Broadway needs to fight back

Anyone disregarding the announcements and having this FU attitude should be fined and/or arrested for breaking the rules. I hope a law can be implemented because these rude idiots ruin the experience for those around them and especially the actors. C'mon Shuberts, Nederlanders and Jujamcyns......grow a pair of balls and get on the ball and do something about this. Millions of people will be grateful and fines/arrests will stop the insanity.

I love that idea! She's becoming the patron saint of GET THE HELL OUT.

@IlanaKeller, thank you for writing the article. I always wonder where the ushers are when these things happen. If the performers can see the offender, it should be even easier for the ushers to seem him or her, since the LED is facing towards the back.

I also wish more audience members would speak up. You can do it nicely: "Your phone is really distracting--would you mind turning it off?" I've done this often and I don't remember anybody ever refusing to comply, even if they sometimes do it grumpily or with a roll of the eyes. Most people are too shy, I guess--but we should all do it on behalf of the performers as much as for ourselves.

The fine, according to the initial announcement when they were banned, is $50.00.

Peter2 said: "@IlanaKeller, thank you for writing the article. I always wonder where the ushers are when these things happen. If the performers can see the offender, it should be even easier for the ushers to seem him or her, since the LED is facing towards the back.

I also wish more audience members would speak up. You can do it nicely: "Your phone is really distracting--would you mind turning it off?" I've done this often and I don't remember anybody ever refusing to comply, even if they sometimes do it grumpily or with a roll of the eyes. Most people are too shy, I guess--but we should all do it on behalf of the performers as much as for ourselves.

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Thanks for the kind words! This was a long time coming, finally had that last little spark that pushed it over the edge.

I agree some people may be hesitant to step in, but that it would be good if they did. Also if some ushers were more proactive. But then you'd have more ushers (unintentionally) causing distractions, which kinda evens out.

If there were more repercussions, it would be good, but kicking out/scaring off paying customers isn't exactly ideal for business either.

No easy answers.

Somebody would start a lawsuit against the theater owners saying it infringed on their civil rights or free speech.

yankeefan7 said: "Somebody would start a lawsuit against the theater owners saying it infringed on their civil rights or free speech."

That would not surprise me but would be interesting law case. The theatre owners could fight back saying they are protecting their artistic property. Plus if you put the information on the ticket the ticketholder would be well aware of the conditions and would be up to them if they wanted to accept these conditions.

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Free speech would be hard to argue because it's not limited by "interference" by the government, but by a private entity.

I think it again is more a matter of risking ticking off paying customers (as obnoxious as they are), vs. protecting your show. Difficult (and potentially costly) balance.

The theatre probably doesn't want to take responsibility for 1,000 computers (phones) worth $700 each.

There was an awesome usher in the mezz at Richard Rogers that advised people to attend the restroom prior to the start of the show since they are located 2 levels below. She also reiterated the cell phone and photo policy very loud and clear. I thought that was a great idea. They also had voice announcement after that. Someone would have to be a complete idiot not to comply."

That is great and glad it worked. That being said, I would think the problem with pictures/filming is mostly in the orchestra and hope they had usher there doing the same tthing.

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 11:35 AM

I don't think we're at a place culturally where people just don't bring their phones with them everywhere. Especially groups of people traveling together. It's how they find each other after doing separate things.

Question for everyone. Do you think it would make a difference if before the show the "stars" of the show stepped on the stage and made the cell phone/filming/photo taking announcements to the audience?

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 11:49 AM

It would make no difference at all.