Posted: 11/24/16 at 8:49pm
It's enough that we spend a lot and even hundreds on tickets, but it's the first time I felt like I was on a "water bottle nazi" line. The Kerr theater didn't search our bags and backpacks for deadly weapons. No, their weapon of choice is a water bottle. They sent a rep up and down the ticket line telling folks that the production company does not permit any drinks or food coming into the theater under any circumstance. He said, "it doesn't matter what's in the bottle." I wonder what they would've done if the bottle had liquid medicine in it.
They also issued a notice with the ticket that if you are late, you will not be seated until intermission. If you leave the show to go to the bathroom, you cannot return until intermission. At the matinee, there were a lot of elderly and many of them had to go the bathroom. Try telling an elderly person that you can't have a water bottle for your meds. I was in the bathroom when the attendant told an elderly woman she had one minute to return to her seat or she wouldn't be permitted to go back to the seat. The woman said that was impossible for her. The line was out the bathroom and into the lobby.
I understand how disruptive it is for everyone when late seaters arrive. And I can respect and appreciate that policy, but denying attendees free water via a fountain or cup...no.
Elderly and other folks asked for a plastic cup from the bar so they could get a drink. Bartender said he wasn't allowed. The only way you could get water was to buy it from them in a glass for $6. And no drink, alcohol or otherwise, was permitted to have ice per the bartender. Creates too much noise. And you cannot access your checked coat once intermission ended. They have two intermissions for a 2.5 hr show.
I well understand that the performers tire of the distractions from phones and drinks. But this took it too far.
And the theater failed to warn that the performers smoke cigars and cigarettes at will on the stage. I was in the 4th row. Many of us were coughing, covering our face, and fanning the smoke away with the playbill. At the end of the first act, I moved to the last row.
I spent $250 for my premium ticket when it first went on sale. At least provide a plastic cup or water fountain as an alternative. If smoking creates the realistic atmosphere for the scene, okay. But can't they use electronic cigars and cigarettes that don't permeate the air? I felt badly for those in the first row. Their discomfort was obvious.
My recommendation: as much as I love Nathan Lane, find another show. Already the tickets are half price at TKTS.com and deservedly so. As expensive as Hamilton is, at least they treat their attendees with some respect. Water bottles are permitted. Nothing else though.
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