When did Stagedooring become a necessity?- Page 2
When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
DefyGravity777
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/28/08
#25re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 2:49pmI don't think that stagedooring is a necessity. I do it because I like to meet the actors I just saw onstage for the past 2-3hrs and get an autograph and possible a picture with them. It's a memory for me. That's the good thing about theatre. You can actually get to meet the performers afterwards. Unlike a concert when you most likely wouldn't get to meet them unless you were in their fanclub.
Don't believe everything that you hear! Only the peeps involved know the truth!
Brian07663NJ
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/21/06
#26re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 2:51pmMagdalene...yeah - it is disappointing how eBay and selling autographs became its own mass marketing that discouraged actors/actress from stopping to sign for genuine fans. I have been buying Broadway show CDs for many years as my show souvenier. I have always tried to obtain the autograph from whoever I enjoyed the most from the performance right on the CD art. I now have a wall display of about 80 cast albums signed by one or multiple people. Each time I listen to the CD I see who signed it and it brought back some memories of meeting them. Now it is more difficult with the combination of eBay pros and the masses but it is what it is.
DrewBill
Stand-by Joined: 4/22/08
#27re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 2:52pm
I live in NYC, and am fortunate enough to be able to see most everything I want to see each season. And I have never "stagedoored." I am almost certainly in the minority (particularly on this site), but I find the whole practice slightly creepy.
In theory, I guess I can understand stagedooring if you personally know a performer, or if you are a big fan of a particular person in the cast. But I definitely don't understand doing it for every show one sees. I would much rather show my appreciation for great work during the curtain call, then head off to a nice lounge with friends to discuss the show.
I think standing ovations are a separate issue -- but needless to say, I only stand for exceptional shows or performances. I don't understand the need many audiences have to stand for just about anything.
#28re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 2:55pm
I never even knew that there was such a thing as 'stagedooring' until I joined a Les Miserables website where there was a whole thread for posting pictures. I'd seen pictures of people with Broadway stars, but I'd always assumed that they were lucky and gotten backstage passes or something.
But when I went to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway, the stagedoor was completely crowded, with a nice metal rail separating the public from the stars. And I, having a vast crush on Norm Lewis, was really excited to get his autograph. I think most of the people there were just little kids who were convinced that they really were meeting the 'real' Disney characters.
In my pants, she has burst like the music of angels, the light of the sun! --Marius Pantsmercy
DefyGravity777
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/28/08
#29re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 3:01pm^ I love to watch the kids get autographs at SD. There was a little girl at the Wicked SD dressed as Glinda. So when Kendra came out she went right over to her and talked to her about her dress. That girl was beaming from head to toe that Glinda just talked to her about her dress. It was adorable.
Don't believe everything that you hear! Only the peeps involved know the truth!
#30re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 3:05pmSchmerg, I am with you on that crush! He is a really nice guy also. I got to chat with him a bit here in Denver after a performance. It wasn't until I was face to face with him that I realized I would marry him in a heartbeat!
Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder
#31re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 6:04pm
"I seem to have wandered into the BRAIN load-out thread... "
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BrianS
Broadway Star Joined: 10/8/07
#32re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 6:33pm
"We admire the performers and want to feel like we can call them friend"
Bingo. It can be fun for the actors sometimes, but it does add 15-30 minutes to getting away from the theater. You can walk past everyone and deal with stupid comments on this thread about it so, not that big a deal.
I do feel differently about the standing O though. I loved that tradition for truly excellent work and it kind of sucks that it's so watered down these days. God help the day where the rare stop-the-show-midshow standing O for Lupone becomes common and we have to wait 5 minutes after Warner sings "Serious" for everyone to sit down again.
If the audience could do better, they'd be up here on stage and I'd be out there watching them. - Ethel Merman
#33re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 6:43pm
I have only stagedoored twice. The first time was at the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour in Southampton when I really wanted Richard O'Brien's autograph. I also saw Craig Mclaughlin and the rest of the cast which was cool.
The second time was after the Chess convert at the Royal Albert Hall. It was manic. I had the romantic idea of getting some of the cast to sign my poster, in the end that stayed in my bag while I watched the crowd for most of the evening. I am so glad my friends convinced me to wait as I did get my programme signed by Idina but even by the time she came out it was pretty crazy.
