Seeing Shows By Yourself- Page 2

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 9:36am

I've done it all the time. I was the only one who wanted to go...so I went alone.

Also...when it comes to "upgrading" your seats it is MUCH easier to do when you are alone!

If you do have some "social" hang ups about it, just remember that most of the people at the show are also tourists too...if that makes you feel any better.
And if you're not too shy it is a great opportunity to meet people...even if they are not alone.

[wonkit]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 10:15am

I usually go alone. Who notices? I like to be able to concentrate on the experience without wondering if a companion is bored or enjoys the show or understands it. I am a bit of an introvert, but it is easy to strike up a casual conversation with people around you, especially during the intermission: "So, what do you think?"

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 10:22am

When I get to the city its either with my family or bymyself. And generally, I prefer going alone in those cases because I can focus on the show and see shows my family would never be intrested in seeing.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 10:34am

I go by myself a lot...and for the same reasons I like to travel to NYC by myself. I can change my mind at a moment's notice without stepping on any toes and as many have said, no one except my daughter and one friend have the same affection for theatre (or NYC) that I do. Ditto on scoring single seats.

I certainly don't mind seeing shows with family or friends, but when unless it's something I really have to pull rank on, I usually let them have a healthy role in deciding what we see.

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 11:05am

I go by myself all the time. Out of all the Broadway shows I've seen this year, I only saw one with others. I like going alone for many of the reasons that people already mentioned--it's cheaper, I don't have to worry about other's seat preferences, I don't have to think about whether someone else is enjoying the show, and so on. Also, I get to see exactly what I want to see. My family and my friends--even my theatre friends--would never have wanted to sit through AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY with me. So I went alone, and had a great time.

Sometimes, I do miss having someone to talk to, but it's not that big a deal. If I really like a show, and want to talk about it, I'll either come to BWW or visit the show again with a friend (I'm doing that next month with NEXT TO NORMAL).

[yankees1253]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 1:53pm

I go with family and also by myself. If you go by yourself you get to meet other people which is great.

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 2:46pm

I LOVE seeing shows alone! That's how you get the best seats!

[The Boy From Ohio]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:15pm

Go!

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:35pm

There are so many things I would have missed had I waited for people to make up their minds about whether or not they wanted to go. Two Georgia Stitt concerts, Drowsy Chaperone, South Pacific, etc.

I'm a planner. I like to make plans and know what's going on even if it's way in advance. But, a lot of people don't like to make plans in advance. They'd rather wait and see if they get a better offer. So I just decided to say "screw 'em" and see shows on my own. And I've been the better for it.

And when I do see shows with someone I'm always the one who pays for the tickets and then has to wait to be paid back.

[jennamajig]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:49pm

I'm a single gal and I've definitely gone alone (even when I've not been single, I've gone alone; I don't meet too many guys that are willing to date me and hit up theater shows :).

I do have a theater buddy that I see tons of stuff with, but our taste can differ now and then. I purchased a lone TDF ticket for Next Normal in April, and ended up sitting next to three other TDF members that were there by themselves as well. We stuck up a nice conversation per-show and during intermission.

[Pgenre]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:52pm

I really don't understand this pervasive mentality of having to do EVERYTHING with someone... even sit in a darkened theatre in silence for two hours. It's rooted in insecurity, fear and abandonment issues... and the whole coupling obsession in this country (exacerbated by the celeb Babybump obsession and all that)... but it really is endemic of the entire American zeitgeist.

WHAT DIFFERENCE does it make if you see a movie or a show WITH someone or not?

Is it not true that the first question most people ask when you say you saw a movie or a show, "WHO did you go with?" as if that has ANY bearing whatsoever on the work of art or your enjoyment of it. Then again, the second question is always "How was it?" as if your opinion has anything to do with theirs. Language is sociologically really fascinating if you break it down like this, I've found. At least occasionally...

Ugh, it's super irritating... I INTENTIONALLY do not go to movies and shows that I want to fully experience with ANYONE I know. I only know a handful of people that can actually sit for two hours without texting, talking, getting up or bringing attention to themselves and I think a handful might be an exagerration. It's my generation, but it's also ignorance, stupidity and no respect for art (suprise!).

The sheep/nesting mentality that runs society is really gross, too. And adding to that - If a movie theatre is the only place you can get laid, you're in trouble. Especially if you're over 14.

And the whole argument about "sharing" the experience is bollocks... I really think people go together to the theatre mostly so they have someone to talk to at intermission since we fear strangers SO MUCH and new experiences even more. Or God forbid one is seen ALONE somewhere in public - as if one were a leper - at a movie theatre no less! Count the number of singles under 65 at most multiplexes outside of big cities and you'll see why Netflix and BDLIVE are going to run the movie world. It's not that people aren't seeing the movies, I honestly think a lot of people are embarrassed to go alone. The pervasive mentality in this country is so deep-rooted I think many can't see the forest for the trees, even if they were to enjoy the work of art MORE if they were to see it sans significant other or whatever.

This is all bitter bile, I guess... but a little bit true, no? For some reason this whole topic irks me as I have had ALL of my best experiences at the theatre or cinema alone and ALL of the worst while I was with other people. I just don't get the whole topic in general, I guess. Hmm.

P

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:55pm

Complain, complain, complain...

Some people like going alone, some people like sharing the experience with some one else.

Get over it.

