"ROA"- TAKE II- 3/31/09
"ROA"- TAKE II- 3/31/09#1
Posted: 4/1/09 at 6:23pm
Ok, so I went back to see "ROA" last night--- Unfortunately, a totally different experience from my first visit (1st preview on March 17th)
Had a great crowd that night surrounding me.
Totally different last night. And let me add that (per my initial review), I like THE SHOW.
Unfortunately, last night, everyone around me had a can of beer in their hands. The two guys to the right of me were trashed, singing out loud, and ran to the restroom every two minutes. The poor men in front of them had they crair hit each time these two men got up.
I saw at least 15-20 leave at intermission, and (2) different couples went over to ushers (I was in the mezz) and said that they couldnt stay because the people next to them were too loaded.
I really think this is a shame because the show COULD be enjoyable.
They REALLY need to stop with the alcohol !!
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#2
Posted: 4/1/09 at 6:31pm
This is exactly what I'm afraid of. I have little tolerance for stupid drunken people. I thought the mezz would be better since there isn't "delivery".
Perhaps I should make sure I hit a matinee if I decide to take this in at all.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#3
Posted: 4/1/09 at 6:48pm
Where were you sitting?
I was there last night.
I didn't see one person who seemed drunk.
There were people singing along- but I think that's a good thing.
I talked to many people all who loved the show and several who said they would be back.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#4
Posted: 4/1/09 at 8:10pm
<< Where were you sitting?
I was there last night.
I didn't see one person who seemed drunk.
<<
If you didnt see one person drunk, you either
a) wore VERY dark glasses
b) Were not sitting anywhere near the mezz-
I was in F 101, and numerous people around me were just about loaded by the time the show ended.
The "bar" must have been right near the exit on the right side, because these two guys kept going to get cans of beer, and came back in less than 2 minutes.
Its amazing how the people that LOVE this show never see anyone drunk, or dont have a problem with the "somewhat excessive" drinking at the theatre.
Agian, I have to state that I like "THE SHOW", but the drinking needs to be curtailed.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#5
Posted: 4/1/09 at 8:21pm
If you didnt see one person drunk, you either
a) wore VERY dark glasses
b) Were not sitting anywhere near the mezz
No glasses- I was in Row G Orchestra.
One night at NWS I saw some drunk people :)
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#6
Posted: 4/1/09 at 9:17pm
<< One night at NWS I saw some drunk people :)
>>
Very possible---- there might have been ONE nite during the NWS run where most of the house was sober !!! :))
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#7
Posted: 4/1/09 at 10:12pmThat's too bad. I'm worried about the alcohol as well, and hope they control the rowdiness enough so it doesn't ruin too many people's experiences.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#8
Posted: 4/1/09 at 10:18pm
"Its amazing how the people that LOVE this show never see anyone drunk, or dont have a problem with the "somewhat excessive" drinking at the theatre."
I've noticed this myself. The "fans" all seem quite insistent that no one is drunk and yet other people are saying they're seeing lots of drunks.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/11/07
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#9
Posted: 4/2/09 at 12:56amI'm seeing this on a Thursday, and hoping since it's a weekday night, people drinking too much won't be an issue.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#10
Posted: 4/2/09 at 1:45am
Eris,
I think you?ve made an important point. Those that love the show have tunnel vision and are mostly focused on what is happening on stage and are having a positive experience. When they look around they?re more likely to see the livelier audience more positively, because they?re enjoying the show in the same way they are. Thereby, not relating to or seeing some of the less positive behaviors others are experiencing. In a way it?s like when you had to defend Grease when others made comments about what they felt was wrong with the show. Even with all of the harsh comments made about Grease, your defense of the show never wavered because you loved the show. Those that have some ambivalence about the alcohol going into show will have a higher awareness of the activity around them and will have a more negative experience then the audience members who are totally focused on and enjoying what is happening on the stage
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#11
Posted: 4/2/09 at 7:02am
Obviously, I am a fan of the show. I am not a big drinker and am very aware when other are drinking/drunk.
Maybe it is because of where I was sitting, dead center orchestra row E, that I did not notice anyone around me getting drunk.
I am sure there are those doing so. However, I only observed people having a great time at the show. Lots of singing along and laughter.
Believe me, people too tipsy would totally annoy me. I'm sorry if that happened to you and hope there will be some way to correct any problems the Brooks might have with this issue.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#12
Posted: 4/2/09 at 7:50amI don't care what kind of show it is, unless it is ADVERTISED AS A SING ALONG as Handel's Messiah often is around the holidays, singing along with a show is NEVER acceptable. People did not pay money to hear the off-key untrained people next to them singing (again, unless it is advertised as a sing along, which I'm fairly sher this is NOT). If you want to sing crappy 80s music, go to a karaoke bar.
