What was your best/worst stagedoor encounter- Page 4

[wdwfreak]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 5:54pm

Elphaba43- i have to disagree with Sierra Boggess. She is so nice at the stagedoor. Maybe she had a rough day.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 6:15pm

Best was with Megan Hilty. We braided hair, traded eye shadow tips, and made out for a solid 3 minutes.

Worst was Sherie Rene Scott. She completely ran past me saying she had to get home to her "kids". I called her a bitch, followed her home, and made her and her "kids" watch Fransesca Zambello's complete directing portfolio on DVD in one sitting.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 7:18pm

As far as the worst goes, I don't think I've really had any except actors I've wanted to meet not coming out the stage door (but that isn't such a bad thing). Lately, I haven't been stage-dooring shows.

Best: The All Shook Up original cast was extremely gracious, and most of the cast, including ensemble members, took the time to sign and take pictures.

When I saw Lauren Graham in Guys & Dolls, she was really funny and nice at the stage door. Beth Leavel was also extremely nice at the stage door when I saw Drowsy Chaperone.

[Freckles1329]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 8:22pm

My best was definitely at Threepenny Opera. Alan Cumming, Ana Gasteyer, Nellie McKay, Jim Dale, and Cyndi Lauper were all extremely nice and spoke with my friends and I. I stagedoored that show 3 times and there was no change in attitude from any of the actors - every time they were a pleasure to speak with.

My worst was a Beauty and the Beast towards the end of the run. Anneliese van der Pol was not very happy when she came out, but she signed everyone's playbill (which was good) but she had a very bad attitude, especially with all the little girls wanting to meet Belle. She also cursed in front of the kids and she wouldn't talk or talk pictures with anyone. I understand people have bad days and she didn't want to be bombarded, but I don't think the little kids understand that.

[Rudy2]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 10:41pm

A few ties for the best. I have met Angela at the stagedoor a bunch of times, but the first time was the best because there were few fans there. She pretended to be interested in what I had to say about "Sweeney Todd" for a moment and when I gave her a rose I brought for her she seized it and exclaimed that she knew she smelled something lovely. It was adorable. It's like and night day between a lucky encounter like that and competing with a sea of people. Then, of course, you cannot speak with her like that.

Also, I must say David Hyde Pierce was *exceptionally* kind to all who waited for him outside of "Accent on Youth," taking pictures and signing autographs. Ditto for Phylicia Rashad after "...Hot Tin Roof" and "AOC," even though she was clearly tired. Brian Dennehy was also very friendly to all after "Desire Under the Elms" (I'll never forget the looks of adoration on the 50/60ish women ogling him at the stage door), and Christopher Plummer was quite a charmer after "Inherit the Wind." Estelle Parsons deserves mention as well. For all that monumental talent, she is so egoless it is at first startling and then disarming. Alan Cumming is also very sweet.

I would have to say my only negative experience was Morgan Freeman and Frances McDormand after "The Country Girl" because they refuse to stop and sign. I brought Frances a bouquet of roses and everything; if I had known they did not stop I would have just sent them backstage. Eden Espinosa was a little bitchy after one performances of "Brooklyn the Musical" because my father and I almost forgot to get her autograph after getting the rest of the cast's - she noticed.

Actually, the worst stage door experience I had was caused by my father. After a late July 2007 matinee of "Deuce" on a hot, hot summer day she came out to sign and accomodate fans and she obliged me a picture and my father (and I trained him to do it right, mind you) snapped the picture prematurely - before she posed - THREE TIMES. I'll never forget her shrill, exasperated voice going "Where is the ca-ma-ra?!" She finally patted me on the shoulder and took off. My father is such a dope he thought nothing of what happened. He insulted a living legend.

It was all the for the best, however, because I came back on August 16 and my friend Drew took a picture of Angela and I using his digital camera. I almost didn't get that, either, because some people who came out much later than I (this time I stagedoored without seeing the show) pushed their way to the front - and into Angela's face. It's only because my friend reminded Angela she had said yes to me when I asked her for a picture that she came back over to me and he snapped it. I treasure it like you wouldn't believe. :)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 10:46pm

Why bring flowers for people?

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 10:49pm

^Same

I understand someone wants to show their appreciation for someone, but isn't coming to a show, applauding and giving a standing ovation enough?