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:58pm

There are some shows I would like to go with another person. I think Hair is a fun show to see with other people. I saw it with a friend who isn't really into theatre, and when that curtain dropped, the look on her face was priceless.

[Pgenre]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:58pm

Some thoughts run deeper than a thimble you stupid b*tch.

If you don't like my posts, don't comment on them. Or better yet, block them! PLEASE!

Darling.

P

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 3:58pm

I think you're forgetting a point there, P. How about the fact that there is safety in numbers? I'll go to see a show alone, sure, but if I should happen to mention to my mother that I went or am going alone she gets very upset. She's concerned for my safety - as mothers tend to be. For someone who doesn't come into the city often or is unfamiliar with it coming alone can be a daunting experience. Ten years ago I'd have never considered it for the very reason that I wasn't sure where I was going.

Also, sharing a show with someone can be a wonderful experience. Last weekend I took my sister to see The Little Mermaid. Hearing her laugh and seeing the joy on her face heightened my experience.

While I have no issue with going alone I don't think going with someone is "bad".

[Pgenre]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:03pm

If you honestly believe there is safety in numbers you have a lot of growing up to do. There isn't, nor has there ever been.

Unless, that is, your "numbers" are the vast majority. And that's only true in politics.

It's not that a lot of people wouldn't agree with you, it's just that from adolescence on you are better off doing your own thing than listening to others. I know this from experience. Safety is actually FURTHEST from numbers post 12. I'm guessing you're just entering that phase in life so good luck 'cause it ain't easy! Theatre got me through, and I hope it will you, too!

P
Updated On: 7/22/09 at 04:03 PM

[sally1112]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:11pm

I do not mind it at all, and one can get great seats when just buying one. I always talk to the people around me and find out where they are from and why the picked that show and what else they are seeing. Yeah, I know, I am THAT guy, but in all the times I have done this, no one has ever been anything but very polite to speak to. From tourtist to native New Yorkers who are proud of their city, and happy to recommend other places to see while I am in town.

For me the drawbacks are before and after the show. I love to make seing a show an experince, that includes a light dinner and drinks before the show, and then of course going to Barrage or Thearpy after the show to discuss what we just watched.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:15pm

Pgenre,

It's too bad your bottomless cesspool of thoughts is constantly on display here.

Negative Nelly.

[STUCKinOH]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:15pm

Wow, this thread makes me feel a lot better about it. And everyone has great points.

Ashley:
"I don't get it - why would you "make a big deal out of it"? Do you think people will be staring at you thinking "he's alone. What a loser." If you want to see something, see something. Who cares if you're by yourself? It's stupid to miss something you want to see just because someone won't go with you. "

I dont live in New York, though I wish I will someday. I am from a suburban city in Ohio where everyone is kind of stuck up and snobby. If you were to do something like that here, you'd be judged and considered a loser. It's a very judgemental place and I can't wait to get out. So I'm just kind of used to that mindset unlike NYC's be free/we dont judge mindset :)

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:19pm

P, I think it's obvious that you've never been a young woman and don't know the sort of things we have to deal with.

I am not a child but a 30 year old adult woman. I go into the city on my own quite often but I do know people who would never, ever go alone.

I was simply trying to add an element to your statement and show you that things are not as black and white as you seem to think so. I was not attacking you or looking for a fight. Your response to me was uncalled for.

[GimmeABreak2]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:24pm

I've done it many times. I like it because it's low risk for rushing in my experience, usually when I go with people they want to buy before hand (costing usually an extra 40 bucks to get similar seats...) while I have no problem finding an alternative if I can't get in myself.

Also, if I feel that I'm the best audience I know for a show, I'd prefer to enjoy it alone rather than 'dragging' anyone, you know? Pressure I don't need/like.

eta-Also, I've lucked out on seats a couple times where pairs of people in front of me in line have taken partial views to stay together while I got open singles! Updated On: 7/22/09 at 04:24 PM

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:24pm

Unless Pgenre made a really fast two minute edit, Eris, I don't see an attack there.

I run about 50/50. Love to go with a friend, don't mind at all going alone.
Updated On: 7/22/09 at 04:24 PM

[Pgenre]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:25pm

"I'll go to see a show alone, sure, but if I should happen to mention to my mother that I went or am going alone she gets very upset. She's concerned for my safety - as mothers tend to be. For someone who doesn't come into the city often or is unfamiliar with it coming alone can be a daunting experience. Ten years ago I'd have never considered it for the very reason that I wasn't sure where I was going."

You're 30 years old and making this statement?

I stand by my comments, and I find it amusing that MY comment was the most uncalled for one SO FAR in this thread! LOL!

P

P.S. The stupid b*tch comment wasn't aimed at you if that's what comment you took issue you with. The b*tch who that was aimed at knows who she is!
Updated On: 7/22/09 at 04:25 PM

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:31pm

Unless P Genre made a really fast two minute edit. Eris, I don't see an attack there.

Suggesting I'm immature isn't an attack?


You're 30 years old and making this statement?

Yup, you can be 50 years old and your mom will be worried about you. You can grow up but your mom never stops being a mom. And I know plenty of people who won't go to the city alone.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:31pm

Exactly. Diva makes attacks on others voicing their own opinions, very bizarre since he's rather opinionated himself, and pgenre gets called out for saying:

"I'm guessing you're just entering that phase in life so good luck 'cause it ain't easy! Theatre got me through, and I hope it will you, too!"

I mean, he even wished you well!