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#13
Posted: 4/2/09 at 8:41am
I agree with that as well. It should "feel" like a concert, but it isn't one. It's still a B'way Show.
I want to have fun as much as the next guy, and I know I sometimes feel the need to restrain myself from singing along with loved tunes....but I want THE cast to do the entertaining...not me. And certainly, not the drunken guy next to me.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#14
Posted: 4/2/09 at 8:52am
Kaykohl, I can appreciate what you're saying but I don't think you can compare me to the people who constantly post about this one show. While I did see Grease more than once I refrained from dicussing it on the board because I knew the board's general attitude towards the show. I didn't want to be treated like the, for example, crazed Ashley Spencer fans who were posting. Did I discuss it occasionally? Yes. Did I stalwartly defend it? No.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#15
Posted: 4/2/09 at 9:34am
If this type of drunken behavior is going on, and if the ushers aren't taking action, then I can see why people get disturbed.
I was there on March 17 and had a guy in back of me that talked continuously during the show. He had a few drinks before and during the first act, but then switched to soda. I don't think it was the booze, I think it was just him. I spoke with him and his friends (late 30's - early 40's group) before the show and they seemed friendly but expressed early concern that this guy would not be quiet during the show. At one point, midway first act, he and a gal next to him got into nonstop very loud laughter. After about 2 minutes of it, I turned and put my finger to my mouth and went shhh. They did try to tone it down at that point.
To put it mildly, he was a total bore - stuff he thought was funny was kid type humor. But at least he didn't talk as loud during the second act.
It was a pain to deal with during the show. I finally found a way to lean forward and block some of his stupid chatter by cupping my ears forward too. Nice way to watch a show, huh? I like singing along a bit too, but I try not to be like a fog horn.
I still liked the show but I hope that people don't think they can come in there and act like jackasses and get away with it because of what is being said about drink, sing, etc.
Updated On: 4/2/09 at 09:34 AM
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#16
Posted: 4/2/09 at 12:17pm
<< I'm seeing this on a Thursday, and hoping since it's a weekday night, people drinking too much won't be an issue.
>>
Good luck, HB--- !
I was there on a Tues nite, and it was bad-- My wife was there with a co-worker yesterday, and said it was bad (the drinking)
You are going on a Thurs, when more people get their paychecks!
:))
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#17
Posted: 4/2/09 at 1:24pm
Its amazing how the people that LOVE this show never see anyone drunk, or dont have a problem with the "somewhat excessive" drinking at the theatre.
Wait...did you say you liked the show and this was your second time seeing it? Sounds to me like some people go on different nights or sit in different areas of the theatre. When I was being constantly bothered by the chattering of giddy fangirls throughout Spring Awakening in the Upper Mezz, I really don't expect that EVERYONE ELSE who ever saw the show had the same experience. It's quite possible that among the reasons people might enjoy the show, perhaps some of them simply are not as sensitive to the behavior. The idea is not so amazing. While the crumpling of a potato chip bag (which can be found in virtually every theatre house now even when drinks are not permitted) can infuriate me to no end, families and friends of mine will say they weren't even aware of the sound at all.
re: 'ROA'- TAKE II- 3/31/09#18
Posted: 4/2/09 at 3:40pm
<< Wait...did you say you liked the show and this was your second time seeing it? Sounds to me like some people go on different nights or sit in different areas of the theatre. When I was being constantly bothered by the chattering of giddy fangirls throughout Spring Awakening in the Upper Mezz, I really don't expect that EVERYONE ELSE who ever saw the show had the same experience. It's quite possible that among the reasons people might enjoy the show, perhaps some of them simply are not as sensitive to the behavior. The idea is not so amazing. While the crumpling of a potato chip bag (which can be found in virtually every theatre house now even when drinks are not permitted) can infuriate me to no end, families and friends of mine will say they weren't even aware of the sound at all.
>>
Yep... I usually try and go on Tues to get home earlier (plus, both the 17th and 31st were on TDF at that time)---
Really didnt feel like paying $50 - Both times I had Mezz--- the first time, the crowd enjoyed, and although I did see people overdoing it with the alcohol, I didnt hear any "catcalls" or people singing out loud.
Last night was totally different---- ton of people in close proximity to me were singing out loud, totally obnoxious, and loaded--- As much as I tried my best to ignore what was going on, it was very difficult.
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