The "policy" started I think in like the last week in June, or at least that's the first I've heard of it. But like others have said, it's not a definite-set in stone policy.
I've been there where no one asked for pics b/c they listened to Kevin, when they did ask Norbert or Sherie who politely said no re: the policy and I've actually seen everyone pose at one time or another. One time sticks out that I felt pretty bad, there was this girl at the door dying to meet Sherie and then was told not to ask for pictures so she respected it and didn't but was a little upset...so she left but then on the other side of the barrier they asked Sherie to take pictures and she did...and Mamie was there, actually she told me half the story and we tried calling for her but she was gone already.
And then there are just times where you get a bit surprised. Lithgow is very sweet to the fans he will sign everything for everyone, chat, ask ppl if they enjoyed the show have ppl photo him but I've just never seen him pose w/ anyone for pictures. So I decided one day that I had pics w/ the rest of the cast, maybe I'd casually get near him and then get a picture so it's semi-with him. When we held the camera up, John looked at me and said oh you want a picture? And we took it...and he took another, it wasn't a crowded stage door. That was a nice surprise...course he was half-in the picture, go figure.
So from what I've seen this is entirely inferred I don't know for sure...my guess is the "policy" was instated to simply deter ppl from asking for pics, but not to never take them. Greg Jbara will take a picture with anyone who asks, and even asks them to send it to his website. Sara...a lot of time she walks by and no one recognizes her but I've never seen her turn down a picture request, I think I've seen her take a couple. Sherie and Norbert can go either way, I think w/ them it depends on the size of the crowd and ya know how tired they might be. So i think the point is the hope that less ppl will ask for pictures and if they are understandably incredibly tired they can say oh the policy we can't take pics, etc.
So I definitely say ask, I guarantee they and not even Kevin will bite your head off for asking, worse comes to worse they say no. I'd also say your chances are increased if there's hardly anyone at the stage door w/ you, since it goes if they w/ one person they take w/ everyone so if it's only 1 or 2 ppl they probably wouldn't have a problem.
And on a quick other note...there may have been once or twice when I've seen a bway performer rush out and only sign a couple of things but I usually get the feeling they have somewhere to be...I've rarely seen it where someone doesn't sign everything, even if they are in rushes they'll sign very quickly but will be sure to ask did I sign everything or did anyone else want anything signed before rushing out.
Good luck!
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
Updated On: 12/10/05 at 01:31 AM
