In terms of all this talk about like, emotional saturation, I do think it depends on both the person and the show. I've had my share of love affairs (and did write a thesis on a musical), but every time, I promise myself that if I ever get bored, or start to feel like I'm going for the wrong reasons, I'll stop. I think it just depends on you, and on the piece; there are people who grow tired of things after two viewings, but on the other hand, there are experiences that you can have 25 times and never grow bored of, and that can continue to move you every single time. It doesn't happen for everyone, or with all shows, but it does happen, and I think it's just about striking that right combination. I've been there, and I don't think it's imagined, I think it's 100% real. So I don't deny people that, at all. I definitely think something can still move you even if you've seen it a dozen times before; why do we come back to our favorite movies over and over again? Is it so different?
But I do think there are many cases (and it seems like this is one of them), particularly those where there's a large following, where it does become a weird "status" contest. And yeah, I think people like waiting in these lines all night in the rain because it makes them feel important, and is a way for them to display to everyone just how devoted they are. I think that's where I have trouble with this kind of thing -- if you're in love, why does it have to be about this grand display in public to prove it to the rest of the world? Just do what you do and be there, and love it. If that's really why you're there, then that's all that should matter. It's unfortunate that the people who think it's cool to engage in such extreme behavior set a precedent that makes it so that if you want to see the show for an affordable price (and not because you think you own a seat, or want Eye Contact or to be spit on,) you too have to engage in said behavior.
A work of art is an invitation to love.
Updated On: 10/5/09 at 07:38 PM