NEXT TO NORMAL Replaces Rush with Lottery — Page 3

that's good I guess

I know you're more or less agreeing with me, but... it's not all kids. Maybe it's often kids, but this isn't an age thing; there are kids who behave with more maturity than some of the adults who engage in this kind of behavior. So, I guess I'm just saying that I don't think it's fair to lay it all on young people.

I also think talking with actors after a performance can be relevant to your experience at the show. But if you're going to a show over and over again expressly with the intention to try and force a friendship, then yes, I agree with you. It's also hard for me to knock that generically, or to say it's impossible to form relationships with artists, because I have done so based simply on my love for a show -- but the distinction is that that shouldn't be your reason for going. If you go looking for it, it won't be organic.

---

Updated On: 10/5/09 at 10:05 PM

I've never rushed this show, but having passed the line on several occasions on a weekend when I am in town, i acknowledge this may be a good move. I love the show, and have seen it more than once spread out through the three runs, but the crazy fans scare me, especially when they are not kids. Lotto seems the fairest and sanest way to go given the state of crazy fandom right now.

---

The problem is also furthered by the fact that this activity is being encouraged by certain members of the N2N camp. Case in point, Ripley's personal assistant is just as in the thick of it as some of these ridiculous younger (and occasionally older) people and encouraging the ridiculousness instead of merely tolerating it or perhaps trying to better the situation by ignoring it.

A part of me wonders how the rest of the cast/creative team feels about the lengths Ripley and Co. have gone to to encourage the crazy. They all can't be happy with it....

I agree. I think one case in point is Jen who does not like to stage door at all. I wouldnt put it past her that some of the crazies are the reason why.

I think a big part of the problem is that Most of the younger kids (even older people) think it would be so cool to have a friend in Broadway and the fact that Alice tries to "befriend" them is like a dream come true.

I remember she would even hand out buisness cards saying "Add me on facebook". These fans think she actually is their friend and it makes them act completly weird.

I think this is more than enough proof to back my statment up,
On facebook a couple of months back someone commented this on Alices facebook.

"Hey I know I just met you at the stage door yesterday for like a minute but we should get to know each other better and get coffee sometime, if you dont want to because we dont really know each other I understand"

I dont know if its more creepy than it is sad.

---

"but... it's not all kids. Maybe it's often kids, but this isn't an age thing; there are kids who behave with more maturity than some of the adults who engage in this kind of behavior. So, I guess I'm just saying that I don't think it's fair to lay it all on young people. "

That's fair. I've seen 30+ year olds engaging in the same behavior. My statements obviously only apply to those emotionally disturbed people who feel the need to go to the stagedoor every night. If you want to go once to get an autograph or a photo or make a comment? I have no problem with that. Going back every time you see the show IS creepy.

"I also think talking with actors after a performance can be relevant to your experience at the show. But if you're going to a show over and over again expressly with the intention to try and force a friendship, then yes, I agree with you. It's also hard for me to knock that generically, or to say it's impossible to form relationships with artists, because I have done so based simply on my love for a show -- but the distinction is that that that shouldn't be your reason for going. If you go looking for it, it won't be organic."

I'm sorry, I hate to blanket statement like this? But I have to say, yes, some performers are interested, more tolerant than others, etc. etc. They'll talk to you, some go so far as to give out contact information, phone numbers, emails, etc. But hundreds of people claim to be the one person to have found "true relationships/friendships" through stagedoor and 9/10 times it's completely untrue, they're just blinded by what they want the situation to be. Not saying that's true for you, but it's usually the case. It just creates a completely unbalanced relationship that's somewhat unhealthy for a myriad of reasons. Have a life. Make real friends. Why exactly does anyone "need" a friend on Broadway other than to try and feel special? Unless you're working in the business, there's no reason to even try or bother with exchanging information.

No, I know what you mean. But as someone who was not all that long ago a teenager, and who still sees adults behaving far worse than many young people, I just wanted to point that out.

I agree with you -- in part. But I think a blanket assumption like that leaves out the fact that many people who SEE theater and enjoy it, or who grew up fans of the art, now also work in the business (not that I didn't say "at the stage door," I said based on my love for a show). But I do agree that often there is an artificiality, which comes from the one-sided nature of fans and admirers wanting it so badly, or caring more about the status symbolism than the person. That goes back to what I said earlier, about the inorganic nature of like, setting out to attain a friendship. I think the bottom line there is that it's just difficult to make any sort of blanket statement about an issue that's not at all black and white. And I don't blame you for your skepticism, but unfortunately it's not something anyone can really argue without getting sort of personal, and that's not something I think many of us (myself included!) are about to do.

---

Updated On: 10/5/09 at 11:32 PM

The tears are legit cries. Cries for attention.

I understand the show is a emotional rollercoaster but asking Alice

"Did you see me crying when etc.."

Come on.

---

I couldnt find the coffee post however I found these to make up for it (If you dont believe they are real you can simply look on her facebook yourself)


Erin ****** August 31st 7:37pm
"hey, my birthday is next tuesday, and you're welcome to have lunch with me if you want, it's in pittsburgh. i can't do dinner, sorry, but lunch would be cool, around 11, let me know!"

Jonathan **** August 26 10:43pm
"Hi, I don't know if you remember me, but I went to the Next to Normal stage door on August 14, even though I haven't seen the show yet..."

Erika ******* August 4 6:51pm
"Alice you ar sooooo amazing and the fact that you hugged me is amazing!! we should hang out soon"

---

Updated On: 10/6/09 at 12:55 AM

No need to apologize.

I do understand what you mean. Alot of her fans are nice/normal people. I met one girl on her page and actually became very good friends with her.

But some people are just completly out of it. For one thing I would never stage door a show that I didnt even see yet.
Its a shame because the show is really good but most go for the "Ripley" factor and nothing else.

It makes me think that if Alice leaves the cast, it might not survive.

---

I know that people posted that stuff. I've seen it too. I was just saying that it wasn't any of the people who were referred to before. Sorry I wasn't clear.

The people being discussed here have said/posted plenty of creepy stuff on Alice's facebook page. I know who they are, too.

I wonder how long it is going to be before people start complaining about someone rigging the Next to Normal lotto.

---