Matinees vs. Evening Performances

Umm...I usually go to see matinee performances when I see shows, and they're all spectactular, and give nothing less than they would for a night performance.

Another question for matinees- I'm doing student rush for AIDA this Saturday, the matinee performance. I'm definitely getting in, because I'll be waiting an hour and half before the box office opens. Michelle Williams doens't perform during Wed. and Sat. matinees, correct? Isn't it Saycon Sengbloh? If so....how is she? I saw her sing a few songs at Broadway in Bryant Park and she was fantastic- but how is her overall performance? No need to answer to Williams is performing.

As a performer I can honestly say that no matter how good your intentions may be, one is pretty exhausted by Sunday Matinee on a B'way schedule. Saturday matinee audiences always energize as do Saturday night's. Wednesday matinees (we used to call them menopause matinees) are usually deadly because of the audience. Sunday matinees off Broadway, however, always seem to rock. But still, a responsive audience can make all the difference in the world. You must understand, the beauty of theatre is that you, the audience, is a performers third scene partner. You have power.
Kisses,
Gladys

When I saw "Mamma Mia!" Joe Machota kept yelling "Friday night audiences are the best!" at current call. So...

I think that having a full theatre or close to capacity is what everyone expects (actors, producers, etc).
The reason why I asked is because I was wondering why do some broadway actors (or "stars") choose not to perform at matinees?
I know Toni Braxton chose not to, and when I went to Movin Out, the piano man (forgot name) and the lead dancers (forgot names) weren't there. And I really wanted to see them!!
Anyone know why some actors opt not to perform matinees?

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They did not to choose to perform at matinees for Movin Out, that is how it is set up. The evening performance on Saturday has a different singer and dancers then the matinee performance due to the strenuous singing and dancing of the show.

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I try to avoid matinees because invariably they are filled with "matinee ladies" and their shopping bags. Why doesn't someone invent a quiet shopping bag?

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I went to see a Wednesday matinee for Les Mis once. The performance was spectacular, but the audience was slightly dead. Possibly as most of them may have been close to death anyway...lol. Anyway, the theater was filled with old women who had brought boxes of tissues to the show, and by the finale they were passing all the boxes around to everyone. They had each written their name and seat number on the box so that they would get it back by the end of the show.

I do agree that a lot of matinee audiences are pretty "dead." For example, when i saw Mamma Mia no one was up dancing in the aisle or gave a standing O. There was just quiet clapping. =D

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Updated On: 1/7/04 at 09:40 PM

I've been to Sunday matinees that were fantastic. I've been to Friday night shows where the response was tepid applause. I think it depends less upon the time and day and more on the makeup of the audience. I would assume that tourists are more enthusiastic than regular theatergoers so that could also be a factor. If I did have to pick a night and time where the audience is at its most particapatory and vocal, I would say Tuesday evening.

I saw Saycon as Aida and she was absolutely fabulous. I assure you that you won't be disappointed.

I agree, Son. Every show I have seen has been an evening performance -- except for the two I saw with my school. I like to think of going into the city as more a "trip" then just seeing a show. It's always fun to pick out a new restaurant, attempt to locate said place, and eat. Then once that's done with, you can walk around and see any new sights and visit some store, all while anticipating the Broadway show you're about to see.

Then once you sit in the theatre, you are all comfortable and ready to roll, and then the rest is just amazing. Usually.

And about the coldness? I was so stupid when I went into the city for Aida. It was really cold and I just had a coat on. This time for Kids Night on Broadway I'm definitely bringing my hat and gloves, and I'll probably go out this weekend to get a scarf. I don't want to deal with that coldness again. I'm going to get nice and bundled up, and enjoy NYC!

Where at in the Midwest Bially? On the old people thing, I helped out backstage with a show at a community theatre in Indianapolis and on the preview night I swear not a person in the theatre was under 65. Intermission was extended about 30 minutes it seemed like because the line of old people going to the bathroom. It was pretty funny, and odd at the same time for all the actors on stage having an audience that old, that was a really fun production though.

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