#34re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 6:50pm
Ah, I knew I'd read an article this evening that sortof covered my point about stagedooring not being new:
"In the years from 1944 to 1946, Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson led the Old Vic in triumphant seasons at the New Theatre. People flocked to see Olivier's Lear and Richardson's Falstaff and the alleyway outside the theatre was constantly besieged by autograph-hunters."
Thank you, Michael Billington (emphasis mine).
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2007/dec/06/theatre.shakespeare
#35re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/8/08 at 8:35pmI enjoy going to the stage door---it is a lot of fun telling an actor that you really enjoyed his/her performance, and getting an autograph or a picture. It's a fond memory of a delightful show!
"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!"
puppet
Stand-by Joined: 1/11/08
#37re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 12:11am
I have only stage doored for special performers and never saw more than 5 - 10 people.
Michael Crawford in Phantom 5 people including my brother, sister-in-law and me.
Angela Lansbury in Mame - 10 people
Mary Martin in Peter Pan - 3 people
Ave Q on tour - just me
Debbie Reynolds in Molly Brown - 6 people
I can't imagine 100 or more. Will have to see the large numbers in person when I go to NYC in December.
#38re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 12:59am
The only shows I've stagedoored for where I didn't know anyone in the show are Chicago (I wanted to meet John Schnieder), A Catered Affair (wanted to meet Harvey, Faith, and Tom), Young Frankenstein (had a friend visiting from out of town who wanted the experience), and Xanadu (same reason as before).
If I don't know anyone personally or there isn't someone that I particularly want to meet I won't bother. But I don't have an issue with the people who do stage door all the time. If that's what they want to do then that's their time and business and doesn't interfere with my day.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
musicman_bwayfan
Broadway Star Joined: 6/5/05
#39re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 2:48am
The one thing about stage dooring these days that disappoints me is how unreliable some actors/actresses are about signing or even just exiting through the stage door as opposed to sneaking out. So many people feel like the have become divas and that no one should be allowed to obtain their autograph unless you try again and again for 20 consecutive weeks (yes I've done this before) and finally catch them sneaking out a door on the other side of a building or catch them on their way in 3 hours or so before the show starts...having a poster or playbill signed by the complete cast makes the experience that much more thrilling.
LePetiteFromage
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/19/08
#41re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 3:15amI staged doored for Wicked and there was no more than 20 people when I went.
Broadway Shows I've Seen: Hairspray, Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors (2003), The Wedding Singer, Spamalot, Riverdance, Rent, Beauty and the Beast, Spring Awakening, Wicked, Legally Blonde, Phantom of the Opera, Sweet Charity (revival), Drowsy Chaperone, The Lion King, Dreamgirls(2010 Tour).
#42re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 8:12am
I guess someone has not seen Singin' in the Rain.
I have only stagedoored 3 times, and I do it because i really enjoyed the show. When I went to Spamalot the first time, you could really tell there were people who only cared about Clay Aiken, which I was not one of them. They all left when they found out he wasn't coming out, but I stayed because everyone else was awesome. Strangely, when I did it on the 27th for the same show, there was nobody there, and it had Stephen Collins and Drew Lachey. Actually, there was a couple of people there only for them, and I don't even know if they saw the show that night or not. That is where I draw the line. And my last experience was Saturday at Xanadu. Again, the whole cast was awesome, so I was just very happy with whoever came out. However, I know many people only cared about Whoopi Goldburg.
"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005
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Urban
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/05
#43re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 8:59amI still find the idea of stagedooring bizarre and creepy. But that is just me *shrugs*
#44re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 5:43pm
I think the original poster of this thread is fails to make the distinction between avid NYC theatergoers (who constantly go to the stage door) and those that attend the show as a treat, and then wait by the stage door.
There are many people that only get a couple of opportunities in their lifetime to see a show on Broadway. If they've traveled a significant distance to see a particular actor, what an opportunity to tell them how much you've enjoyed their work. What actor wouldn't want to hear that?!
I'll use myself as an example: I flew from Washington, DC to NYC to see Bradley Whitford and Christine Baranski, both of whom I admire greatly, in Boeing Boeing. These are people I've only seen on TV and in movies. What an experience to see them live! Of course, I wasn't going to NOT stage door. I wanted the opportunity to meet them and speak to them briefly. I felt it was necessary for me to do to complete my experience.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that people applaud the characters and the happy ending of each show, either. I think while you're watching the show you get lost in the world that's presented on stage, but I also think people have a generally understanding that when the curtain call begins, the show is over and you return to the real world.
