Broderick pulls a Lupone? — Page 2

Though I'd prefer that an actor handle the problem otherwise, such as notifying theater staff while he or she is offstage, I can't fault Broderick or anyone else. And irrespective of how or if an actor addresses the problem, let's not lose focus on the fact that the problem lies with the moron using his or her phone. Once the actor has been distracted, we've all already suffered, no matter how or if the situation is addressed.

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I'd ask for my money back if an actor did that.

And you'd be laughed at by the house manager, the box office, etc.

But someone can videotape a show with almost no one being aware of it, the possible glow from the little screen notwithstanding.

Having previously witnessed someone brazenly bootlegging a show with an iPhone, I can tell you that it is distracting and noticeable. Not to mention, as many other already have on this thread, illegal.

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"But someone can videotape a show with almost no one being aware of it, the possible glow from the little screen notwithstanding. Thus, the actor calling the audience member out is the one who is breaking the mood."

First of all, as AC126748 said, this is nonsense. As someone else said, the actor is himself distracted as well, and the performance suffers.

"Part of an actor's job is to deal with myriad distractions, both onstage and off, including the little red light in the front row. I don't think what Broderick did was proper. He should have talked to stage management, who can then deal with house management."

Who often can't or won't do a damn thing, and often cause a much greater disturbance when they do try. When an actor calls out the miscreant, right then and right there, the problem is SOLVED. No trying to figure out who it is, trying to quietly get to them as they try to hide equipment and deny their wrong-doing. The problem is over, the law-breaker busted on the spot.

If you don't have the capacity to get yourself back into the performance after that, maybe live theater simply isn't for you.

Updated On: 2/21/13 at 11:06 AM

Jordon Catalano - Understand what you are saying, my daughters have danced their whole lives and were taught that early on also. That being said, I think a Broadway star calling out a audience member will definitely put a stop to it quicker than a House usher. I have seen examples where audience member was told to stop and started doing the same thing minutes later. I feel bad for the rest of the audience but maybe if this happened more often the jerks would stop.

The reason why I feel that it is unprofessional is because the part of the actor is to be able to take a moment, regroup and continue with the show when these things happen. I am not at all saying it's easy. But, that's why they are on the other side of the footlights.

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"Didn't nobody pay $100 to see no damn Ferris Bueller yell at somebody. (But on the bright side, it was probably nice to see him actually looking like he was awake for 2 minutes onstage)."

Your parenthetical tells me you're probably trolling more than being serious, but I have been to a lot of performances where actors have stopped shows for badly behaving audience members, and the response from the rest of the audience has always been overwhelmingly positive.

"The reason why I feel that it is unprofessional is because the part of the actor is to be able to take a moment, regroup and continue with the show when these things happen. "

Problem is, Winston, is that often these things often don't stop happening, so it's a constant distraction - and, it's STILL illegal! Why are the actors getting blamed for stopping an illegal action? The front of house can't always handle this. They haven't seen the true disrupter, the law-breaker, but the actor can, and can stop the action instantly.

I would be curious to see how the audience that night reacted to that. They may not have even realized it wasn't part of the show until minutes later? I'm a bit surprised at the staff at the Imperial who normally don't miss too much. They are constantly telling people they can't take pics of the curtain prior to the start of the show, which never ceases to amaze me.

I think Broderick did the right thing calling out the person. For those who feel that broke the mood or distracted them from the story, I think that it may take a couple of minutes to rebound from that, but it shouldn't be that hard in this show since it's a comedy musical. If the other actors recovered from it, the audience should be able to as well.

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If I spend my hard earned money and see a show, and this happens, I'd talk to the house manager and either try for a refund or to get my ticket past dated. Reason being is that I didn't pay to see an actor yell at the audience. I paid to see the show, and clearly yelling at one audience member isn't in the script or part of the show.

The thing is that there are many people who go to the theatre, hate the usage of cell phones, yet use it themselves. For example, I remember being at a performance of Time Stands Still. It was there that a guy sitting next to me got a little annoyed (rightfully so and not over the top in any way) about a someone's phone going off. However, this is the same person, that took out his phone to text during the middle of the second act.

And, Ghostlight, the whole "yelling at someone if what they are doing is bothering you/getting in your way" is just plain silly. It's about maturity and being the grown up in the situation. Sure, the person filming is in the wrong, no doubt about it. But, acting like a child when you're a grown man doing a show is sad and pathetic .

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But, Winston, clearly not everyone agrees with you that Broderick's stopping the show was "acting like a child." You're welcome to that interpretation, but it's not the only valid one.

It could serve as a warning to others. Public humiliation does that. In any case I doubt we'll change each other's minds, so I'll agree to disagree.

And if Stritch is to be believed, the Great Kate was pulling a Merman.

Might be best to read all of the posts before you go on the attack, Jane. I don't work front of house the way you do, but I know many who do, and I don't envy them their position.

I accidently left out the word "able" in my first post, Jane (which I thank you for pointing out and will now edit), but if you go back and read the rest of my posts, I've said EVERYTHING that you've just said, many times over.

It's easier and less disruptive for an actor to stop this behavior than it is for the staff to do. Re-read my posts. I'm on your side, darlin'. I know your job isn't an easy one.

Updated On: 2/21/13 at 03:56 PM

First, I can't imagine why anyone would want to record another of Matthews horrible performances.

Second, if Matthew hadn't called the audience member out for taping the show, would anyone know they were doing it? He should have told an usher not stopped the show. But hey, he needs the publicity. His wife brings home the real money now. His only appeal is he once did Ferris Bueller. .