Stop with the Cell phones already — Page 3

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.

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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?

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

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 ?

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

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!!

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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.

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

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

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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.

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!

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