Seeing Shows By Yourself- Page 3

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:32pm

double posted when I got an internal server error

Updated On: 7/22/09 at 04:32 PM

[geniuswithADD]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:37pm

I love going to the theatre with different people. I saw Wicked with a friend who put on the show with me, and it was a completely different experience than seeing Wicked with a group of people. When I saw RENT the first time, it was with a girl, the second time, a boy. Completely different feelings. Going by yourself also gives you a different perspective. You get so many new experiences by going with different people.

[iflip4musicals]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:38pm

I agree with Eris on the safety in numbers thing. I see shows by myself all the time, and love it! When I went to see 12th Night, I was only going to go if someone came with me, because I was not going to take the subway to Port Authority by myself in order to catch my bus. I felt a lot more comfortable being with someone else, even though there were several other audience members in my position. I feel more comfortable by myself in Times Square, simply because I am closer to the bus; although I'm usually on the phone with someone as I'm walking over. I'm a 21 year old female.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:45pm

I only just started going to shows alone, and I still don't prefer it. the worst part for me is that interval between a matinee and evening show (if I'm doing two shows). mostly because I hate eating dinner alone.

I never really thought about the safety in numbers thing, but I'm used to doing the subway, PATH or bus, so being alone isn't an issue there.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 4:54pm

the worst part for me is that interval between a matinee and evening show

Ug, that is the worst

I never really thought about the safety in numbers thing, but I'm used to doing the subway, PATH or bus, so being alone isn't an issue there.

It's true that you're rarely completely alone but I know people (and I'm sure we all do) who just would not do it.

Two years ago I was seeing a Sunday matinee with a friend and it just so happened there was a play off game that night. Indians/Yankees. If I recall correctly, it was the deciding game. Knowing that my friend wouldn't have wanted to go to I asked if we could take our own cars to the train station and she go back on the train alone while I went to the Bronx. Her response was if I wanted to go to the game I could go to the show alone because she wouldn't go and wouldn't pay for her ticket. She flat out refused to even go a few blocks alone. Needless to say I missed the game.

[Jane2]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:09pm

I'll go to the theater either way-with or without anyone else. But if I go alone, I'll get into the performance (or film) more intensely and I like that better!

I'm also adding that I don't understand what could possibly be "wrong" with going alone. Anywhere.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:10pm

"The b*tch who that was aimed at knows who she is! "

I a guy, and no matter how many times you call me darling, I'll still be a man.

Besides, I've reported it to the mods...

And there goes ghostlight, again with the whining.

Good Lord, GL and P should just sleep together.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:15pm

Hey,you answered to it, Diva. You knew who he was talking to.

I'm whining? You're the one running off to tell teacher someone called you a bad name!

Some big man. You're a petty, petty person. Go run tell the mods that, big boy.
Updated On: 7/22/09 at 05:15 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:17pm

Diva, sit by me, we're both petty, petty people!

[saveusmike]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:17pm

My first show was Shrek the Musical ( i saw it alone the day before it officially opened) and dispite being by myself I had a blast!

Since December 13th I have seen about 40 shows and none of them have been alone.

after that I saw Wicked followed by Avenue Q with a female friend and we enjoyed them both alot.

I wanted to see Avenue Q again and I wanted my best friend to come with me but he was extremly hesitant because he never liked musicals . I brought the ticket for him and told him to give it a shot and he did. As soon as the show was over he kept thanking me for what a great time it was and how fun the show is.

Ever since that one show we have seen dozens of shows together and it has truly heightened our friendship. I wouldnt mind seeing a show by myself again but seeing the smile on his face and knowing how much he is enjoying it makes me enjoy the show so much more

[GatorNY]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:25pm

I enjoy sharing shows with friends but also get a lot out of going by myself. I remember last summer seeing Hair in central park....my favorite experience was the last time out of 3) when I went by myself. At that time, I wasn't inhibited wondering at the end of the show if the others wanted to go up and dance. I find that when I am with friends, some little part of me is always worried or hoping that my friends are enjoying themselves, which is never a concern when I'm by myself.

[touchofgr3y]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:27pm

Like most of the other people posting, I don't mind seeing shows by myself; I feel like I can get a better seat and it really takes away from the enjoyment of the show if the person I've convinced to come with me is not enjoying themselves. I'll invite friends to shows I think they'll like and just go alone to the ones I'm not sure others would like.

RE: the down time between a matinee and evening performance? I've been killing time running over to one of the movie theaters on 42nd. Overpriced, sure, but it kills lots of time and then I can get something quick and informal for dinner. As much as I don't mind seeing shows alone, I am really bad at going to a nicer restaurant alone.
Updated On: 7/22/09 at 05:27 PM

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 5:32pm

If I do a lotto and have time to kill, I usually just go onto the TKTS red stairs and sit there, put on my ipod, and just soak it all in. It is actually really cool to just sit down, and take all of Times Square in.

