Bars at Broadhurst Theatre- Page 2

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/16/11 at 3:21pm

Broadwayguy3, I see what you're saying, but the basic premise of Fosse76's post--that theatres began to allow patrons to carry food and drink to their seats in order to raise the likelihood of making money off the bar--is commercialism to me. So, the very premise on which things like souvenir cups are built strikes me as inherent commercialism. I agree that it's better in the event of a spill, but I'm against the idea of being able to bring drinks to your seat all together. (I'm the rare person who doesn't even like refreshments being brought into the cinema, though, so maybe it's just me)

I briefly worked at Sweet Concessions (which handles the bars most non-for-profit theatres) back when I was in college. I am aware of how much some of these items are marked up and the ratio of what you get for what you pay. That alone is the main reason why I am unlikely to patronize a theatre bar.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/17/11 at 12:32am

Spike3,
I am speaking to the price of soda. Not alcohol. Last time I purchases one was at a Nederlander house... $5.00, soda and cup included. NOT charged as separate prices and I was informed - and took advantage of - a $2 refill. Just I had at theatres before that. OBVIOUSLY you would never be given a $2 refill / $5 beverage for booze.

AC,
Note that in my post, I never touched on whether or not beverage should be allowed to seats. I merely speak say that it is cleaner no matter where in the building it is consumed. To be honest though, I'm not sure I fully understand your point of 'commercialism'. Why is being allowed to drink at your seat any more commercial than being allowed to only drink by the bar. You are still purchasing the same beverage, just drinking it more slowly.. while one could label drinking at their seat 'tacky', I don't view it as inherent more commercial to drink in the seat.
I DO think you will be alone on your food in a cinema argument though.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/17/11 at 8:17am

To be honest though, I'm not sure I fully understand your point of 'commercialism'. Why is being allowed to drink at your seat any more commercial than being allowed to only drink by the bar.

In his post, Fosse76 noted that "it was felt that people would be more likely to make a bar purchase if they were allowed to bring drinks to their seats." Therefore, a long-standing rule of theatre decorum--not allowing drinks and food to be consumed during the performance--was relaxed because theatre owners and managers recognized that people who otherwise wouldn't purchase a drink now would, provided that they can consume it in the seat during the performance. How is that not commercialism?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/17/11 at 1:12pm

Perhaps it is simply my observation, but I haven't really noticed any difference in how many people are at the bar and friends who have worked in theatre concessions before and after the 'cup' fad came into play say that they haven't really noticed one either. Being totally honest, the difference I have noticed is that I have seen fewer confrontations between house staff and some trying to take a drink back (obviously), fewer people making a mess because they tried to sneak the drink back and I have noticed that people are able to drink more slowly rather than throwing back their wine or alcohol to make sure they don't miss the curtain - and we know that drinking faster is worse for you and your sobriety..

I'm not at all trying to be argumentative. Just genuinely curious discussing the point and why - whether it is or it isn't - it is considered to be bad here and used as an insult to producers and owners when, as we know, Broadway shows ARE commercial ventures. No more or no less.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 8/17/11 at 2:37pm

I like a good drink as much as the next guy, but am of the opinion that going to the theatre is exhilarating enough without the need for further stimulus. Re: the Broadhurst, Sardi's is directly across the street and you can request that drinks be ready for you beforehand -- the staff is well-versed on the intermission times of all shows on 44th Street. And Sardi's drinks are light years ahead of any of those paltry drinks you get in a theatre. Cheers, everybody!