Patti LuPone on audience behavior — Page 4

someone who believes Converse All Stars are acceptable in a Broadway theater is clearly out of my sphere of influence.

Well, you've bid this thread adieu, so you won't read this, but for the love of God. You're going after footwear now? Here's a little something your insane attitude doesn't seem to have considered over the last few pages: comfort. There are some people who just can't stand wearing dressy smart clothes. I loathe wearing a suit and unless someone has a gun to my head, I don't wear a tie as they make me feel soooo uncomfortable. If I'm going to the theatre and I'm going to wedge my 6 foot frame into a seat designed for someone a foot shorter than that and isn't that soft either, I'm gonna do it in clothes I'm comfortable in. And there is such a thing as smart casual, you know.

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Go to a movie and wear your sweat pants and converse shoes. I do not care what you say you can be comfortable and look presentable. Converse shoes are not presentable.

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Converse shoes are not presentable? Oh come ON.

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Luckily I've had relatively good luck with audience behavior, but there are always a few loose screws in every audience.

As for what to wear to the theatre, I have less of a problem with that. Personally, I'd rather people be comfortable (including myself) at the theatre. If there were some sort of dress code, even fewer people would go to the theatre, and that's certainly not something to be desired. I think that dress is one of the few things that people should be willing to let go of in regards to theatre etiquette -- talking, eating, drinking, etc. are certainly not things that should be allowed. In the end, the lights are dimmed when the show begins, and you can't really see those grungy sweatpants. Meanwhile, at least that girl is comfortable. Maybe that will keep her quiet.

"I think that dress is one of the few things that people should be willing to let go of in regards to theatre etiquette -- talking, eating, drinking, etc. are certainly not things that should be allowed."

Except now the theaters are ENCOURAGING that behavior by selling candy/snacks at intermission AND allowing them to enter the house.

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Okay, my own thoughts on this...

First of all, not all of us live in NYC. Not all of us can go to the theatre "when we feel like it" for a show just like people go to movies. Not all of us have that luxury.

In case you didn't guess, I don't live in NYC. I am very, very, far from NYC. Thus going to see a show is a rare but thrilling occasion when dressing up just enhances the experience. As someone said earlier, it makes it more fun. It makes it feel like a night out. It's like why I prefer seeing evening shows to matinees: it's all about the atmosphere.

I've never seen a show on Broadway, but if I got to attend one I would certainly dress up. I dressed up when I saw a show on the West End during my trip to London. Heck, I dress up for community shows. I think it's a sign of respect.

On the subject of general theatre ettiquette, I think that the worst offenders of that are RENTheads. When I saw RENT, there were people standing in the front row dancing and singing along. I wanted to smack them--this isn't a freaking concert! Lea Salonga was once asked what she thought of RENT, and she said that she didn't know because when she saw it, it was hard to hear because of the audience.

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Oh, I love Patti for being so honest!

I've seen the show five times, and most of the time I notice someone sleeping. Last time there was a couple who took a very young kid. They were sitting in the front row, and the kid was hiding under his chair. THEN they took the kid to the stage door. When Michael and Mano came out, Mano said "you stayed under there the whole time!" and Michael talking to the mother added "I thought it was a coat until I saw you talking to it." Now THAT must have been something!

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By that last comment, did you mean that those who do not dress up don't deserve a ticket?

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HAHA thats quite funny then, thats absolutely amusing. About 45% of the audience would be left sitting in there seats then. Thats sad that the caliber of someone's love and deserving to witness good theater all comes down if they wear slacks and button downs.
Thats possibly the most absurd thing I've heard all week. I could understand wanting to respect actors and acting itself, but honestly don't get carried away

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Personally, I practically live in the theater, but I dont know, I feel disrespectful stepping into theatre to see a show with Jean and a t-shirt without a nice jacket or something like that. I also understand lotto situations and things like that can't be avoided. I have seen broadway shows in jeans before (not to proud of myself, but I had a nice top on so I was ok.) But I will ask please don't come in SWEATPANTS or come looking like whores! I've seen women come to the theater like they were picked up on the streat 5 minutes before the show. I just hope people would have a little respect.

I have also been taught that you DO NOT EAT while you are in the theatre, unless it is a neccessity, (aka: health problems, etc.) other than that you can wait til intermission, or until after the show. One more thing I don't understand is how can people fall asleep when there is music practically BLARING at you.

*sigh* They live among us...

I love Patti, she's hilarious!

And just to add my own 2 cents. There's difference between casual and slob. I have worn jeans to shows before and I'll do it again. I always make sure they're nice ones though. I'm one of those people that HATES dressing up, I hate how khakis look/fit me most of the time. I've never been much for skirts or dresses either. That's why I love jeans. If I have a nicer top on, I don't see what the uproar is all about. A friend of mine wore jeans and a pair of Converse All-Stars to a show recently, and yes, she looked presentable. *gasp* I don't understand WHY in the world someone would WANT to come to a Broadway show in sweatpants. Yes, I'd have to say that is a bit slobbish. I haven't seen anyone like that myself yet, but I suppose if I did, I would probably just shake my head. Keeping in mind, though, that there are circumstances in where there was no other fashion option for the person in question.

Overall though, I agree with the sentiment that actions speak louder than clothes. Judging someone's love and respect for theatre solely on their pants is a bit shallow and silly. Behavior, I think, matters much more to the performers and other audience members. And that's an area were common sense and courtesy comes into play (or it should).

Updated On: 1/23/06 at 03:33 AM