EQUUS stagedooring...think twice

I was walking past the stagedoor of Equus on Saturday and Daniel Radcliff's car pulled up. There were 4 or 5 people waiting and they were told before he exited the vehicle that he wouldn't sign on the way in but he would be happy to after the show.

Monday night I went to the theatre and purchased the windowcard. I was there at 9:30 because I read previous threads about it being crowded but that was nothing like what actually happens. It is an absolute mob scene! If you do not like crowds - think twice about going. The men working outside the theater are very rude (and I understand why), they are dressed in suits and constantly have to scream at people. Before the show gets out, while they are in full suit and tie, they have to set up the cattle boxes. Everyone under the marquee overhang (east side of the stage door) has to move to the 'west' side of the stage door. A box is set up there so that people attending the performance can come out, show their ticket and have availability to stagedoor. Those who did not attend the show have their own cattle box. Before anyone comes out the Broadhurst "Secret Service" in non-emotional straight face explains the rules: no pushing, if the rails fall then the actors go in the car and it is over...

Richard Griffith came out promptly. He signed many autographs for those in the attended the show side. Not only were those in the front receiving autographs but also Playbills that were handed over heads. He did come to the non-show attending side and did the same. A young lady was writing a paper for her college and she asked if she could ask him a question. "I can hear you," was his reply. So she asked if he related to his character..."I don't understand the question," was the reply from him several times. Someone handed a Harry Potter book to him and he said "I'm not here for that!" but he graciously did sign it even though we were asked not to present Harry Potter items.

The Daniel Radcliff came out. Someone said the couple getting in his giant SUV were his parents. He first went to the show-seeing side. He did sign the cover of Details magazine and like Richard a few Harry Potter books. When the young lady next to me asked her school report question Daniel said..."I'm not supposed to be granting interviews..." She insisted almost begging and she ask what he thought of being on Broadway..."I love it. I used to listen to Showtunes in the back of the car all the time when I was growing up." He signed for many people including things being handed over heads. She Mona Lisa faced suits did try to push a few Harry Potter books out of the way but it seemed that those were mainly in the hands of older individuals who insisted (believe it or not).

As soon as Daniel got in the car the crowds immediately evaporated. People were as deep on the sidewalks across the street as they were on the Equus theater side of the street. I overheard the manager of the theater say to the police present that this was nothing compared to this past Saturday night when Gypsy let out as Daniel was exiting.

I did get Daniel and Richard's autographs but seriously want anyone thinking about going to get there early (or exit the theater promptly with your ticket IN HAND). It is a crazy mob scene - almost wonder if this will last the entire limited run or if they will start taking Elvis out another exit for the safety of the people outside. Yes...it was that bad.

I'm reminded of an old commercial (for Nestle Crunch or something) where Mark McGrath is in it and this 10 year old girl runs up to him and screams "Sugar Ray! Sugar Ray! Can I have your autograph?" He says sure, and signs "Mark McGrath." She looks at the autograph, scowls, and yells "You're not Sugar Ray!"

"You're not Harry Potter!"

Correct - I forgot that (thanks for adding that) - they do not come out in between matinees...

Also - one of the "suits" came up to one of the girls prior to my showing up and asked her "WHY do you bother doing this?" Clearly, this is a huge annoyance to them and it is clear. I made it a point of literally thanking one of them afterwards and he did smile. Before and during this I would have said they were real jerks...but when it was over it was clear that this entire exit routine is very difficult for them.

Oh...and I never did see Kate Mulgrew or anyone else leave.

p.s. Do not ask them (suits) for a Playbill either - they won't give it to you. They will sternly just say NO and look at you crossed.

Updated On: 9/16/08 at 09:31 AM

Yes - first they sign for the "ticket" side and then they move over and sign as many autographs for those on the "non-ticket" side. The "ticket" side is a VERY small area so many on the "non-ticket" side were those that exited the theater.

