Do you meet interesting people if you go to shows alone?- Page 3

[JQuad882]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 4:06pm

I've attended dozens of shows alone in both New York and Chicago. I don't go out of my way to make friends at the theatre, that's not what I'm there for. I did however meet someone about a year back at a lotto (Chicago) and he ended up sitting behind me. I still keep in contact with him but that was by complete chance.

I have tourists in New York try talking to me all the time and I'm just like, no. Stop.

Updated On: 7/1/14 at 04:06 PM

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 5:50pm

Why do people keep mentioning this "Chatty Kathy"???....I hope I haven't offended.

HAHA..just kidding.

[StephanCasey]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 5:58pm

I have to admit that I'm kinda bored with that reference. Any new ideas?

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 5:58pm

I go to a lot of regional (Washington DC) shows alone and I let this amazing older woman. Pretty sure she was future me. She was 70 and has a time share in NYC just to go and see shows and basically works just to pay for theatre. I have lost touch with her but it was definitely an awesome and informative night!

Unfortunately, most of the time I'm the youngest and older people just look at me strangely! But I'm there to enjoy anyway.

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 5:59pm

I see quite a few shows by myself most because it is very hard to find people willing to fork over money for a Broadway show. Not only that, it is hard to get people to fork over the money AND commit to a day and time weeks ahead of time. It's just easier to go it alone usually.

[ajh]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 6:15pm

I went to the Normal Heart revival by myself and was in such a state at the end of it that during the tear stained and thoroughly well deserved standing O, one of the pair of older gentlemen next to me turned to me, opened his arms and said "do you want a hug". I could barely sob "yes" before I was duly enfolded. That was 2012 and ever since then the three of us have been happily living in their gorgeous brownstone in the West Village. Ok ok I made that last bit up. But it was a lovely moment and I really did need that hug

[StephanCasey]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 7:51pm

@ajh That was such a nice story :)

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 9:14pm

Usually go to the theatre alone. Prefer it that way and am not one to make small talk unless prompted. Though I did meet a very interesting native New Yorker, of a certain age, at a preview of The City of Conversation. Sitting aside each other, we recognized that we were both very deeply moved by the play and sat discussing it well after the final curtain call. She's a delight! We chat regularly and now attend the theatre together whenever I'm in New York.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 9:16pm

ajh, I had a similar thing happen to me at Caroline or Change during the last part of Lot's Wife. I just totally lost it. The guy next to me gave me tissues and held me. Me, him and his partner introduced ourselves as we we're leaving and I thanked him.

The Normal Heart hit me so hard that the tears didn't come until I crossed the street in front of the theater and collapsed against a fence just sobbing. I didn't care who saw me.

Updated On: 7/6/14 at 09:16 PM

[qafgenius122]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 9:32pm

I went to the closing lotto of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson on Broadway, as a single, doubled up with another single... We lost, but walked over to Next to Normal and won! That was 2010...? We have since been inseparable, seen practically everything together and she is one of my best friends. It can happen, and when you least expect it.

[mufish]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 11:47pm

I don't really know anyone who's into theater, and am very much an introvert, so every show I've attended (with the exception of one) I've been alone. I've never really met anyone, and only on a couple occasions even exchanged small talk with a seat neighbor.

The most significant encounter was last fall when I was sitting outside by the Booth Theater waiting to go into Pippin across the street (hot day, that's where the shade was). An older woman (60s maybe? I'm a man in my late 20s) ended up sitting down near me and struck up a conversation with me, asking what brought me to NYC, what shows I had seen, how I had liked The Glass Menagerie (that's where she was headed). When I explained I scheduled a stopover in between business trips she asked where I worked (an insurance company) - she told me that was her insurance carrier...I was a little worried for a second until she said she thought it was a great company!

I definitely don't seek out conversations, though I suppose I'd try to be open to them if the timing was appropriate and my mood was right. I must say I'm a little surprised (pleasantly!) at how many people say they go to the theater alone.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 12:35am

I tried to get chummy with Angie Lansbury at the Rylance 12th Night but the dame would have none of it.

[juice23]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 12:57am

Whenever I use TDF I tend to get chatty people sitting next to me, usually middle aged women who seem surprised to see a 26 year old gay boy at a musical.

I love going to the theatre alone. I am able to focus a lot more and really allow myself to be transported. I started going alone when I wanted to see things that my friends couldn't/didn't want to see money on.

I usually try to keep to myself, but if someone talks to me I try to be polite.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 1:05am

I rarely go to the theater alone, but I find people try to butt into conversations more when I'm chatting with my friends than when I see something alone.

