all bash what I did – it breaks my heart a little. And I will never return to a stage door again…

It is sad, because I thought we all shared the same love – art, live theater, that journey. I don’t act but as an audience member – the show would not go on without my (our) attendance so I feel just a much a part of that art. And I love it and then to hear people slam the fans that filled up a seat time and time again…wow.

As an audience member – I love the art, the talent, the story, the experience. Sadly, the more I see into this industry the more I like the idea of the actors pretending on stage because so many are so mean in real life. (My apologies to the nice and sincere ones out there *TheaterDiva90016* I’m sure you exist.) You stay up there, I will stay in my seat (which helped pay your salary) – and god forbid our paths cross in the reality of a stage door. I prefer the darkness of the theater where my imagination can run wild with magic and dreams and the real world can fade away with the nasty comments and condescending attitudes.

Just as you citizen fans for vocally expressing their appreciation at the stage door or by going 105 times– perhaps you should refrain from vocally expressing your opinion at the “creepiness” of people who are simply trying to be part of something that makes them happy. Brava to those who live passionately and freely and obsessively experience things that bring them happiness. We should all be so lucky to find such great joy in something.

I will still go see a dozen shows a month. I will still donate to the arts and the theater. I will still bring my friends to beautiful productions. But I won’t be disillusioned that all (some do) the actors actually deserve my support or applause.

Brava to Nick and Natalie and every other lowly fan out there who loves theater and works their ass off to purchase an insanely priced ticket. I’ll see you at the show!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 1:03am

Why put the words "out of the goodness of your heart" in quotes when he never said such a thing, and in fact, pointed out that he went backstage BECAUSE he donated money? He wasn't saying that he was deserving of any credit for donating money, he was saying that's the only way he's met any performers (because the implication from this thread was that all the people quoted in the article were crazy stalkers). Congrats on your epic lack of comprehension.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 1:32am

broadwayjunkie3, don't let people here put you off waiting at the stage door. There are plenty of people who do it and act sane/normal about it...there's nothing wrong with wanting an autograph from someone or a picture with them or simply wanting to tell them how much you enjoyed their performance. What I find creepy/weird is when people wait at the stage door for the same show with the same actors over and over and over and over again and expect to begin friendships with the performers this way.

I don't think anyone is bashing the people who attend shows multiple times...there are many people on this board that do it. I do it as well, though my highest number isn't nearly as high as the people in the article. It's just the specific behavior of some of the people mentioned in this article that other posters are finding creepy.

[After Eight]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 2:00am

To Broadwayjunkie,

I would say listen to perfectlymarvelous, and don't let anyone here ruin your theatregoing or stagedooring experience.

I was touched by your post, by your love of the theatre, your desire to express your appreciation to others, and your wish to treasure a keepsake of a wonderful experience. Don't let anyone else spoil this for you, and that's an order! :)

And keep stagedooring. You had a good experience doing it, and you will continue to have it. Actors enjoy hearing that they've done a good job, and that they have given people a special moment in their lives. So tell them as much, and remember the line from that song, "make someone happy, and you will be happy too."

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 2:10am

Also, adamgreer mentioned that both himself and Tracy have donated large sums to BC/EFA? I believe Tracy got a walk-on role IN WICKED because of her donation. So, adamgreer, don't make it seem like you donate "out of the goodness of your heart", because you both benefit from your donations.

What a petty, bitter thing to say. I am guessing the walk-on role in WICKED was won at the Broadway Flea Market Grand Auction, the purpose of which is to auction off prizes to raise money for BCEFA. Last year the flea market raised $476,917, all from selling and auctioning items. Of course they get something for their money! Have you given $15,000 to Broadway Cares?

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 2:16am

^ Exactly.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 3:02am

Are you new? We're only allowed to be creepy about semi-competent Sondheim revivals and barely-competent Fosse recreations. DUH!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 4:33am

AdamGreer, you have nothing to apologize for. I'm sorry you felt you had to defend yourself against the unfeeling yahoos. As you know, I adore you as do many here.

BwayJunkie, why would you let the few nasties on this thread to change something you enjoy? Don't give rhem the power. Stagedooring is not my thing, I don't do it, unless those I'm with really want to -- and even then I'm not "into" it. If it means something to you, you keep on doing it. And how would those nay saying it know others were creepers if they weren't at the door sometimes themselves?

[brettystar]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 5:25am

I've always found that those who have a problem with fans who see shows over and over, or stage door or whatever, are the ones who are desperately jealous and wish they could do the same thing.
I mean truly, who is anyone to really call someone creepy for being passionate about something? So long as they respect the time/privacy of the actors/singers whatever then who cares less?
To MANY people seeing the same show more than once is a stupid thing to do. I am always amused by those who say things such as 'oh I have only seen so and so twice so there is no way I could be one of the CREEPY ones'. I mean to some people 'obsessive' is seeing something three times - to others it is a 100.
Long as you are not hurting anyone then whatever floats your boat I say.
Of course many of the actors probably think 'oh there's that crazy girl who comes every other day and always wants a photo' but then it is up to them to manage how they deal with the fan.
I know a lot of actors who really enjoy the stage door experience - and it is no great mystery that many actors adore the attention and adoration.
I also bet there are quite a few 'non creepy' fans who follow these actors on twitter or are facebook 'friends' with them.

Updated On: 1/28/11 at 05:25 AM

[tazber]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 6:02am

So ridiculous. Everyone is a fan of something. Nick happens to love theater and chooses to spend his time seeing it.

How many people who criticize this are glued to their TVs every week to watch American Idol? Or spend hours playing PS3? Or any other form of entertainment?

You know what's creepy? Dispraging someone's love for theater on a theater related message board.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 6:08am

Well said, Taz -- well said.

[Kevn520]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 7:34am

"To adamgreer,

You have nothing to apologize for.

You love the theatre, and you support it. The theatre is fortunate to have you as a theatregoer.

And i think you're one of the most intelligent, articulate, and well informed posters on this board. We are fortunate that you provide us with as much information as you do."

+1 I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 9:18am

All excellent points here, but even as Nick knows...There's some crazy m'fvckas out there who live for "their shows" and for "their seats" at "their shows". It's not all rainbows and unicorns when it comes to the fans seeing things multiple times.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 1/28/11 at 3:41pm

I noticed OP's subject change but don't see the need to state it as 'Loyal Fans'. It's still as much of an attack as calling them "creepy".

Theatre is never static and I like revisiting shows because when it comes down to it you never seen the EXACT same show twice. It's impossible. Personally, I've always been very interested in how two people can say the same lines but make them different.

It's not all rainbows and unicorns when it comes to the fans seeing things multiple times.

Sadly, this is true. I think many of us have stories about someone we came across who took running leaps across the line of what is considered "proper". But, the best you can do is be true to yourself and do what makes you happy. The noisy few will always overshadown the calm many. That's the case in everything - not just theatre. But, don't let them or the people who poo-poo about seeing shows more than once bother you. Last time I checked it's YOUR money to spend as you wish. It's not like you're robbing banks to be able to afford to go.

Updated On: 1/28/11 at 03:41 PM