s that mean she should be rude to people who want her to sign their playbill ? No, but if she is, it's not part of her job to be nice to people. Well, what people call "rude" is also subjective.
Some people:
A. misinterpret her shyness as being rude
B. don't realize she *never* speaks after shows (and tries not to speak during the day) to save her voice - and they think it's because she's cold or doesn't want to talk to people. She's always done it - just as many other performers do
C. can't understand why she doesn't have conversations with the 200 people waiting after the show, or why she walks past people gathered at the stage door before the show when she's trying to go to WORK.
D. criticize the fact that she tries to sign for everyone but she goes too quickly and is not gushing with excitement when doing so
The point is that I think she's often unfairly labeled as "rude", and then it spreads. SOOOO many people here say "I heard she was rude", etc. Keep in mind they could have heard it from the people who expect WAY too much of these performers when it comes to stagedoor interactions - and people's perception of her might just be a little skewed.
I'm not justifying any legitimate "rudeness", but most of what people consider "rude" where Idina is concerned puzzles me. Not to mention some of the stories are so obviously dramatized. I think "slammed the door in my face" translates into "she didn't stop and went on in". The actors have also asked that people please not gather at the stage door before shows. Why do you think people go before the show? Because the stagedoor after the show is so damn crazy. That says a lot.
DGrant, I can't speak for everyone, but I've run into her around 7 or 8 times over the last 8 years, and she's never been anything but genuinely kind and friendly. Quiet and reserved, but sweet. As someone pointed out - it's her personality - and there's nothing wrong with that. I will also say that I received a long, hand written thank you note in the mail from her once because of some help I gave (long story), and I never expected that in a million years. I didn't even realize she was aware, so she totally didn't have to do it. I also don't remember (please correct me if I'm wrong) people claiming to have these notorious "rude" encounters with her until WICKED. What does that say about her? It could mean that the stagedoor is insane and people can't have the intimate experience they wanted so they pout like a 3 year old and throw out complaints here -- or it could mean that God forbid, maybe she just might not be that rude, cold person people want to make her out to be, and she might actually be a very nice person who is dealing with extenuating circumstances surrounding this particular production.
People want her to be/act a certain way in a fan situation, and her personality is more reserved than that and it irritates people. Some understand, and some don't. That's not changing anytime soon unfortunately.
**BTW, I know the 'saving her voice' debate has been discussed to death, but I wanted to add something. Say what you will....to keep her voice as healthy and strong as she does (and no one seems to work harder at trying to stay healthy and keeping her voice in shape) - she may have to stay silent when possible...regardless of those who say technique would solve that problem. Because one person doesn't have to 'rest' their voice to that extreme doesn't mean that's the case for others. Everyone is different where their voice is concerned, so people here couldn't possibly know Idina's vocal limits to make those kinds of judgements -- even though some disagree.
Updated On: 8/28/04 at 02:32 AM
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