Why ask about the Show Curtain?

This is a stupid question - and definitely not meant as an insult to those who ask...

I have always wanted to know why so many people on BWW ask about the show curtain? Does it matter? Are you that invested in the show curtain? - I usually look through the playbill, reading bios, up until the house lights come down and barely notice it (I can only think of 2 that have stood out from the hundreds of shows I have seen). Why so much interest???

Updated On: 9/12/10 at 06:13 PM

And that's fine - as I said I was not criticizing them asking!

I just don't get why so many people ask others to describe a piece of cloth that covers up the set? Hell, I could describe a show curtain in detail and I'm sure you still wouldn't be able to picture exactly how it looks!

Updated On: 9/12/10 at 06:25 PM

I know your weren't criticizing...I was just agreeing and marveling about those that do.

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I have always been very interested in show curtains. I do not know why, but I always look forward to seeing the curtain. I'm not sure why I am so interested in the curtain, but I am definitely one of those people who always wants to know what the curtain is!

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mikem - what a perfect response!

I also think that when people ask, it is because they want to know if the show has a 'designed' curtain, drop or scrim rather than if the show just uses the house's red curtain.

I doubt anyone is really interested in the look of a red curtain unlike shows such as WIcked, Lion King, etc that have a 'curtain' that is designed for the show. Or Phantom that has a pre-set stage.

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But shouldn't the question be "IS there a show curtain?" Everyone asking always assumes there is one, but more often than not, there isn't.

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I agree with what others have said about liking the "feel" it gives. I actually only look in the Playbill to see if there's any understudies and I save it for later that night to re-live it a little. But also, I draw non-stop, and I have "theatre boxes" Its a cardboard box and I make the sets for shows I like (complete with "pulley sytems" and the proscenium and curtain) I've spent hours trying to find pics of curtains for shows I haven't seen. Sorry, kinda a long answer

I totally get the interest in show curtains. I'm not myself obsessed with them or anything, but I understand why people dig them.

I'm a visual guy, by profession in graphics, and by nature in general.

For me, a show curtain is a visual "overture" of things to come. The first sight you see when you get inside the theatre is the show curtain or initial setup (if there isn't one). It's the visual equivalent of those first few notes in the orchestra when the overture begins.

Together they serve as the initial impact and impression of what's to come.

I love that.

And, as with everything else, there are good ones and bad ones. So no issues here. I may not chime in with the "my favorite show curtain" threads, but I understand exactly why people do.

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I agree with best12bars. A really bad show curtain, even on an otherwise excellent production, can really make you not like the whole experience. I saw a regional production of Angels in America with performers and direction that were in many ways better than the original Broadway cast. The show curtain? Just blah. And my memory of the show is really downgraded thanks to that.

My nanna always said, "You only get one chance to make a good first impression." Producers take note!

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Yes, I have looked at that thread. But I was asking more about people who ask about it on the threads of new shows (e.g. the show curtain at Leap of Faith - the post that made me ask this).

For example, on the thread about Mrs. Warren's Profession someone described the show curtain as "various colored rectangles contained within a single larger rectangle. There was some variation in shading as well on a couple of them." Or, what about someone's description of Promises, Promises - "blue with colored squares all over it. Very retro looking." DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THESE REALLY LOOK LIKE?? Like me, I am sure the answer is no - so why ask on a message board where (unless posting an illegal picture) all one can do is to describe something that truly can't be pictured.

Also, on the "show curtain thread" - people commented on shows like American Idiot having a traditional show curtain. Does that ruin your experience because you weren't put "in the mood" before the house lights dim? Can you not enjoy the show if it lacks a show curtain. (Also, all the shows that have just the opening set with no curtain - which happens to be my favorite)

FindingNamo gave one of the most interesting responses. But, really the show curtain that covered the stage for 30 minutes and then 15 of intermission ruined your enjoyment of performers and direction better than the original cast? What about all the shows on Broadway with a traditional show curtain or no show curtain - are all those shows "downgraded" as well?

"This is a stupid question" refers to his own question about people who post about show curtains.

^ I agree.