Chacun son gout. To each his own. Theatre doesn't have an entrance requirement to attend, and walk-outs are inevitable, but part of Spring Awakening is its salaciousness (especially from a marketing standpoint). I can only hope that whenever someone walks out, they do so tastefully and without making a scene. Sometimes, you don't realize what you're getting yourself into when you go see a show - it may not be "your thing." What's slightly weird about this walkout is that it happened three-quarters of the way through Act Two. I bet the husband was perturbed by more than just two guys singing about getting it on. That was probably the straw that broke the camel's back, from what I can reasonably infer. I recently performed in a controversial show that had a few walkouts. I'm very thankful audience members were discreet when walking-out, and even more thankful that theatre can still spark controversy and provoke strong feelings, either way. He stood up to his beliefs, didn't give in to the show, had a lousy evening, and supported live theatre on Broadway in the process.
It doesn't offend me when two men kiss, it offends me when characters in musicals are two-dimensional, hackneyed, and bland as old oatmeal (as in Mamma Mia!). Sorry, I just couldn't resist the urge to beat on MM...even if Catherine Johnson reads this board, she's laughing all the way to the bank.
Corine2, as for your other rant: every Broadway theatre owner has to address this issue. Most Broadway houses were built long before ADA issues were commonplace, and most theatres have tried to deal with compliancy issues up to a certain degree - aisle accessible seats and companion seats, ramps where there used to be steps, and other accommdations as well. Though many fall way short of ideal ADA accommodations.
I'm sure that Jujamcyn is well aware of the bathroom issue at their theatre. The O'Neill is one of those very-landlocked houses that crams a lot into a tiny space - it's a medium sized Broadway theatre with a fair number of seats, miniscule lobby, and very little room at the back of the house. It's "lounge" area in the basement is even more pathetic - woefully small and a sliver of what it's more opulent past was like.... I'm guessing there's very little room (if any at all) for an elevator or even a motorized chair assist to the basement (the stairwell is tiny, if I recall). It's a shame that not everywhere in 21st Century Midtown Manhattan is wheelchair friendly.
However, did you try approaching the House Manager about this bathroom situation or the Box Office Manager (when purchasing or picking up a ticket)? I'm sure they have some sort of plan in place to help out persons in wheelchairs, and they shouldn't give you a hard time about it either.
<---- You can see the crazy in her eyes. ;-)