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 11:01pm

The entire cast of In The Heights both times I saw it were the best. They took the time to sign and take photos.

[musicalbluemirror]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 11:21pm

WORST:
Years ago when Idina was in Wicked with JLT.
It was in the winter and it was snowing and i knew she wasnt coming out the stage door so i waited at the other exit (which was the exact same location except on 50th street and her car was there waiting for her and she came out with taye (and i am guessing his family?) and it was only me and my younger sister there and she took one look at as and kept walking straight into her car
and ignored us when we called out her name and pretended like we werent the only ones standing out in the light snow coming down
bitch.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/31/09 at 11:35pm

YOU went and stalked her (going to the "unofficial" door) when it was obvious she didn't intend on dealing with the public and she's the bitch???

REALLY?

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 9/1/09 at 12:06am

"YOU went and stalked her (going to the "unofficial" door) when it was obvious she didn't intend on dealing with the public and she's the bitch???

REALLY?"

Ditto. It's one thing if she did this at the stage door (and I wouldn't have thought she was a bitch if she did), but you went to stand and wait for her at an exit you knew was an alternative way out for her so she doesn't have to deal with the fans. Not to mention, it was snowing and she was with Taye and his family. Why should she be obligated to acknowledge you because you waited by the other exit?

People like you who don't know how to give actors their space are reasons why some of them appear hostile to fans at the stage door. Have some respect, and give actors privacy when they obviously want it. If she wanted to deal with fans, she would have gone out the usual stage door exit.

Updated On: 9/1/09 at 12:06 AM

[Rudy2]

Posted: 9/1/09 at 1:33am

Millie and Yankee, yes, applause is definitely enough. But I am a particular fan and thought it would be nice. It used to be much more commonplace than it is now. I'm surprised no one remembers that.

[Annas_Priest]

Posted: 9/1/09 at 1:48am

Best: The cast of Billy Elliot, The RENT tour with Harley Jay and Declan Bennet, Judy Kaye in Sweeney Todd, the cast of the 2006 Jesus Christ Superstar Tour

Worst: NONE... yet

[broadwaycat3113]

Posted: 9/1/09 at 6:46am

i'd have to add the cast of hair to my list. they were all genuinely nice and really seemed to appreciate all the fans waiting outside for them. all of them took the time to talk, sign, and take pictures with everyone who asked. many of them even kept asking to see how the pictures were coming out and offered to take new ones if they were bad. they really seemed to appreciate everything that was going on.

[ShowQueenNYC]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 2:42pm

Carol Burnett in MOON OVER BUFFALO.

I was visiting for the day and was dropping off a 'fan letter' to her becasue I was a bit of a geek. It was 7:30 and the stage door man said she hadn't arrived as she had an interview that was running late. There was someone else waiting for her with a copy of her book to sign. I asked the stage door man if he would take a picture if Miss Burnett would allow it. He said she probably wouldn't because it was so late already. Five minutes later, she arrived. She signed the gal's book, and when I asked her for a picture (and said I know it's late) she smiled and said "SURE", put her arm around me, and posed for the picture. She later signed a WHOLE bunch of stuff I left for her at the stage door of PUTTING IT TOGETHER.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 2:47pm

I'll second Carol Burnett.

Back in '98, I was seeing SIDE MAN, and she happened to be back by the stage door. There was nobody else there waiting for anyone so it was just me, her and the man she was with. I wanted to talk to her and to this day it's the only time I've ever been star struck. I went up to her and started shaking and almost crying. She immediately knew I was just a fan and put her arm around me as well and joked with me about her not being all that famous. We talked for a little while actually and she signed my playbill before she went backstage. I floated away from that theater almost happier than I had ever been. She is the definition of the words "Class Act".

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 3:25pm

You Carol Burnett fans were lucky. When I saw her in Putting it Together, she went straight to her limo. I don't think she waved or anything.

[aliceidinabernadette]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 5:55pm

Best: The whole cast of Next to Normal (except Jen Damiano... she seemed to have just straightened her hair and rushed out the stage door and around the fans) was insanely humble, and welcoming, esp. Alice Ripley. When I was there it was that insane storm that like wrecked central park a few weeks ago and when she came out it started to rain, and by the time she was halfway throuh signing it started to pour with thunder and lightening and everything, but she stayed until everyone of her fans got to talk to her personally. When she got to me she held both my hands, looked me straight in the eye and said "I'll never forget this night". It was amazing!