And then many move on to the stage door, where they feel they can approach that actor and tell them how much they enjoyed their performance. As I said before, what actor doesn't love to hear that they are doing well at their job.
Just my thoughts, for what they are worth.
Updated On: 9/9/08 at 05:43 PM
ThankstoPhantom
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
#45re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 9:53pm
...and finally catch them sneaking out a door on the other side of a building or catch them on their way in 3 hours or so before the show starts...having a poster or playbill signed by the complete cast makes the experience that much more thrilling.
Does it ever occur to you at any point you should respect the privacy they are obviously seeking? They are not obligated to sign anything for you...to complete your "collection". Be disappointed, but don't search for them around the building for weeks...when you make that much of an effort, something is wrong.
How to properly use its/it's:
Its is the possessive. It's is the contraction for it is...
#46re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 10:09pm
Stagedooring isn't a necessity.
It's just a way of having a total stranger write their name on something for you, or put their head in the same photograph as yours.
That's all.
But if it makes you feel better, go for it!
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
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musicman_bwayfan
Broadway Star Joined: 6/5/05
#47re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/9/08 at 10:27pm
Of course I know that some of them are looking for more privacy, however, there are some people that are much more willing to sign on the way into the theatre than on the way out of the theatre. I never really thought of going hours before the show started until May when I was told that's a good alternative option...I caught the people I was looking for the very first time I went before the show started and they were more than happy to sign. I won't get started about how Megan Mullally (and some others) lied to my face about coming out and signing autographs the night before I caught her...she never came out and I was the first one there and the last to leave when they locked up the theatre...
Anyhow, as for what Marianne2 said about Whoopi Goldberg and Xanadu, that is quite true. I've been to the stage door at the Helen Hayes before after a Xanadu performance and I was maybe one of ten who waited around. When I saw Xanadu with Whoopi in the cast last Friday, there were maybe 250+ people there. I was in the area on Saturday again and saw Whoopi come out...again there were about 250 waiting for her. Equus on the other hand, which plays across the street from Xanadu, had people lining up by the door since before Xanadu ended. By the time Equus ended it's 1st preview, there were at least 2000 people there hoping to catch a glimpse of Daniel. Essentially the areas right outside the Broadhurst all the way down towards the Majestic and all the way up to the Shubert theatre were filled with people...the other side of the street (starting from the Sardi's area going down to the St. James) was just as filled.
#48re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/10/08 at 12:53am
"When did Stagedooring become a necessity?"
When Broadway started catering to tweens.
#49re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/11/08 at 8:21pm
It all depends on what reason your there for. If you are there to form a friendship with an actor or try to get back-stage, you are there for the wrong reason. If you go to tell the actor that you enjoyed their performance and possibly get an autograph/picture thats totally fine fine. Just dont waste the actors time!
You wouldnt believe some of the things i've heard people say/do to actors at the WICKED stage door. While the actors do appreciate their fans, they most likely dont care how many times you have seen the show/when your coming back/your taking video of them with your camera phone/you want to marry them. In fact they probablly find it creepy. Just dont act like you are the only person who is there. They have to sign for everyone else too!
Going to the stage door should be about meeting the people who you just saw perform and admire. Noting more. Unless an actor knows in ADVANCE that you are coming. I guess thast different.
"And THATS how I bought my television" *bow*.
-Julia Murney
#50re: When did Stagedooring become a necessity?
Posted: 9/11/08 at 9:34pmThe majority of my friends who I have gone to see shows with in NYC and DC, including my partner, would never even think of stagedooring. Granted, none of them are as enthusiastic about live theater as I am, and none of them log on to BWW. If I see a show with a friend who like me...loves Broadway and loves the magic of live theater, I will ask that person if they want to hang at the stage door. I have only ever wanted to stage door to actually meet the cast if I have felt a need to thank an actor for their performance. If I'm by myself though, I do enjoy going and watching the other people meet the cast. I also like going to a show after it has been nominated for or won an award to say congratulations. Or if I have a cush on a an actor. (Cough..cough...cheyenne jackson"). If I knew where the stage door was at the Delacorte I would have definately gone to say thank you to the cast of HAIR. I did get to say thanks to Will Swensen when everyone got up on to the stage at the end on Tuesday though.
"The price of love is loss, but still we pay; We love anyway."
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