Fight nearly breaks out in audience at LOVEMUSIK- Page 2

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:13pm

"They SHOULD have been shot. I really think the admittance of late-comers shouldn't happen."

Oh, please. It's not like people are showing up late on purpose. All kinds of things can happen. I've only been late to a show twice - and both times they were circumstances beyond my control. It happens. It's a fact of theatregoing life.

Sometimes I wish that the ushers and the latecomers would be seated with a little more grace and respect, but you can't deny someone entry because of lateness.


And while not seating people until intermission seems like a decent idea, it is often impossible. People waiting around for an entire act in a cramped Broadway theatre would become a fire hazard and a liability.

It's a tricky thing but unless clearly stated when purchasing your tickets, they have a right to see the show they paid for.

[folkyboy]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:14pm

when i was late for SPAMALOT because i was a dummy and didn't look at my ticket to tell what TIME the show had started, i had an argument with the usher in the theatre, refusing to be admitted into my seat when i arrived late. i kept telling her i'd stand next to her and watch from the back until the end of Act I.

i was in the front row and i would've rather died of embarassment than have everyone yell at me for going all the way down the aisle to be seated. eventually, she forced me to follow her and sit down but i just really apologized to everyone at the intermission a BILLION times and refused to move the whole show.

there's no excuse for seating latecomers. you can see everything in the back JUST FINE.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:25pm

There are many reasons (or "excuses") as to why latecomers should be seated - the obvious one being that about half of the Broadway theatres don't actually have room in the back. In many theatres, the back of the orchestra goes all the way up to the back wall. (The Broadway, The Minskoff, The Rodgers, The Golden, The Gershwin, etc.)

It's a HUGE fire hazard to have what can be dozens of people standing around the theatre. Just get them in their seats at a suitable break in the performances as quickly as possible. It's the best way.

[misschung]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:37pm

they could just do the embarassing "you're late" thing that the Blue Man Group does

[AlanAntonio]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:38pm

People who come in late should be seated during the intermission out of respect for the show and the audience who paid to see it. People should act more civilized.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:39pm

So if they should be seated at intemission, where do you suggest they are held until then?

Don't forget, the late comers paid, too.

And who should act more civilized? Since when is coming in late uncivilized?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:44pm

There's a point where they shouldn't be seated. 30 minute seems a bit ridiculous to me.

[gettinhep]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:48pm

Several theatres down here have glass-fronted 'penalty boxes' for latecomers. They are situated in the back of the theatre, some near the control box for the sound and lighting people. The patrons sit in that box until an appropriate break or intermission.

Updated On: 5/7/07 at 04:48 PM

[B3TA07]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:48pm

Guess that's what you get for not giving people the demo you owe them.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:51pm

What?

Trash - believe it or not, 99.99999% (if not 100%) of latecomers do not show up late on purpose. Someone who paid $111.25 (or even $21.25) should not be forced to miss a show because of something they probably couldn't control.

[Dirty_Rotten_Guy]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:53pm

"That's just wild...for some reason, senior audiences seem to be really crabby sometimes. They're ruder and worse than the kids by far."

I completely agree with this statement! When I was at GREY GARDENS recently with my friend, we were sitting in the middle of the row. So when I first sat down in my seat before the show, I entered the row on one side, of course. So during intermission, when I decided to get up, I decided that I didnt want to disturb the same people that I...disturbed, when I got into the row, so I decided to exit the row from the other side, if that makes sense. So basically, there was an older couple sitting on that side of the row. So I get up and I'm like "Excuse me, I'm sorry" as I'm leaving the row. And the old man said "You will be" in just a horribly nasty tone, while his wife just nodded in agreement.
It isnt exactly hitting, but it is an example of rather rude audience members. I just wanted to get out of my seat, haha

[keen on kean]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:56pm

Certain music venues will not admit late comers - the Metropolitan Opera and Avery Fisher Hall, to name two. I firmly believe that if people know they will not be seated until intermission they do whatever it takes to be on time. For the Tristan Project at Avery Fisher last Wednesday night, there was a 6:00 pm start time (which is extraordinary on a weekday night) and ticketholders were warned repeatedly that it would be enforced (including by e-mail two days before the performance). It appeared to work - of the total audience capacity, only 6 or 8 people missed the first act.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 4:56pm

Amen, munk! Who would pay so much money to miss a show purposely?