I do not totally agree that only those seeing the show should be able to get an autograph, photo or experience. Not everyone can afford to go, people may like the star but not have an interest in the show, etc. I saw the show in London but if you think what I wrote here about NY is nuts then you should have seen the small street behind the theater there in London - no rails either! They came out (in London), signed a few and went back in the theatre to escape from another door unknown to those in the back.

I do not totally agree that only those seeing the show should be able to get an autograph, photo or experience. Not everyone can afford to go, people may like the star but not have an interest in the show, etc.

Whether they have an interest in the show, star, or not, none of them are entitled to anything. This is not a meet and greet. The actors are trying to get home to sleep after a very long, emotionally draining performance. Why would people who did not see the show feel entitled to meet these actors?

when I went to the Flea Market last year - it was like being in last nights cattle heard - as crowded - but multiplied over the entire street and Shubert Alley - I am SO done with the Flea Market - not going, been there done that... Since I have the windowcard signed...I really don't need the Playbill. Will get one when I go see the NYC Equus. Daniel was telling the crowd that he thinks this production is better. Don't know how 'better' since I believe it is the same show? Since it just showed 74% in this weeks grosses - I am going to see if I can hold out for a discount...

I'm sure they're not giving out extra playbills so that the crowd around the door won't get worse than it already is. If they don't have anything to get signed, they can just wait on the periphery, see Radcliffe, and go home.

I feel for those security guys. Yes, it's their job, but it must be tough to deal with hundreds of fans running around willy nilly while trying to protect the actors at the same time. It's no wonder they look a little cross. I think the stone faces are also to reinforce their authority--if they're all sweet and smiley with you, you're not going to take them very seriously.

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I'm not even going to think about stagedooring this one. I'm just happy I got tickets for the show.

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So no one has seen Kate Mulgrew exit...?

My friend is a huge fan and practically only wants to see it for her so if there's no chance to see her I will be more than happy to skip this mob scene! Thanks.

If this is seems to be something you (not meaning you but you as in actors) then maybe trying to be more reclusive or remaining in a bubble by going out alternative entrances is the way to go? I kid of thought being a star was about being famous and wanted by your fans. I think it is part of the job and I understand (and respect) that people feel the other way too. If it were not for the fans knowing, wanting and recognizing any actor then their name wouldn't be above the title bringing in the dollars.

You're kidding, right? You propose inconveniencing the actors by asking them to sneak out alternate, probably less convenient exits, because you think if they come out the stage door (which is the main backstage exit) that they should stop and sign?

How is signing at the stage door "part of the job"??? Their job is to give you a great performance, not sign autographs. Your ticket entitles you to a seat at a performance of the show, not a meet and greet.

I respect the people who stage door who understand that the actors are under no obligation to them. I have no patience for people who feel entitled, however.

If I was kidding I wouldn't have posted it. I took the time to provide the details of what is going on there. Not debate and get frustrated on the board with the negative opinions of everyone here. At times - this board is more frustrating then those crowds.

But Adamgreer...correct - they are under no obligation. The ticket is for the show and does not include anything after the curtain comes down. I merely said - if you want isolation sneak out in the shadows - theater managers have helped to fulfill that wish in the past. It was possible for anyone to exit the stage door last night without anyone being near them - the 'sea' was parted very wide - probably 15 feet between rails.

I saw Bette Midler one night exit a theater under similar mob circumstances and I still laugh to this day - she walked from the building to her car as if she were in the desert with not a sole in sight for miles. She made no eye contact, did not acknowledge the crowd, didn't bat an eye...was actually hilarious and as memorable as if she stopped, waved and smiled!

Spencer Liff signed my poster and he was SO NICE. I love him.

I merely said - if you want isolation sneak out in the shadows - theater managers have helped to fulfill that wish in the past.

Who said they want isolation? You make them sound like hermits because they won't stop and pretend to be your friend.

You still haven't explained why the actors should be inconvenienced on your behalf.