Worst: Shrek... about 5 people from the huge cast actually signed and they were tolerable, not insanely nice or anything, but teen Fiona came out and was quite snobby, which made me quite sad because I'm about her age and if it was me I would be insanely humble. But Brian D'Arcy James did comeout which was great.

[Sphynx]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 7:51pm

I've had mostly good expereinces at the stage door. So far, there hasn't been anything that was a HUGE disappointment (other than not meeting Adam Pascal but, eh . . it's his choice.)

The "worst" I probbaly had was at the Wicked tour in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Most of the cast there were extremely nice, but when Marcie and Helene came out . .they honestly acted like they couldn't give us the time of day. There were three of us there, including a little girl about 10. She just kinda sneered at the little girl. That didn't impress me a lot.

Michael Gruber was probably my best experience. We saw in in Dallas with the tour of A Chorus Line. The ENTIRE cast came out to sign, and were so nice with everyone. Eventually, it dwindled down to myself, my friend, a fiteen year old and her grandmother. A woman came out and asked who we were waiting for - we told her Michael. About five minuets later, he comes out barefoot, apologizing for keeping us for so long. The fifteen year old hands him a letter, and tells him that watching him in CATS had inspired her to dance when she was a little girl, and this was her dream to meet him. He took pictures with her, took her letter, gave autographs, and personlly promised he would reply to her letter.

It comes around to my best friend and I, and he signs our playbills. He asks where we were from, and we answered "Oklahoma City." He signs a few more stragglers, and as my friend and I were abotu to leave, he suddenly goes "Wait, how far is OKC from here?" From this question, it turned into a fifteen to twenty minute conversation about just . .random things. He din't act like he was better than us. The BEST part came when we told him we needed to start heading home. He then comes up, and I think he's going to shake my hand. Instead, he HUGS me. I was so surprised, I stepped on his foot! He hugs my best friend, thanks us so much for talking with him, and goes inside the building.
That really impressed me.
Updated On: 9/3/09 at 07:51 PM

[Goodoneinlou]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 9:53pm

My best experience was actually very recent. Allison Janney, Megan Hilty and Stephanie J Block were absolute joys to meet after 9 to 5. I decided to go to the stage door only because I had such a fun time at the show. I knew that it was one of those rare shows that wouldn't last and never be back, so I wanted to get my first stage door autographs for posterity. They couldn't have been more kind. Allison actually held a mini-conversation with me. What fun!

In a remarkably ironic twist of fate, I saw Lauren Kennedy hanging around the 9 to 5 stage door the very same evening that I had the wonderful experience of meeting those great ladies of 9 to 5. She must know someone in the chorus. Too bad I didn't have a rotten tomato with me! Why?

Well, my worst experience meeting a Broadway "performer" was at a touring theatre-oriented party around 9 years ago. Lauren Kennedy was there. At the time she was promoting that bomb "Rythm Club" which was trying to get off the ground. (And never did... go figure.) Well, I had remembered her in Sunset Boulevard (She understudied Betty Schaeffer and then went on tour in the role.) I LOVED Sunset, so I went over and simply said "I enjoyed your work in Sunset."

Well! You would have thought she was the queen of England. She acted so put off that a commoner had approached her! She quickly turned to snicker, point and whisper to her cast mates about me. I am by far and large not a groupie... I can count on 2 fingers the times I have waited at a stage door. So I really took offense to her prima donna attitude.

It was humiliating and mean. Hmmmmph!

My most unique moment came when meeting Eartha Kitt (RIP) by chance at a cast party. She was TOTALLY intimidating, but I scrounged up the courage and introduced myself saying "I just love your work." She immediately looked me up and down, as only Ms Kitt could do, and said "Thank you DAAAAHLING" and then did the "Purrrrrrrrrr..."

I could have died a happy man right then! Catwoman purred at me!





