Posted: 5/5/15 at 11:04am
"Reminds me of the story that Lucy and Desi were at a performance when everyone started standing a clapping. They thought the Queen had arrived so they stood and clapped too until they figured out it was for them. "
Great story emo.
Posted: 5/5/15 at 11:19am
I guess if I saw Barbra every day I would have plenty of other opportunities to show my respect and admiration for her. Since this would most likely be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I would take it.
It did not interrupt or disrupt the show. (Many of the performers were probably equally thrilled to be there with her that night). It did not take away any attention from the performers- it's not like the audience said, "sorry we can only applaud once per evening). Life goes on before and after the performance- or should we refrain from drinking in the bar, conversing with friends or reading the playbill- just sit in reverential meditation in preparation for the performance?
As a spontaneous act I think it's heart-warming to know some people inspire such love.
And hell, if it was Liza I'd definitely do the same!
Posted: 5/5/15 at 11:40am
I would never in a billion years give a standing ovation to someone who enacted "Don't ask, Don't tell" and signed DOMA into law. Rather, I'd throw a tomato.
Posted: 5/5/15 at 12:29pm
Lovebwy, I bet you would have stood up if it was Patti Lupone. 
Posted: 5/5/15 at 1:34pm
LOL, no, but I would be tempted.
Posted: 5/5/15 at 1:40pm
The night I saw MOTOWN the company announced at the curtain call that Smokey Robinson was in the house and pointed him out in the Center Orchestra. Since most people were already standing for the company, anyways, he got a de facto Standing Ovation. But I think that would have been deserved, given the context.
Posted: 5/5/15 at 2:45pm
Berry Gordy was at Motown in Los Angeles last week.
No standing O.
Posted: 5/5/15 at 3:24pm
"The night I saw MOTOWN the company announced at the curtain call that Smokey Robinson was in the house and pointed him out in the Center Orchestra. Since most people were already standing for the company, anyways, he got a de facto Standing Ovation. But I think that would have been deserved, given the context."
Without question it would have been deserved. After all, the show is in no small part about his life (along with a number of others) and his contributions are a part why you enjoyed the show you just watched and why you are applauding. This form of appreciation seems entirely appropriate and the curtain call is the right time to do it. In fact, a little surprised they didn't bring him up on stage unless he asked them not to.
A random celebrity, not so much. The standing ovation these days is given so often and for so little, it's almost lost its significance anyway. If someone wants to stand up and applaud, who cares.
