I've been known to hold my applause between numbers, if I despised the prior scene's acting.
But never at the end.
I totally agree that standing ovations are given entirely too much; however, not applauding, in my opinion, is downright rude. No matter how terrible a show is, people still gave the performance. Sometimes applause is all an actor gets (face it....they aren't getting rich from performing). That's like going to a bar and not tipping the bartender. I mean, if we can tip a bartender for mixing us a drink, we can applaud for an actor who just gave their time and energy for 2+ hours.
I agree with everything Plum has said (especially about Kattan, lol). Although I don't like Sean Coombs much, I must say he has handled the 'Raisin' situation with a lot of dignity and grace. Even after being attacked by the critics, he was always grateful for performing on Broadway and used every opportunity to shower his co-actors with praise.
About standing ovations: they don't mean anything to me anymore. Ironically, I've been forced to stand for the worst shows, and too self-conscious to stand at some of the best performances I've ever seen.
I could never leave at intermission. I don't think I can judge how much I like or dislike a show based only on the first act. The only time I ever left at intermission was because I got incredibly sick and my family made me leave. Some shows really pick up in the second act. The only one I ever wanted to leave at intermission was Rent because I just thought it was horrendous but even then I stayed, I think its rude to leave.
"I would never refuse to applaud at a show because whether I personally cared for it or not, I do know the actors up there (in most cases) put their hearts and souls into what they had just shown me and they deserve at least that from me."
i agree with what Matt_G said... buuut some shows i just cant stand. BUUT shockingly enough my friend walked out half way of Caroline or Change, claiming it was the worst musical she has ever seen. .. but i can say. I've never seen one version of footloose i have liked. and its hard for me to clap my hands. buuut i do anyways.
Updated On: 7/26/04 at 06:40 PM
I couldn't sit through Caroline again. I didn't walk out of it, but I didn't join in the standing ovation.
I only applauded once during Wonderful Town, after Conga. I thought sitting through that show was torture.
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