Updated On: 9/3/09 at 09:53 PM

[Bwayfan39]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 11:07pm

You know...I feel odd saying this because everyone else's experiences with her are so bad, but my best has to be with Sherie Rene Scott. I met her after Everday Rapture and she was really nice, took a picture with me-when my camera was on the wrong setting I joked with her that I knew she didn't like taking pictures and she chuckled and said it was fine-and after was incredibly sweet to me and thanked me for being a fan of the show (I mentioned that it was NOT my first time seeing it..) I also met her earlier on in the run and she was extremely nice too-stood and chatted with me for a couple minutes. It's sad for me to hear she's not that sweet to everybody, but I can understand when I reflect back on Little Mermaid. Betsy Wolfe is also incredibly sweet-she was there both times I met Sherie Rene Scott...she was actualy the one who got Sherie's attention when I wanted her autograph-if not I probably would not have had the confidence to approach her when she was on her last autograph.

Another Great one was with Kathy Fitzgerald who is the only reason I would every see 9 to 5 again-I absolutely adore her! I think she was kinda suprised that I recognized her walking out the door and when I told her she stole the show she was SO sweet. Such a nice woman!


My Worst would actually have to be Stephanie J Block-which also suprises me! I thought she would be a sweetheart and when I told her she did a great job she just brushed it off and seemed like, "yeah, I know" and walked to the next person. I also once met Kelli O'Hara and had a similar experience.

[byebyebaby12]

Posted: 9/4/09 at 1:35am

Have not really had any bad although, I have not stage doored too often. But the BEST would have to be Dominic Scaglione Jr. at the Jersey Boys "stage door" in Chicago.

The first time he was incredibly sweet. He asked us a lot questions and said he hoped we would come back. Shook all our hands and even told us he was sorry to have kept us waiting. (Not that we minded and we were only waiting for 20 minutes) I can't get over how nice he was.

The next time I saw him I was sitting in the center of the front row rush seats and during Working My Way Back to You when he came to center stage, he looked directly at me, smiled and pointed at me. I freaked a bit. The people I was with both nudged me at that moment.

also got to talk to Dominic again, actually he walked up to me first when he came out, thanked me for coming to the show again and remembered my name. I thanked him for the "shout out", well my friend mentioned it since I was not going to and I then I thanked him. He said he hoped we would come back, I told him I was coming back for my birthday and he asked me when it was. I told him and then he thanked us again and we left.

Just an incredibly humble and sweet guy.

[Disneywed]

Posted: 9/4/09 at 3:40am

Best: Mary McCormack ( Boeing Boeing) sweet as anything and seemed genuinely happy to hear praise for her performance.

Also: Brian D'Arcy James (Shrek) wonderful, chatty and posed a bunch for photos with my daughter/

Worst: Bradley Whitford (Boeing Boeing) snotty and brusque...someone started talking to him about college (they shared a school) and he flaked out that there were 40 or so people standing there...when he remembered, he was just rude.



>>and an honerable bad mention to: Sutton Foster...you are playing a princess...you know kids will wait for an autograph, maybe having someone spread the word that you aren't coming out would be nice. We waited nearly an hour in the hopes that you would... BDJ came out (last, but made up for it) and he had WAY more make up than you. Grrr.

[mikeyb16]

Posted: 9/4/09 at 4:48am

I saw Sound of Music UK Tour again on August 29th and luckily I managed to get the missing signatures I was waiting for. I met Claire Fishenden, Jeremy Taylor & Martin Callaghan and they were very nice people. I met Margaret Preece again and she remembered me from the last time I saw the show. We had a nice chat for about 5 minutes and she was so lovely to talk to. We chatted about the show and how changes were made for the tour from London. I wished her all the best for the tour, and she rubbed my upper arm saying "Thank you sweetheart". The queue for at the Stage Door lobby was horrendous as they all basically wanted to meet Connie Fisher. The line lasted from the lobby door right to the WMC's main door! Although there were 5 security guards, I think there should have been barriers set in the lobby when people wanted to meet her as there were pushing involved. But Connie was still sweet to everyone nevertheless.

I'm seeing the UK Tour of Les Mis this christmas so I'm hoping to meet Earl Carpenter & John Owen Jones.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 9/4/09 at 11:00pm

For those who get angry at performers for not coming out through the stage door in order to avoid fans--deal with it! They are under no obligation to do so, and for even the nicest performers I'm sure spending half an hour after every show, eight times a week, signing autographs, posing for photographs, and trying to act friendly is exhausting. That said, I'm grateful for those actors that did so when I was a kid growing up in New York. I'll never forget some of those wonderful experiences.