I'm headed to see Dear Evan Hansen in February and am looking for some stage door tips -- it'll be my first time. Does anyone have any tips on stage door-ing in general, or even better, tips for the Music Box theatre?
The stagedoor is right next to the main entrance of the theatre. It will have barricades set up so it's really easy to find. When I was there Wednesday evening everyone except Ben Platt came out to sign, even though it was pouring rain. They take the time to sign and get pictures with anyone who wants them, so don't worry about that. They'll put the barricades away when they have word that everyone who's coming to sign has already been out, so it's worth waiting until you see them do that. If it's raining do your best to keep the front of your playbill dry (keeping it against or in a coat worked well for me) as the wetness makes the sharpies not work.
I was there on Friday night and it seemed like a lot of people that weren't at the Friday show were lined up. I sat in an outer aisle seat in the orchestra near the exit doors, so I was one of the first few people out of the theater, and there were no more spots against the barricade. I ended up on the 2nd row, but it was fine. Everyone except Ben Platt came out, fairly quickly, and they were all very lovely and friendly. It was chilly, so no one was doing pictures, just signatures.
The night I stage doored (a Saturday I think) everyone signed except Ben Platt. People were really good about passing playbills up to the front of the line - just be polite and be sure to thank both the actors and people around you.
I've heard Ben Platt doesn't come out often, esp when he has two shows the next day or the weather is bad (so he stays healthy).
1) enjoy the end of the show. Give the cast the proper applause they deserve. While exiting the theater, grab any leftover playbills so in case it is raining outside, you can put one away in your bag so you'll have a guaranteed dry one.
2) if it's too crowded at stage door, just come back the next evening at least 10 mins before end of show and get a good spot against the barricade!
3) I agree with adagio that Ben doesn't normally come out of there are two shows the next day so if you're watching the show on Friday or Saturday, probably best to stage door on another evening.