Maybe we're discussing a book or a TV show, or just another Broadway show and people will say, I couldn't help but overhearing you were discussing ________ - what did you think about it? (I did have a couple once tell a friend and me to stop talking about a TV episode because they hadn't watched it yet and didn't want to be spoiled!)

In general I don't like talking to strangers, and I certainly don't like when strangers intrude in a conversation with my friends.

I'm not an introvert at all. I just believe in minding one's own business.

[SweetLips]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 7:26am

When I go to the movies I always go alone and sit as far away from others as I can-usually last seat against the wall.
I never set foot outside my house without a book with me so at a live theatre I read in my seat before the curtain and never go out at intermission.
I probably miss a lot of opportunities to meet some interesting people but the movies and theatre are MY time.
I have always been the extravert/life of the party type but now I am the happiest being the opposite--I have earned my quiet time.
Was this post meant to be true confessions?--Back in your box,Lips.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 8:32am

"I never set foot outside my house without a book with me so at a live theatre I read in my seat before the curtain and never go out at intermission."

I knew a theater critic who did this. She said she wanted to discourage people from approaching her at intermission and giving her opinion.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 9:03am

I have only gone to one show alone in my life, was on a business trip and went to see "Scarlett Pimpernall" at the last minute. At intermission, two young ladies sitting next to me ask if I was from NY and if I could recommend a restaurant for dinner after the show. I told them a few places and after that had no social interaction with anyone during or after the performance.

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 4:05pm

Speaking of going alone, I just bought my solo ticket to Signature Theatre's (Arlington, VA) production of Sunday In the Park With George in August! This is my favorite show and I'll be damned if my friend was going to come and ruin this emotional experience for me!

Whizzer I'm the same away (about interrupting). My friend that I usually go to the theatre with is an extreme extrovert so she welcomes the conversation when people butt into ours. I hate it though. It's awkward for an introvert so I usually just let her lead the conversation and open the Playbill and read.

[IndyTheatreGeek]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 9:21pm

I'm also chatty in the TKTS line but not in the theatre, I'm at the theatre to see the show and all too many times a person continues to be chatty during the show.

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 7/3/14 at 10:07am

Speaking of chatty during the show,this is a public service announcement:
Please shut up!!

"The Cripple of Inishmaan", Wednesday matinee 7/1.
To the two women in row B, center orchestra, seats 102 and 103:
I speak for all of us when I say that we don't care what you think about Mr. Radcliffe's sexual appeal or lack thereof. We especially don't care to hear you go on ad nauseum throughout the entire first act. Take it outside, ladies!

To the gentleman next to me, seat 105, row C:
Yes, you're right. It did look as though our row was "the old folks". 'Nuff said. Now read your program and leave me alone. Not all of us old folks are aurally-challenged.
Next time, spring for the assisted-listening device instead of cupping your ears and stage whispering, "What did he/she just say?" after every other line. You're annoying!

To Goldstar and the genial young man at the Cort box office: Thank you kindly for the free upgrade from balcony to center orchestra. I really do appreciate it!

Updated On: 7/3/14 at 10:07 AM

[KC91WFU]

Posted: 7/3/14 at 10:28pm

I come in from out of town usually alone. I do occasionally talk to people. I hope I don't bother them too much. (I was a little worried I might see a description of me up there!) I met one lady at Billy Elliot who has become one of my best friends. I saw that show many times, and she just always seemed to be sitting near me.

[bstoll1]

Posted: 7/4/14 at 11:41pm

I am in agreement here with most of the posters like KathyNYC2. It usually is a very positive experience for me. When I find a last minute deal on tickets through one of my discount sites I usually have a handful of people I'll text, tweet or message on Facebook asking if their interested in going. 99% of the time they don't reply in time or say no, and I grab a ticket while it's still available and travel into the city alone.

I am a "people person" and really enjoy chatting with theatre goers since most share the same passion and enthusiasm for Broadway as I do. Being a single (straight) Jewish male in his mid 20's (I know, a rare breed I try to believe that if I do activities I enjoy, I'm more likely to meet someone who shares the same interest and it could develop into a friendship and/or possible romance. Sadly, I have yet to meet a nice (Jewish) gal who is single and also enjoys theatre, but I've had a lot of great conversations, doubled my chances of winning the lotteries (I actually won the Lottery for BOM in 2011), and usually was able to find someone to hang out with at the stage door after seeing shows to take pics of each other with the cast (in order to avoid taking a failed selfie.)

[bstoll1]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 5:40pm

bump