[DaNciNgFairy291]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 6:56pm

I am 17 and I first saw a show by myself almost two years ago. I felt a little out of place, being that it was "Spring Awakening" and it was all groups of teenagers and their friends. I have gotten used to it now, I've met a lot of people at the stage door and have kept in contact with them. The only thing is I don't like eating alone, it makes me feel uncomfortable. I guess I might be just used to it because it was kinda the same situation in school, but I don't think that you have to be with others to see and enjoy a show. My favorite part, no one makes you hurry. I do agree with the safety in numbers though, it all depends on where and when. Like, my parents would never let me see anything in Central Park because they think I'm gonna get kidnapped or something, but they're fine with me going to see a matinee on the weekend in Times Square. It's mostly a parent issue with me.

[Mark_E]

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

I always see tour shows in the UK by myself and in London too. Sometimes its nice just to get away from it all and just take the show in.

If I enjoy a show when im by myself I always wish I had someone there to see it with me. If i wasn't overly fussed about it then im not bothered in the slightest.

My first trip to New York was last summer.

Saw 5 shows by myself ([title of show], Spring Awakening, Young Frankenstein, A Tale of two cities and Gypsy) and 5 with people (Rent and Xanadu with my dad and Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia and Legally Blonde with mum dad and sister).

I wish now that i'd convinced my mum or dad to see those shows with me, especially Gypsy (they all went to see Spamalot instead O.o).

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 7:33pm

The only thing is I don't like eating alone, it makes me feel uncomfortable.

Just read a newspaper or magazine.

[DaNciNgFairy291]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 7:51pm

The only thing is I don't like eating alone, it makes me feel uncomfortable.

Just read a newspaper or magazine.

I usually read things on my phone, but it's kinda like you're always surrounded by groups of friends, especially teenaged, so it's a little lonely, but it's do-able.

[Libby1209]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 9:23pm

I like seeing shows by myself...not that I do it all the time, but it's nice to just get online and buy a ticket to a show without having to sync everyone's schedules.

And eating alone? Please...it's really not that big a deal. I typically go to Juniors and eat at the bar. It's actually nice to meet and converse with other people sitting nearby. Or if you're that paranoid about it...take a book and read it while waiting for your food.

As for safety...Central Park...seriously? Take your parents to CP during the day and let them walk around...they won't think it's a dangerous place unless you're there at night.

I have come to the city many times by myself. Safety's really not a problem, provided you play it safe. By this, I mean typical safety advice...know your surroundings and be aware at all times. Not a big deal.

I think going by yourself is very liberating, but that's just me. I like talking to people while in lines, the theatre, restaurants, and even waiting for the bus in Port Authority. Again, that's just me. Plus, I can do exactly what I want to do, when I want to do it. I guess it's the only child syndrome in me, but being alone doesn't bother me...

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 9:28pm

I tend to see more shows by myself because then it gives me more flexibility about what to see and where to sit; however, it is sometimes nice to share the experience with someone.

[Salene]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 9:41pm

If I didn't go alone, I'd hardly see anything.

Ditto.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=4806

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 9:49pm

NEVER in my life have I gone to a show by myself, but I would really like to sometimes. When I see shows with my family and friends, I often find myself worrying about what THEY think of the show instead of just getting lost in great theatre.

[saveusmike]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 10:47pm

Theirs alot of misconception regarding safety in the city.

I have lived in New York for 18 years and I have never EVER felt threatened in the Times Square area. As for Central Park I feel the same way. I mean I wouldnt get caught their past 11 at night alone, but who really would need to go to park that late anyway?

I can tell you that their are much more dangerous places in NY than the theater district and central park.

[DaNciNgFairy291]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 10:55pm

I meant Central Park at night, like going to see 12th Night or Hair last year, they didn't want to go at night, when the show got let out. That's what I mean. As long as I see people, I'm fine.

Eating alone is not that big of a deal, but I'm just putting my feelings out there at times.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/23/09 at 12:35am

'I meant Central Park at night, like going to see 12th Night or Hair last year, they didn't want to go at night, when the show got let out. That's what I mean. As long as I see people, I'm fine.'

Well, yeah, when you see one of those shows at night in Central Park, you are going to be surrounded by tons of people when you leave, and if you take the subway, many will probably take the same line as you. It's not like you are going to be the only ones in the Park.

[craig238]

Posted: 7/23/09 at 1:03am

Once a year I take a Wednesday off to see 2 shows all by my lonesome. My wife and daughter will only see musicals so it is my chance to see something they would never go to. I go where I want, can stage door before/after the show if I want, eat where I want, etc. Though I love my family to death, it is a day
I look forward to.