Rude People During Performances

[Myron]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 9:38am

I don't know if this is the place to post this but I am very angry. Why do people attend live performances if they come to talk, smoke,etc.? At Bryant Park yesterday, people open huge umbrellas to keep out the sun. They don't care if it blocks the people from enjoying the performance. I almost smashed an umbrella last week. Then you get those with baby carriages and screaming infants. I must mention the attendees answering cell phones during performances. They speak so loudly and talk endlessly; usually about nonsense.The performers who are volunteers at the concerts must notice these rude people and it's embarrassing. A group yesterday was holding a reunion right where I was sitting. If you tell them to be quiet they give you a blank stare and they continue. My experiences at theatres is not much better. I get constant talking; people passing back and forth in the aisles, cell phone talkers,etc. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth the aggravation and I should just stay home. I had to get this off my chest!

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 9:42am

People act this way (without the umbrellas and baby carriages, obviously) when they have paid $100 to see a show inside a theatre, going by the accounts on this board. Did you expect people attending for free to be any more respectful?

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 9:52am

Popcultureboy's right. I went yesterday and a guy who was either drunk or high asked me if I was going to finish my lunch. He was dancing around everyone the entire show. As long as it's for free people don't care what they do since it's so open.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 9:56am

It's a public park, what did you expect?

[Dawg]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 9:57am

Please don't get mad at me, but not everyone is there in the park for the free performance. Some are there for a meal and to just enjoy the fresh air (in NYC, I can think of fresher things than the air, but I digress). If people were doing these things in a theater, I can see full reason to complain. But just as much as their behavior is intruding on your enjoyment of the show, I am most certain the show is intruding on their reunions, meals, etc.

Cell phone use and chatting during a live Broadway performance where people have paid great sums of money to be there is absolutely inexcusable and I couldn't agree with you more. I also don't know how much good the theater/cell phone ban is doing. I haven't been to a show in a very nlong time where there wasn't at least one phone ringing. Don't be afraid to rat people out to an usher/house manager. And if it so moves you, say something to the person during intermission. Most people I have found, are completely unaware that their behavior is intrusive or distracting and need only to be made aware of it (in a friendly manner). If this doesn't work, hit them. hard. in the face.

(Dawg shakes hands with Al, amused that they have agreed on something) Updated On: 8/20/04 at 09:57 AM

[Al Dente]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 10:00am

OH MY GOD!

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 12:07pm

Where have you been, Al??

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 12:09pm

Took the words right out of my mouth, Dawg.

[Derek2]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 12:17pm

Well it's true, it is an open park but people could be a little kinder. I know what you're saying. This is a bit off topic but I hate when people talk or bring their babies to the movies. Do they think they WONT cry?? if you can't get a sitter stay home that night. I dont want that to sound mean but it's true. About the park....yeah

[emssf03]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 12:26pm

Wow Dawg! Here in San Francisco we hit first - guess you have one up on us! :) I agree the situation of rudeness is way out of hand. I have even been at shows where people enter way into the first act. Just because you pay upwards of $100, does not excuse it - so has everyone else around you. Okay - I'm finished being bitter now.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 1:14pm

it's a public park- people can do what they want. simple as that.

[BWayBoy88]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 2:57pm

I agree w/yankee. You cant expect people to act like it is a Broadway Theater. Its a park in NYC where a free outdoor concert is going on. While I dont really agree w/people talking on their cell phones, it doesnt really bother me.

[xluckystar2107x]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 3:21pm

no...you know what NEVER ceases to fail. Sitting down to enjoy a performance and then have someone sit in front of you who is a great deal taller. and of course they cant keep their head in one place. they have to talk to everyone around them and ruin the view. i mean i realize they dont know what they arre doing and cant control the fact they are sitting in front of a small person but i mean its just an annoyance.

[Plum]

Posted: 8/20/04 at 5:35pm

You'd think that the more you pay, the more classy the performance, right? I'd be in more of a hurry to get to a $100 musical than an $8 movie, and I'd be expectant of better behavior from my fellow audience members, as well.

Of course, the last few shows I've been to were:

Chicago- The woman next to me crinkled a candy wrapper for 10 minutes in Act I, then didn't come back for Act II.

Frozen- The couple next to me chattered past the introductory music in both acts, and only shut up when the dialogue started, which in a play full of meaningful silences was pretty annoying. Then they complained that the play stunk.

I Am My Own Wife- Someone was chewing gum or smacking their lips in a steady rhythm all through Act I and partway through Act II. It was unbelievabely distracting. Imagine *smack* listening *smack* to that stupid *smack* sound *smack* all the **** *smack* time.

*smack*

Strangely, the best audience of the bunch was in The Passion of George W. Bush yesterday. That's right- the $15 Fringe show had a polite crowd all the way through. Go figure.