Stop with the Cell phones already- Page 3

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 1:32am

I was actually talking with my friend about this today. She works in a Broadway theatre, and she first said she didn't think theatres could block signals that because of some-sort-of people need to have the right to call 911 or something? Then I pointed out there can be a noncellular phone in the theatre, and she agreed it probably would be the house manager more than anyone else calling 911...but the point is she said, is it would be a huge battle...taking away people's rights and **** like that. Even if it could legally happen, it wouldn't be easy.

Ooh, and the texting. Now, while I hate cell phones in theatres, I don't get all up in arms about constant public cell phone conversations. But the constant texting is ridiculous! I'm noticing that more and more at the theatre. In my classes, more than 1/2 the kids sit and text. Sometimes when I'm at dinner with a friend they'll be texting while I'm talking to them. I just don't get it. Do people feel that b/c they "can" chat with someone, they should? Because it's "silent"? I find texting to be a much bigger and addictive problem than over talking on cell phones.

[ShuQ]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 1:37am

With all due respect, I realize how annoying it is to have a cell phone go off during a show. But I also think that people who can posess a cell phone RESPONSIBLY in the theatre should be allowed to have their phones at hand. For instance, phyisicans need their phones...I'd rather have more people in the seats with their cell phones on silent than less people in the seats at all.

[blaxx]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 5:52am

I'm sure theatres and the law could come up with a fine...not kicking people out, but getting charged for it - if your cell rings, you get a $500 fine (I'm sure this would stop A LOT of people, if it actually was the law!)

And you know what is just as annoying?! - this happens in theaters and movie theaters - those %$#@& bright screens that flash in everyone's faces when you open a cell phone - there was a guy at a movie theatre who kept text messaging for the whole f movie and I couldn't pay attention because the bloody light was so bright... does anyone have manners anymore?

Updated On: 6/4/06 at 05:52 AM

[oldfashionedboy]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 6:45am

I refuse to own a cell phone, and I manage just fine without one.

More people are addicted to their cell phones than were ever addicted to cigarettes.

And the grave consequences to their health will no doubt be just as great.

I foresee the day when cell phones will have warning labels, just like cigarettes do now.

But some people still won't shut them off in the theaters.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 10:42am

When we went to see Dessa Rose, someone in front of us was taking pictures incessantly with their phone. We were upstairs so imagine how good they came out. Kind of like taking flash pictures in the balcony at Radio City. Really going to come out, right ?

Updated On: 6/4/06 at 10:42 AM

[pauL5Y]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 11:20am

I'm sure most of us have heard the feedback when a cell gets too close to certain computer or electrical equipment. Have a machine to detect cells when people enter the theatre so they can't lie about not having them. Then have them checked. Yes the first six months or so after doing this will be a bitch and a half with the long line at the coat check window, but it would stop the large percentage of phones getting in and soon enough people would (maybe) get the hint that it's easier to leave the damned thing at home or in the car rather than waiting to get it checked. I know there's resistance to checking amongst us, since dammit why should we have to wait in line when we use ours responsibly. Well, since you can't force the horse to water, you have to drown all the phones.

[jsrocks]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 11:38am

I think the only way to solve the cell phone problem now is the ushers are going to have to go into their sections and make sure everyone has their phones turned off (along w/ having the announcement that they shouldn't be on during the performance). If they go off, throw them out of the theater. And I mean really pick them up and THROW them on the pavement!!

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 11:50am

^I totally agree!

I see no issue with having your cell phone in the theatre...I bring mine in sometimes when I need to meet with someone afterwards or if I need a ride (that's when i see a touring production). But I ALWAYS make sure it's off! What's the big deal?! Open uour phone and shut it off! Why do you need it on? To check the time? Who cares! You should have checked how long the show would be beforehand!

[ashley0139]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 11:51am

Ah! This subject makes me so angry. Why do certain people think they are above the rules? When I go to the theatre, I must tell everyone I'm with to actually turn it off and not just put it on vibrate. It drives me crazy. And the texting during shows! How disrespectful! It stinks that the few people who use their cell phones responsibly must be punished for the ones who don't.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:09pm

Well. it's the problem teachers face. A few kids spoil it for everyone else. I saw a great incident in a movie theater in Toronto, Canada. A guy got three cell phone calls in a row and answered each saying "Hey, yah, I'm in a movie.... wait a minute.... wait a minute, uh, yah, okay speak to me."

On the third call, two guys a few rows in front of him got up , came back, grabbed his cell phone and threw it HARD against the wall, where it broke into pieces. Then they roughed him up a bit.

