The Front Page...Kerr Theater

[JayElle]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 9:15pm

It's enough that we spend a lot and even hundreds on tickets, but it's the first time I felt like I was on a "water bottle nazi" line.  The Kerr theater didn't  search our bags and backpacks for deadly weapons.  No, their weapon of choice is a water bottle.  They sent a rep up and down the ticket line telling folks that the production company does not permit any drinks or food coming into the theater under any circumstance.  He said, "it doesn't matter what's in the bottle."  I wonder what they would've done if the bottle had liquid medicine in it.

They also issued a notice with the ticket that if you are late, you will not be seated until intermission.  If you leave the show to go to the bathroom, you cannot return until intermission.  At the matinee, there were a lot of elderly and many of them had to go the bathroom.  Try telling an elderly person that you can't have a water bottle for your meds.  I was in the bathroom when the attendant told an elderly woman she had one minute to return to her seat or she wouldn't be permitted to go back to the seat.  The woman said that was impossible for her. The line was out the bathroom and into the lobby.

 I  understand how disruptive it is for everyone when late seaters arrive.  And I can respect and appreciate that policy, but denying attendees free water via a fountain or cup...no.

Elderly and other folks asked for a plastic cup from the bar so they could get a drink. Bartender said he wasn't allowed.  The only way you could get water was to buy it from them in a glass for $6.  And no drink, alcohol or otherwise, was permitted to have ice per the bartender.  Creates too much noise.  And you cannot access your checked coat once intermission ended. They have two intermissions for a 2.5 hr show.

I well understand that the performers tire of the distractions from phones and drinks.  But this took it too far.

And the theater failed to warn that the performers smoke cigars and cigarettes at will on the stage. I was in the 4th row.  Many of us were coughing, covering our face, and fanning the smoke away with the playbill.  At the end of the first act, I moved to the last row.  

I spent $250 for my premium ticket when it first went on sale.  At least provide a plastic cup or water fountain as an alternative. If smoking creates the realistic atmosphere for the scene, okay. But can't they use electronic cigars and cigarettes that don't permeate the air?  I felt badly for those in the first row. Their discomfort was obvious.

 My recommendation:  as much as I love Nathan Lane, find another show.  Already the tickets are half price at TKTS.com and deservedly so.   As expensive as Hamilton is, at least they treat their attendees with some respect.  Water bottles are permitted. Nothing else though.
 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 9:20pm

Hold on, the front page isn't at the kerr 

[broadwayguy91]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 9:22pm

err.. isn't the Front Page at the Broadhurst, which is owned by the Shubert organization?

But it's pretty ****ty that they have such rules such as no water bottles. that's really taking it too far. maybe thhey shouldn't allow disposable bottles that some inconsiderate people like to crush up after drinking all of the liquid inside , but they should allow other types of bottles (and it should be stated somewhere when you buy the tix)

[funhamilton_rent]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 9:22pm

Call_me_jorge said: "Hold on, the front page isn't at the kerr 

 

"

DECEASED

 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 9:37pm

At least get the venue right if you're going to complain. I am thankful for the policies that are in place at The Front Page. I was never once disrupted by a crinkling bottle or a latecomer.

[JayElle]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 9:42pm

You're all correct.  My bad.  I saw Falsettos, Front Page,  Dear Evan back to back over two days.  Yes, it's at the Broadhurst. But neither Falsettos nor Dear Evan "strip searched" us for a bottle of water. I felt bad for the elderly.  And it would've been nice if the theater put a fan on the cig and cigar smoke away from the audience. Or give them electronic smokes.

[JayElle]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 10:07pm

Yes, it's the Broadhurst. My mistake having seen 3 plays in a row. I even gave the Front Page guy my Evan Hansen ticket by mistake.

And even more insulting: when folks had to buy water, the 8 oz cup didn't hold all the water in the 10 oz bottle.  So the barkeep tossed the bottle with leftover water.    One woman grabbed the bottle and finished it since she paid for it.  And then a guy asked for ice in his glass, and the barkeep said he's not allowed to have ice for drinks.  Barkeep looked embarrassed.

Nathan Lane doesn't perform until late into the 2nd act and during the 3rd.  As I said, as much as I love him and his performances, I wouldn't recommend this play to my worst enemy, primarily because of the "production company" treatment of the folks who spend money to keep those actors on the stage.

 No late arrivals?  Okay.  No water unless you pay $6 or $7 for it?  No.  I can only recommend: stick you head under the faucet or bring a paper cup that you can put in your pocket for later use. I didn't hear any rule about paper cups in your backpack. Not yet.

 Or don't drink anything before or during the show so you won't have to use the bathroom and risk your seat. That elderly woman who couldn't pee in time was put in the last row of the orchestra.  Apparently, if you're late returning from the bathroom, going up to the mezzanine is okay presuming there is space...and there is...the show is not sold out....not surprisingly.

And as for the cigar and cig smoke, it was clear that these actors were normal smokers and availing themselves of the opportunity in the 1st and 2nd acts.  Okay, that's what they like. But it's called a fan.  The theater should use one and blow it towards the back wall and away from the audience. Or get a smoke eater.

