#1
Posted: 4/29/10 at 3:29pm
Love Musical Theatre?
Why Do Straight Ladies and Gay Men Do - But Lesbian Ladies and Straight Men Don't?
#2
Posted: 4/29/10 at 3:35pm
Two of my good friends are lesbians and love the theatre. Also I know there are a lot of straight men who love the theatre.
It's a tricky subject. There are a lot more straight men than gay men in general, so hard to judge.
It's a tricky subject. There are a lot more straight men than gay men in general, so hard to judge.
#3
Posted: 4/29/10 at 3:56pm
I'm a straight bloke and I love musicals. Well, not as much as I used to when I was about 9, but I do still love the form.
It's not a particularly hard thing to understand why most straight men don't like musicals, though. Singing and dancing are what GIRLS do, after all, and heaven forbid you like anything girly, as the Madonna episode of Glee has shown us... sparkly costumes and overwrought emotions are not really the domain of testosterone, after all.
Now we all know that this doesn't have to be the case, and that there are musicals about men stuck in caves or manic depressives or the Westernisation of Japan or whatever. But when your girlfriend takes you to see Les Mis and she weeps the whole way through it while you roll your eyes (stereotyping, I know, and I happen to quite like Les Mis!) I can understand being put off the genre.
"Straight" theatre is often not camp in the slightest, even when treating gay themes, so it's fine for blokes to like that. Cultured, even.
It's not a particularly hard thing to understand why most straight men don't like musicals, though. Singing and dancing are what GIRLS do, after all, and heaven forbid you like anything girly, as the Madonna episode of Glee has shown us... sparkly costumes and overwrought emotions are not really the domain of testosterone, after all.
Now we all know that this doesn't have to be the case, and that there are musicals about men stuck in caves or manic depressives or the Westernisation of Japan or whatever. But when your girlfriend takes you to see Les Mis and she weeps the whole way through it while you roll your eyes (stereotyping, I know, and I happen to quite like Les Mis!) I can understand being put off the genre.
"Straight" theatre is often not camp in the slightest, even when treating gay themes, so it's fine for blokes to like that. Cultured, even.
#4
Posted: 4/29/10 at 5:07pm
Sorry Phantom but this is a stupid thread and kinda offensive
My co owner of Vertigo is a lesbian and she loves musical theatre as does her GF. My straight best mate loves it as well etc
Stereotypes are not good
My co owner of Vertigo is a lesbian and she loves musical theatre as does her GF. My straight best mate loves it as well etc
Stereotypes are not good
Namo i love u but we get it already....you don't like Madonna
#5
Posted: 4/29/10 at 6:49pm
My dad is straight and he is a big musical theatre fan.
However, I think it is the steoreotype that is the problem - many straight men don't even give musical theatre a chance because 'its gay' - my dad never would have set foot in a theatre if it wasn't for me and my mum. And he'd never go without me or my mum.
However, I think it is the steoreotype that is the problem - many straight men don't even give musical theatre a chance because 'its gay' - my dad never would have set foot in a theatre if it wasn't for me and my mum. And he'd never go without me or my mum.
#6
Posted: 4/29/10 at 7:37pm
Sorry SADM2 and anyone else who found this thread offensive, this thread was not intended to offend or that matter stereotype. What made me bring this up is;
1, The board is coming a bit stale with nothing new being posted.
2, The same question was asked by a talk based gay radio host (Bill Buckley) a couple of years ago and it has stayed with me and captivated me.
3, Speaking to my sister tonight who is a lesbian and have spoken to many of her friends, who definitely hate theatre, plus a work colleague who is a lesbian and she informed me none of her crowd would ever go to see a musical, also had the same response from a former colleague.
I am aware most people on this board and the Broadway board are gay, which rather adds to the point, also a lot of people I have encountered in theatre are gay or appear to be gay. However my intention is not to single anyone out as I regard everyone on here as friends and talk about this in a intellectual way. Conversely a lot of straight woman love theatre and drag their reluctant partners along.
I left the opening intentionally open, as not to make this thread go down a dead end, so everyone can express themselves in a way they are comfortable.
After what I have just wrote and if anyone still feels offended by the content, get back to me and I will arrange for this thread to be taken down.
Once again I apologise if I had offended anyone.
1, The board is coming a bit stale with nothing new being posted.