The little s**t goes and tells, just like a kid. The usher and the manager came in AND NOT ONE PERSON IN THE THEATER BACKED HIM UP.

Sometimes kids know how to deal with things like this. The little turd left with the peices of his phone.

Oh yeah, the movie sucked anyway but I'm glad it wasn't a $100.00 a seat show.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:14pm

Cell phones are here to stay. Just as are stupid, ignorant people. If it is against the law, then enforce it.

[jerseyboyslover]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:26pm

If my cell phone went off while I was in a show I think I would die.

You know it is not that hard to just turn them off.

[robyn525600]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:29pm

If your cell phone rings, you should be escorted out of the theater. The end.

[jerseyboyslover]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:37pm

yep, I think that would take care of it.

[ahimsa]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 12:43pm

Cell phone usage is on the fasttrack of becoming the next boom box. Despite the nuisance, interuption and sheer rudeness, I can't condone a bigger disruption or assault as a consequence. It will just take continued public outrage and shunning to convey how utterly contemptable it is.

May I add to the mix, my utter contempt to people who must talk during overtures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It never fails, I will be seated in front of them. My solution: I glare. I mean I turn around and glare at them deep into their souls such that should our eyes remain fixed for a milisecond futher, they will turn to dust in their seat.

And may I go on another rant. The show starts at 8. Why in good name are you late? It seems to me that shows are caving in more and more and starting at 8:10 or 8:15 to permit seating, which is sending the message that being late is ok. And why are you getting to interupt the good people who showed up on time during the applause of the first number. That is totally wrong. They are in the middle of their theatre experience and have to stand up to let you in. Or block the people behind them. We deserve to enjoy the smiles on the faces of the performers who just sung and danced their hearts out for us. No. You stay standing until the second act.

It used to be the ubiquitous candy wrapper. Now, its beverages of all kinds. Don't distract my eye from the show by pulling out your Dasanti water and uncapping it. Keep a lid on it, buddy.

The fat guy in front of me during Drowsy insisted on getting cozy with his hefty wife. The only way I could see the show was through the small slit they left between them. How the heck can I see if you have to put your thick arm around your wife?

And everywhere I go now, people are walking out before and during the curtain calls. Shame on you for not giving these gifted performers their due.

Audiences are getting ruder and ruder in all types of ways.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 6/4/06 at 1:07pm

I know this thread is about cell phones, but as it has sort of turned into an audience rudeness thing, I thought I would share this. It is in the back of the Encore Atlanta playbill at the Fox Theatre, though I'm sure not many people read it:

Golden Rules:
Here's a refresher course. Please read on, and remember, part of one's pact as an audience member is to take seriously the pleasure of others, a responsibility fulfilled by quietly attentive (or silently inattentive) and self-contained behavior. After all, you can be as demonstrative as you want during curtain calls.

1. Go easy with the atomizer; many people are highly allergic to perfume and cologne.

2. If you bring a child, make sure etiquette is part of the experience. Children love learning new things.

3. Unwrap all candies and cough drops before the curtain goes up or the concert begins.

4. Make sure cell phones, beepers, and watch alarms are OFF. And don't jangle the bangles.

5. The overture is part of the performance. Please cease talking at this point.

6. Note to lovebirds: When you lean your heads together, you block the view of the person behind you. Leaning forward also blocks the view.

7. THOU SHALT NOT TALK, or hum, or sing along, or beat time with a body part.

8. Force yourself to wait for a pause or intermission before rifling through a purse, backpack, or shopping bag.

9. Yes, the parking lot gets busy and public transportation is tricky, but leaving while the show is in progress is discourteous.

10. Honor the old standby: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.


I have always loved that. I just wish more people would read it.

[LeaGirl]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:29am

Nicely dressed older couple sitting beside me at Wedding Singer yesterday.

Their tickets (which they left on the floor) were VERY EXPENSIVE premiums. (Ok, I'm nosy) I won't even start on the "why" of that because I was sitting next to them having paid student price but whatever.

ANYHOW.

Seeing as how they paid that much, clearly you'd think that they'd shut their damn phone off?

Nope, went off twice. The first time was during a louder song so only the people around us heard it.

The second time was during a more... serious moment (if you can have those in Wedding Singer, but once again, moot point) - you could see Laura Benanti and Stephen Lynch physically tense a little bit and then carry on.

THEIR PHONE RANG TWICE. I was SO pissed off... after it happens once don't you have the SENSE to shut the thing off?

I think the part that made me the angriest is they seemed to be enjoying themselves. If you're ENJOYING the show... dont' you have the respect not to interrupt the actors like that? We were dead center 2nd row!

Updated On: 6/5/06 at 10:29 AM