Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

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Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 10:53am

This morning I rushed The Color Purple and in my ticket envelope, I got a slip of paper with the following notice:

"As a result of heightened security in all public places, please avoid bringing packages, luggage, backpacks, etc..., to the theatre, as all packages are subject to inspection and must be checked. There will be a $2.00 charge for each checked bag. No outside foods or bottled liquids will be permitted in the theatre. We also ask that you keep your ticket stub available for inspection at all times. Your cooperation will be sincerely appreciated"

As someone who carries a backpack almost everywhere I go, I'm used to having it inspected in the theatre. Not sure how I feel about the mandatory bag checks and the accompanying fee, though. How long has this been happening? Do you think it's necessary?

Updated On: 11/27/15 at 10:53 AM

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 10:55am

2 dollar charge for a bag check..?

The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 10:55am

Hmmm. I got one of those that sounded a little less severe when I saw Fun Home this past 9/11. I don't carry around backpacks and stuff though.

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 10:57am

Broadway theaters charge $8 for water bottles and $6 for a bag of Skittles, yet you're surprised about a $2 coat check fee? This isn't anything new.

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 10:57am

A fee???? That's the part that's ridiculous. When I go to the city, it's for the day and impossible to be without a bag.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 11:00am

GreasedLightning said: "Broadway theaters charge $8 for water bottles and $6 for a bag of Skittles, yet you're surprised about a $2 coat check fee? This isn't anything new."

Isn't it though? Just because everything about Broadway is too expensive doesn't make it insignificant that they are introducing a new thing to have to pay for.

dramamama611 said: "When I go to the city, it's for the day and impossible to be without a bag."

I'm in the same boat, otherwise I would have just followed their advice and left it at home.

Updated On: 11/27/15 at 11:00 AM

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 11:18am

Just my makeup regimen alone would cost six dollars.

Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 11:20am

I don't really care if someone wants to shine a flashlight into my backpack before I go into a theatre, but I'd be pretty irritated to have to pay an additional fee just to get it checked.

I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 11:41am

As long ago as ten years, when I was still working at the theater, coat check was $1 and so was a bag check. I understand it though. You're paying for the staff member to take your coat, hang it up, and then retrieve it when you leave. The same thing has to be done separately for your bag. And there are some people who only check a bag. This includes luggage, shopping bags, large cardboard boxes from shopping, etc. It's as much work if not more than it is to check a coat.

<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES

#10

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 12:11pm

wonderfulwizard11 said: "I don't really care if someone wants to shine a flashlight into my backpack before I go into a theatre, but I'd be pretty irritated to have to pay an additional fee just to get it checked."

The fee is not for the search, the fee is to actually check your bag with the coat check.

#11

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 12:17pm

I misread and thought it meant the fee was for the search.

That being said: a bomb in my bag sitting in the coat check vs the seats is going to a fairly similar amount of damage.

But if they make the check in mandatory, they still shouldnt be charging.

#12

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 12:34pm

They're asking people to think about not bringing in something larger than a purse, if at all possible. If not possible, they are charging a nominal fee to guard it for you.

Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

#13

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 12:41pm

I carried my backpack into The Color Purple. They searched it and I was not required to check it in. It fit comfortably under my seat. I think they just require you to do it for large bags, which is the same as any other performance.

#14

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 12:49pm

xoffender45 said: "I carried my backpack into The Color Purple. They searched it and I was not required to check it in. It fit comfortably under my seat. I think they just require you to do it for large bags, which is the same as any other performance. "

When did you see the show though? We still don't know how long this policy has been in place

Still, I do think it's very possible that they are just saying this to discourage you from bringing your bags. They may not enforce it. I'll report back - I'm going to the matinee, so I'll find out very soon.

Updated On: 11/27/15 at 12:49 PM

#15

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 1:10pm

I understand paying to check something, but is checking something under this new policy optional? I don't normally have anything larger than a backpack, which typically doesn't need to be checked.

I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.

#16

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 1:33pm

In 2001, about a month after September 11, we went to the Winter Garden to see Mamma Mia. It had recently opened. My husband and I were both coming from work so we both had our cases. They inspected them prior to entering the theater. Neither one of us carried anything more than some paperwork. Upon entering the actual theater, I was told I needed to check my bag. My husband didn't. His was older and a little fatter but my bag was the one they decided needed to be checked. I argued that my bag was just searched, why was it necessary to check it as well and the other bag was ok? I couldn't get a reasonable answer. I asked for the house manager. He insisted I check it, again with no acceptable answer, and he was nasty, throwing in that it was going to cost 1.00 on top of it. I steadfastly refused. He then asked to see my tickets. I'm not stupid. I figured he was going to take them and give me my money back and throw me out, so I refused. He eventually gave up and my bag was rested safely under my seat. To this day, I carry nothing to the theater.

#17

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 1:51pm

Well, I'm in my seat, with my trusty backpack right at my feet. They inspected it, but did NOT ask me to check it. I guess all this hubbub was for nothing. Sorry folks!

#18

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 2:14pm

I went last Friday, the 20th. I also got that paper with my ticket. Still wasn't required to Check my bag.

#19

Mandatory bag-checks at the Shuberts?

Posted: 11/27/15 at 4:05pm

I was outside Fiddler today...and they had two additional bag checkers outside the theater greeting everyone who entered the theater for the matinee and they did indeed look in every bag that I could see. The only thing I didn't see anyone check was a wrapped box from a store... They used a flashlight to check each bag and a few bags taht were over stuffed were manually manipulated to see if they could feel anything unusual inside. I didn't hear anyone mentioning a checked bag but maybe that was handled inside.

I offered them to check my backpack when I went to go ask the box office a question..but they just nodded and said go ahead.

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