And for those who like to hang the stage door?  No, Lane, Goodman, et al. do not stop for autographs. Just waves.  You're more likely to see Lane at Joe Allen's bar and grill having dinner.

Drama should be on the stage and not in the audience and lobby over water and bathrooms.      See a show that respects your presence and dollars spent.  This one does not.

[JayElle]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 10:25pm

Replying to bwayphreeak who said, "At least get the venue right if you're going to complain. I am thankful for the policies that are in place at The Front Page. I was never once disrupted by a crinkling bottle or a latecomer."

I already addressed my mistake on the theater.  These policies were not put in place for the audience, but the for theater and actors. Obviously, you haven't seen the show to experience it.

[Leaf Coneybear]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 10:29pm

But was the show good? Me and my whole family are seeing it together and everyone's looking forward to it

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 10:38pm

Leaf Coneybear said: "But was the show good? Me and my whole family are seeing it together and everyone's looking forward to it"

Like many other posters, I found it to be dull until Nathan Lane arrived at the end of the second act. 

As for Rudin's policies in place to prevent disruption, I think they're wonderful. And I wish more producers would follow suit. I'd rather be forced to pay for a cup of water than be subjected to clinking ice and crinkling candy wrappers for 3 hours. 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 10:41pm

JayElle, I have to politely but forcefully disagree with your discontent about the Front Page actors at the stage door. No performer is required to do anything at stage door. While I personally do disagree with most of your other points as well, I do think they're worth valid discussion—but I have to say the stage door one is totally moot.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 11:10pm

Oh, stop saying you were concerned for others, you aren't. in another thread, you said you've seen this twice. Why go back if the smoke was so awful??

I've never had a problem getting back to my seat after intermission...regardless of the line.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 11:46pm

I will say, I saw Book of Mormon recently, and was in line for the bar, and the show started. No warning or anything.   At least talk to us!

[@z5]

Posted: 11/24/16 at 11:55pm

Damn...you have way too much free time. This is a giant bitchfest for you. 

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Posted: 11/25/16 at 12:18am

It may be less about Rudin- although he is difficult- and more about a certain cast member's demands. This isn't unheard of, ala Midler in "I'll Eat You Last" expressly, according to many reports, requesting no late seating. I really respect that. Going to the theatre has lost so much luster with the way people dress and behave- who among us hasn't shot a look at a lit cell phone in the darkness or the rustling of ice in those plastic cups- such things really take away from the experience- I loathe late comers! If you're paying the prices we pay get there on time, have respect for the actors and their craft, and enjoy the human experience with your peers. Don't even get me started on free wifi which only encourages the bad behavior- not a very bright move. 

[adamgreer]

Posted: 11/25/16 at 2:10am

Couldn't you just ask for tap water at the bar? I don't believe that they can legally deny you a glass of tap water, but I could be wrong. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/25/16 at 5:03am

JayElle said: "Replying to bwayphreeak who said, "At least get the venue right if you're going to complain. I am thankful for the policies that are in place at The Front Page. I was never once disrupted by a crinkling bottle or a latecomer."

I already addressed my mistake on the theater.  These policies were not put in place for the audience, but the for theater and actors. Obviously, you haven't seen the show to experience it."

 

Ummmm... I did see the show. As my last sentence says, my experience was never once disrupted by a crinkling bottle or latecomer. I was thirsty at intermission, so I went to the water fountain. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/25/16 at 5:03am

JayElle said: "Replying to bwayphreeak who said, "At least get the venue right if you're going to complain. I am thankful for the policies that are in place at The Front Page. I was never once disrupted by a crinkling bottle or a latecomer."

I already addressed my mistake on the theater.  These policies were not put in place for the audience, but the for theater and actors. Obviously, you haven't seen the show to experience it."

 

Ummmm... I did see the show. As my last sentence says, my experience was never once disrupted by a crinkling bottle or latecomer.  

Updated On: 11/25/16 at 05:03 AM

[SamIAm]

Posted: 11/27/16 at 4:03pm

A couple of comments on this post:

First, I am often surprised by the fact that people don't take advantage of all the online commentary, reviews and information these days before they pay a lot of money for a play they may not like. The Front Page is a revival and while people have complained that Lane doesn't show up on stage until later in the play, THAT is the flow of the play. If you want to see him and no one else, wait until he does another show AND if you don't have the patience to see a revival which was written in a time where people were willing to sit through exhibition and build-up...well, don't buy the tickets

Secondly, the management is quite clear about not seating people if they have to get up. I am not crazy about the policy either but that is the policy. Rudin's policy about food and water bottles is HIS policy and, although there are some on the other Broadway board who blame the actors, it has nothing to do with them. It is Rudin who sets that policy.

Thirdly, if you need to take medicine, you can take it before you enter, get water at the bar for free, buy water, or wait until after the show to take your medicine. 

And finally, I am not sure how you know that the actors are cigar smokers who are taking advantage of the opportunity to smoke on stage. Do you KNOW these people? 

I get that you were surprised by some of the requirements and stipulations, but I am not sure why those who have been complaining about these issues don't just choose to see another show. If you want to see the show, go and enjoy the show. You don't get to dictate the security, regulations or environment in the theater. I won't address the issue of not getting a chance to meet an actor at the stage door. 

Updated On: 11/27/16 at 04:03 PM