2, The same question was asked by a talk based gay radio host (Bill Buckley) a couple of years ago and it has stayed with me and captivated me.
3, Speaking to my sister tonight who is a lesbian and have spoken to many of her friends, who definitely hate theatre, plus a work colleague who is a lesbian and she informed me none of her crowd would ever go to see a musical, also had the same response from a former colleague.
I am aware most people on this board and the Broadway board are gay, which rather adds to the point, also a lot of people I have encountered in theatre are gay or appear to be gay. However my intention is not to single anyone out as I regard everyone on here as friends and talk about this in a intellectual way. Conversely a lot of straight woman love theatre and drag their reluctant partners along.
I left the opening intentionally open, as not to make this thread go down a dead end, so everyone can express themselves in a way they are comfortable.
After what I have just wrote and if anyone still feels offended by the content, get back to me and I will arrange for this thread to be taken down.
Once again I apologise if I had offended anyone.
#7
Posted: 4/29/10 at 11:02pm
I'm a lesbian who loves musical theatre. I also know six others. Maybe we're just less obvious about it?
#8
Posted: 4/30/10 at 2:14am
I'm another with a straight dad who loves theatre, plays and musicals.
He helps organise coach trips up for his union social club and there are often lots of men with their families on the trips but rarely solo men, gay or straight.
Single women do go.
There are loads of people who don't like doing things alone and probably too many single straight guys wouldn't want to ask a guy friend to go to the theatre, and asking a female friend is too like asking for a date, so miss out unless they're coupled up. Where girls will happily ask girlfriends to go.
He helps organise coach trips up for his union social club and there are often lots of men with their families on the trips but rarely solo men, gay or straight.
Single women do go.
There are loads of people who don't like doing things alone and probably too many single straight guys wouldn't want to ask a guy friend to go to the theatre, and asking a female friend is too like asking for a date, so miss out unless they're coupled up. Where girls will happily ask girlfriends to go.
#9
Posted: 4/30/10 at 4:08am
Sorry Phantom, but this lesbian was introduced to musical theatre by her very heterosexual father. My Mrs also loves musicals, though our tastes differ, which can make seeing a show we both want to see awkward at times, but we usually both enjoy whatever we end up seeing!
#10
Posted: 4/30/10 at 4:39am
Ten years ago i'd have agreed and said i agree but i don't think it's like that anymore. I know a lot of lesbians who love the theatre (musical theatre especially) and i don't think sexuality really comes in to it that much anymore... unless it's Legally Blonde because that's for girls and gays obviously :p (jokes before i get egged!!!) I have a lot of straight male friends who enjoy the theatre... they're not avid fans but it's an event for them when they go!
Jesus Loves You... Everybody else thinks you're an idiot!
#11
Posted: 4/30/10 at 5:33pm
This thread is not about people board members divulging there sexual preference, but I am board members are comfortable enough to do so.
In my work group of chaps, I am in a minority of 1 that like musical theatre, they all prefer to go and see 22 blokes kick a bag of wind about, However I do like football, but give me a night at the theatre any day.
In my work group of chaps, I am in a minority of 1 that like musical theatre, they all prefer to go and see 22 blokes kick a bag of wind about, However I do like football, but give me a night at the theatre any day.
#12
Posted: 4/30/10 at 6:24pm
Phantom, what is this strange activity where 22 blokes kick Andrew Lloyd Webber about? lol
THEATRE 2020: CURTAINS**** LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS***** WICKED***** KEITH RAMSAY TAKING NOTES WITH EDWARD SECKERSON***** KAYLEIGH MCKNIGHT CONCERT***** RAGS***** ON MCQUILLAN'S HILL** DEAR EVAN HANSEN***** THE JURY***
#13
Posted: 4/30/10 at 7:03pm
lololol
#14
Posted: 4/30/10 at 7:41pm
Interesting can of worms you've opened here POL! 
Just to add to the debate and play Devil's Advocate, does anyone else feel that the theatre world usually welcomes and worships straight female performers, whereas straight female fans are sometimes stereotyped and demonised? Discuss :-?
Just to add to the debate and play Devil's Advocate, does anyone else feel that the theatre world usually welcomes and worships straight female performers, whereas straight female fans are sometimes stereotyped and demonised? Discuss :-?
Seen some shows in my time....
