Is "Mandatory" Audience Applause Out of Control?

Agreed. I felt this way a lot during Grey Gardens. Those kinds of songs you don't really want to applaud them, you just want to sit there and let them sink in. Although on the other hand sometimes a number moves you in a different way when you really just want to cheer and applaud a performance or a moment. So I don't know, it goes either way.

Actually, Capn', that is why Doyle/Sondheim during COMPANY took out the "normal" applause after "Ladies Who Lunch". It's meant to lead you into "Being Alive" to add to tension for that release. Steve likes to take out as much "forced" or button applause as possible. SWEENEY last year certainly showed that... Both Steve and Doyle don't like the applause to get in the way of the narrative.

Any forced applause or more blatant these days, the standing "O", just seem false. It's been happening ever since the prices have jacked up to premium seat status. People want to feel like they've spent their good money the right way and will have a good time no matter what! Even if they hate it.

The thrill of a natural applause--or standing "O"--is much more exciting. Think of the original DREAMGIRLS (or even the current screenings of the film--unheard of in movies for applause or standing "O"), or currently the JERSEY BOYS, or more recently SPRING AWAKENING. Those, IMO, seem to be authentic moments of pure joy for the audience, where there is no choice but to applaud or stand--even during the show!

It's only "mandatory" because of their pocketbooks. (and, s**t, they have to be pretty thick these days--after sitting on them for a few hours, standing is the only option!!)

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Updated On: 12/14/06 at 02:52 AM

I went to a show in SF the other day where there was absolutely no applause of any sort, even when the show called for it. It was REALLY awkward.

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I'm the voice of dissension here. Applause is a natural way for us to release tension as an audience. It feels natural, and, in fact, I was getting angry during Sweeney that I COULDN'T applaud because it feels right to do so. Additionally, we as audience members want to show the cast up there that we appreciate what they're doing - and though I'm not an actor, I know that actors respond to applause - hell, there's an entire show named after it. I've been in theaters where there has been polite applause as well as natural, well earned wild applause. Example: at High Fidelity this weekend - many songs got polite applause, some lasting as short as 5-10 seconds. Three moments that got large applause were Dick's "No Problem" song because it was SO ridiculously funny, the killing Ian songs, and the Bruce Springsteen song. All three moments got genuine reactions including whoops from the audience. Despite other more subdued applause, it doesn't feel right not to give the audience the chance to show their appreciation for the work being done on stage. We're as used to applause as an audience as we are to laugh tracks on old sitcoms. Sure, it stops the show, but I've yet to see it truly kill the pace of a performance. It was MUCH more noticable and aggravating to me when that opportunity WASN'T there.

As for the standing Os - there I agree with everyone, they're out of control. However, I've noticed that a LOT of shows get them now - not just on Broadway but regional or even school productions - it's just becoming standard and there's really nothing we can do about it. I think that audiences feel guilty not showing the cast that all that work paid off - a LACK of a standing O says way more than having one now actually does!

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Either that I was INCREDIBLE and they were so moved they couldn't respond, or that I need to re-think my approach to that number.

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I remember a particular moving performance of Verdi's Requiem that I sang last year and before the conductor could even put down his baton at the end of the final number, a lone person started applauding and it broke the entire mood that the piece set. I've sung that piece before when there's been complete silence at the end for a few seconds and then the collective and effective applause. At those moments it seemed like a definite release of emotion.

I also remember feeling that way at the end of "The Light in the Piazza". It took me a few moments to gather my emotions.

I make a point of not standing if I feel the show or performances do not warrant it, although those around me might be giving a standing ovation.

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Applause is not mandatory - people do it out of consideration for the actors.

Another idea is that people who pay $111 want the full experience, standing ovation and all.

If you don't want to applaud, don't applaud. Just think about how you'd feel after performing a number like Rose's Turn or Fable and get no recognition.

I HATE when people applaud during the middle of the song. The audience can't hear the lyrics and makes it harder for the performer.

Think of the original DREAMGIRLS (or even the current screenings of the film--unheard of in movies for applause or standing "O"), or currently the JERSEY BOYS, or more recently SPRING AWAKENING. Those, IMO, seem to be authentic moments of pure joy for the audience, where there is no choice but to applaud or stand--even during the show!

This may be topic for another thread, but I don't think that in the case of "And I Am Telling You," the rabid applause and mania is usually spontaneous. That song has become like Pavlov's Bell for people and it seems that any rendition at any time or place causes people to hoot and cheer and scream, regardless of whether or not the rendition actually warrants it.

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"...But it has become custom in theatre to applaud after buttons of musical numbers..."

I agree with what you're saying but aren't buttons on songs actually soliciting the applause?

It's not ABOUT not applauding if I don't want to. Of course I'll give whatever natural applause I feel appropriate. It's about everyone else. After "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" the last thing I want to hear is applause.

And yes, buttons are written for applause. But that is only because writers have to work it in. In order to tell the story, they know it is customary for audience applause, so they TELL the audience when to applaud. No problem there, it's better to attempt control if there IS going to be applause. Just a shame.

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I think audience applause-or audience laughter, or cheering, or whatever-is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. Sitting in an enthusiastic audience gives me chills. The more applause the better, as far as I'm concerned.