[FosseForever3]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 8:38pm

"Didn't Andrew Lippa write a column on Broadway.com suggesting the Playbill bop?"

AHAH really?!? He suggested it?? I had to seriously restrain myself from collapsing into a fit of laughter for fear that she'd come after me next!

ww11 I know what you mean, but money simply doesn't matter to some people...so they miss the first ten minutes to finish their drink in the lobby...to them, so what? MOST latecomers definately don't MEAN to come late though, I agree with that.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 8:39pm

If only there were a screening process that determined which latecomers were seated when, if at all.

Oh, well.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 8:42pm

AHAH really?!? He suggested it?? I had to seriously restrain myself from collapsing into a fit of laughter for fear that she'd come after me next!

Every time I've looked for this column I can't find it, but I remember a friend sending me the link a few years ago. Can anyone else back me up on this? I know it was a composer and I'm 80% sure it was Lippa.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 8:44pm

They make it quite clear for The Year of Magical Thinking. When you get your tickets, there's a nice little notice that "Latecomers will not be seated." Which is awesome! There really isn't a break at all, and with a show that intense you don't need people crawling over others ~ even if life does happen.

My mom laughs every time I call her between 4 and 5 on a Friday afternoon and she hears traffic. "Going to see a show?" she'll ask. Because I'm paranoid that something will happen and I'll get stuck in the subway if I wait until closer to time, so I'll go in and wander around until it's time to go to the show. I'd rather allow plenty of time and be way early than just give myself a little wiggle room and have something happen.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 8:49pm

Why is everyone arguing about the people being late? The woman didn't slap the person that was late, she slapped the person sitting in front of her. Just because someone in your row happens to be late doesn't give you the right to assault another audience member.

Updated On: 5/7/07 at 08:49 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 9:07pm

the rudest latecomer ive seen was @ COMPANY...this guy came in while BOBBY (Raul) was saying his opening monologue (the "friends like mine" part) & i guess this guy assumed he was just an usher standing on stage addressing the audience, because he started shouting to Raul, "hey! hey! dis guy's in my seat!!!"
an actual usher rushed to quiet him down, but it was freaky & kind of scary.
Updated On: 5/7/07 at 09:07 PM

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 9:15pm

This whole event make me think "Whoa."

[GhettoBway]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 10:49pm

I love these stories.
What makes you think to slap someone you do not know?

Ive never had ushers be rude to me. I think its cause im black and dress like i do on the streets when going to a show. lol

[StarUsher]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 11:00pm

So if the person who arrives late deserves to be seated because they paid x amount for their ticket, doesn't the person who arrived on time and also paid x amount for their ticket deserve to see the show without being disturbed?
And as an NYC fireguard, I can state that it is againt NYC fire codes to have any audience members stand in the aisles or in the back if it's not a designated standing room.
I think the answer to the dilemma is if there is a reasonable break in the action of the show and an accessable seat, then they should be seated. If there is not both of those things they should be asked to wait or not let in at all.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 11:03pm

I don't know about not being let in at all. Late or not, the person still paid, and the theatre staff doesn't know why they are late. For all they know, it could be possible the person got stuck in heavy traffic.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 11:04pm

If you're driving, you KNOW you're coming to NYC and you KNOW there's going to be heavy traffic. You should plan accordingly. so what if you're early? There is plenty of stuff to do. Why cut it so close?

[Jane2]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 11:06pm

"Somehow I doubt that 90% of latecomers are late for any reason other than they didn't care to plan enough to be on time."

Kringas, you are CORRECT! I take tickets and must greet every single late comer who arrives. Well, maybe 1% of them apologize and are hurrying and running in.

The other 99%- well, many of them seem surprised that the show actually has started (at 8:30, mind you!), most of them are sauntering in, and going to use the bathroom before they enter the theater. Some even have a drink at the bar first. None in the 99% seem at all concerned about being late. thank you.

Updated On: 5/7/07 at 11:06 PM