I love the topic of theater attire. I have to say that the past few times that I've attended shows, the majority of people were dressed, IMO, very appropriately, whether it's a matinée or an evening show. I've seen very few people who were dressed
horribly - maybe I've just been lucky. Others dress like it's opening night at the Met, which I think is a little much. I think it's fun to get dressed up, and that dressing appropriately reflects respect for the show and performers.
BUT, I think that corners need to be cut in certain situations. When I go to a show in NY, it's usually not an impromptu affair - I know that I'm going to a show, and I dress for it. But, I also travel a lot, and I have been in the situation where I've been walking around since 8 am before a show at 8pm in 85 degree weather. Yes, I was wearing something presentable, but I didn't look as nice as I would have liked, you know?
My rule of thumb is this: if you watch the actor's come out of the stagedoor, they are usually dressed comfortably, but still nicely - you know? If they can do it, so can we!
I sat behind a woman on a Saturday evening performance of DRS and she was wearing an apalling blue jogging outfit - sweatpants, sweatshirt and sneakers. Nice. Maybe she was going to hit up the Bada Bing after the show
The morning star always gets wonderful bright the minute before it has to go --doesn't it?