Updated On: 5/1/10 at 07:41 PM
#15
Posted: 5/1/10 at 6:24am
My parents were both straight theatregoers, though one of my very cheeky gay friends has suggested to me that my father may have been gay.
Whilst this is theoretically possible, it does concern me that theatre is seen increasingly as a gay activity, and consequently those of us who are gay theatregoers and/or theatre professionals are at risk of alienating straight men who may want to go to the theatre or work in it. Disenfranchising a large part of a potential audience cannot be good for the future of theatre.
Whilst this is theoretically possible, it does concern me that theatre is seen increasingly as a gay activity, and consequently those of us who are gay theatregoers and/or theatre professionals are at risk of alienating straight men who may want to go to the theatre or work in it. Disenfranchising a large part of a potential audience cannot be good for the future of theatre.
#16
Posted: 5/1/10 at 6:46am
i think this was a touchy subject to raise.i'm straight and i love musicals, i have got gay and straight male friends who love musical theatre and my girlfriend likes musicals. i dont think this matters as we have discovered from other comments.
No Doubt Our Paths Will Cross Again ! Matt
#17
Posted: 5/1/10 at 7:13am
I'm only close friends with one lesbian, but she loves the theatre - musicals, plays, ballet, anything. She also takes very good care of her hair and wears nice dresses and makeup, so I suppose some people would think she's not a "real" lesbian. 
i think this was a touchy subject to raise.i'm straight and i love musicals, i have got gay and straight male friends who love musical theatre and my girlfriend likes musicals. i dont think this matters as we have discovered from other comments.
Nice girls probably actually find attractive someone who's not bothered about conforming to the stereotype of what "real men" do. Especially when the interests or hobbies in question fit in conveniently with their own!
Whilst this is theoretically possible, it does concern me that theatre is seen increasingly as a gay activity, and consequently those of us who are gay theatregoers and/or theatre professionals are at risk of alienating straight men who may want to go to the theatre or work in it.
Working in it especially - you can start going to the theatre at any age, but I bet lots of boys who could be talented actors (and/or singers/dancers) give it up because they're worried that they'll be seen as "gay". That said, sad though it is for them, there isn't exactly a shortage of gay or straight actors, so from the industry's point of view it's probably not an issue.
Weird that there is no such "stigma" attached to wanting to be a film or TV actor - there are plenty of gays there too!
i think this was a touchy subject to raise.i'm straight and i love musicals, i have got gay and straight male friends who love musical theatre and my girlfriend likes musicals. i dont think this matters as we have discovered from other comments.
Nice girls probably actually find attractive someone who's not bothered about conforming to the stereotype of what "real men" do. Especially when the interests or hobbies in question fit in conveniently with their own!
Whilst this is theoretically possible, it does concern me that theatre is seen increasingly as a gay activity, and consequently those of us who are gay theatregoers and/or theatre professionals are at risk of alienating straight men who may want to go to the theatre or work in it.
Working in it especially - you can start going to the theatre at any age, but I bet lots of boys who could be talented actors (and/or singers/dancers) give it up because they're worried that they'll be seen as "gay". That said, sad though it is for them, there isn't exactly a shortage of gay or straight actors, so from the industry's point of view it's probably not an issue.
Weird that there is no such "stigma" attached to wanting to be a film or TV actor - there are plenty of gays there too!
Updated On: 5/1/10 at 07:13 AM
#18
Posted: 5/1/10 at 11:51am
There is nothing wrong with this thread. When it comes tickets sales I think you'd find that the majority of ticket purchases are by "Straight Ladies and Gay Men" hands down.
#19
Posted: 5/1/10 at 12:52pm
Bites tongue at how obvious someones post are becoming everytime i post in a thread.
Namo i love u but we get it already....you don't like Madonna
#20
Posted: 5/1/10 at 2:19pm
what do you mean sadm?
No Doubt Our Paths Will Cross Again ! Matt
#21
Posted: 5/4/10 at 3:04pm
I know plenty of gay ladies who love theatre, myself and my other half included. I definitely know more straight ladies and gay men who love theatre though.
At the theatre group I am member of 90% of people are straight. There are a few gay guys, and me and my OH are the token lesbian couple :)
At the theatre group I am member of 90% of people are straight. There are a few gay guys, and me and my OH are the token lesbian couple :)
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