Chorus Member Joined: 11/17/04
I agree, though, that standing ovations have become way too commonplace. They should be reserved only for extraordinary performances (such as Hugh's in TBFO!) and not for every show.
I've seen flops where the audience gave a standing ovation at the end, (such as Hot Feet!) which was absurd!
When I saw Wicked in previews, Idina got a standing ovation and when I saw Gypsy, Bernadette got one as well.
"Actors don't work nearly as hard as most other professions. A performer really has to grab me (and probably literally) for me to stand. I don't generally give a standing ovation for someone who is doing what they are paid to do...i.e., their job."
This my friend, is a sad sad statement. Real actors work every bit as hard as people in other professions. It's just a very different kind of work. From this statement, I'm assuming you don't act, and if you do you must not be very good. Because if you were any good, you would know how much hard work goes into it. Personally I don't care whether you stand or run out the door, but please don't disrespect the craft.
Fosse76, if actors don't work as hard, why don't you take some time off from your scientist job and go cover Frank Langella in 'Frost/Nixon', David Hyde Pierce in 'Curtains', Liev Schreiber in 'Talk Radio', Raul Esparza in 'Company', or ANY chorus member in ANY show on Broadway and then you get back to me about how they don't work as hard.
I'm sorry for my tone. But your statement really hit a nerve.
Say word sid. That was what I was alluding to in my last post.
Probably the most amazing standing ovation I've seen was for Hugh Panaro's final performance in "The Phantom of the Opera" on October 1, 2005. Sandra Joseph could barely silence it long enough to give her lovely speech for him. Of course, Hugh just HAD to add fuel to the fire by being a tease and sliding out of his tailcoat like a stripper when she references his looks.
I've witnessed some form of standing ovation...some more enthusiastic than others...at most shows I've been to. But not at all. I saw two performances of "Company" in Seattle and neither got one...and the entire cast absolutely deserved one both nights.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
When I was younger, I used to give standing ovations as a matter of course. Everyone else was doing it and I wanted to follow protocol. Now that I'm older and I've been to many shows, I'm more discerning about standing. There were a few shows at Steppenwolf last season that, while well-acted, were subpar in terms of writing and I did not stand for them. I also didn't stand for Pirate Queen, although I did clap.
A show really deserves a standing ovation, in my opinion, when you cannot bear to stay in your seat when that actor comes onstage. As soon as Assassins ended, I jumped out of my seat to clap and cheer. The same happened with Patti in Gypsy at Ravinia, the whole cast of Lost Land, but especially Ian Barford (Steppenwolf), Esparza in Company, and Ms. Ebersole in Grey Gardens.
If you are physically pained by staying in your seat and not giving recognition to an actor whose performance has moved you, then get up. If you're standing out of pity that no one else is, sit back down, my friend.
"If you are physically pained by staying in your seat and not giving recognition to an actor whose performance has moved you, then get up. If you're standing out of pity that no one else is, sit back down, my friend."
Couldn't have been said better.
Tituss Burgess..... The Wiz Revival
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
Thanks, sid!
*blushes*
Fuschia Walker - Dreamgirls tour
Broadway Star Joined: 3/17/05
"Who are some actors who have had standing ovations?"
Pretty much any actor who has ever done a show in Los Angeles.
When I saw Company Raul Esparza got one, Christine Ebersole in Grey Gardens and Christopher Plummer in Inherit the Wind.
Hugh Jackman after his big number in THE BOY FROM OZ (the name escapes me).
Norbert Leo Butz and John Lithgow/Jon Pryce after "Dirty Rotten Number" in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. Although Brian d'Arcy James deserved one, I am so glad that he and Keith Carradine didn't get a standing ovation after their "Dirty Rotten Number" because Carradine was, well, awful.
And honestly, that standing ovation in JERSEY BOYS sounds so incredibly tacky. If you deserve a standing ovation mid-show, you will get one; don't beg the audience for it.
To people on the second page, Glinda and Elphaba always get a standing ovation.
Understudy Joined: 8/12/06
I agree about Brian. He was amazing. Keith... not so much. I stopped watching him at all. My eyes would be somewhere else. When I went they got a standing ovation. Keith REALLY didn't deserve one.
I really can't think of a show that I have been at that didn't have some people on their feet. I feel like I have to stand alot of the time, just because I want to see.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/14/06
If you go to a Broadway show and there isn't a standing ovation, you know it must've been REALLY bad!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
When I saw Butley with Nathan Lane, no one even stood up until he came out.
Personally, only those performers that give an outstanding performance bring me to my feet. It doesn't matter if they are popular or unknown. I rarely stand, and only at the end when the actor takes his/her bow.
Three exceptions for me, one last month when the amazing Babarba Cook melted the entire Kimmel Center during a song. Another is about a year ago when Donna McKechnie did a hertwarming monologue and finished with her signature dance moves to the Mirror & the Music. The last was a musical tribute to comosers Maltby & Shire when the two gentelman hopped the stage; Richard played piano, David sang. They both broke out top hats and sang and danced. Incredible! (sorry, but no Idina, Jackman can compare to that one, imo.)
Also, I see nothing stupid to stand to pay tribute to an especially wonderful ensamble or dance number or a show of support for an outstanding tech. or staging work. That's the ultimate compliment to the creative person being the scenes and it gets back to them.
Every actor with any brains gives it there best shot, but not everyone or every show deserves a standing ovation. Those are my thoughts.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/04
The entire cast of Jersey Boys gets a standing ovation at the curtain call.
I give standing ovations to JLY or Michael(whomever is on as Frankie when I see it) right after Can't Take My Eyes Off You. Usually it's me, my mom, and my sister, but sometimes other get up too.
I think I gave Hugh Jackman a standing ovation at his entrance on his last day in Boy From Oz.
I've seen JLY get a standing ovation after CTMEOY 3 times.
When I saw Sweeney, no one stood until Mano came out.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/17/05
I think some people start standing ovations so they can make a run for the aisle and try to get out of the theatre faster.
Leading Actor Joined: 4/12/07
I was reluctant to give a standing ovation for The Producers. Everyone turned to me and made me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable - I was practically forced to stand. It's not even really a choice anymore for most Americans.
Stand-by Joined: 4/9/07
I have never seen anything like the standing ovations that Barbra received during the previews and early days of FUNNY GIRL. You just had to be there............at the same time and only 6 blocks to the south, Carol Channing was receiving the same type of ovations in "DOLLY". Even though I think her standing ovations were in appreciation of a great great cast as well as Carol
BroadwaySinger2 I know how you must have felt. I was one of four people that didn't give a standing ovation at the Producers. And I was in the second row!
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