I don't avoid matinees. That seems kind of silly, to be quite honest. As a matter of fact, in 2012, I attended both the afternoon and evening matinees of "Chicago." I loved it. Also, when I do travel to NYC, I love to see an afternoon show and then see an evening perf. I don't really consider if a performer has more or less energy in a matinee. I figure they do their best in either matinee, that's what they are paid for. I don't know to what extent a cast perf is affected by the audience's energy. It makes to sense to say that a show cast gets some sort of "boost" when the audience is really "into" the show. If the opposite happens, well I don't know. I'll try to ask a couple of acquaintances who can answer that question, from first hand experience. I would think that a cast would do their best, even in the face of audience apathy. But, if they do get bummed out over it, it just shows that they're human.
P.S. Gchris: In other words, I saw the same show on a Sat. at 8pm and them both shows the following day.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Updated On: 8/7/13 at 01:38 PM