Why do people in the audience think they can sing during a show? — Page 2

There was a woman at 9 to 5 in front of me who had her phone out texting. I leaned in and told her to put it away which she did. A few minutes later she pulled it out again. I reached over her and put my hand over it and told her it was mine if she didn't put it away.

Homie don't play dat.

The other night at Chicago, the lady directly behind me sang along to every song. I was so frustrated. I am surprised I didn't say anything. I am even more surprised I didn't just turn around and say "SHUT THE F*CK UP!"

Edit: I'm not sure I understand the annoyance with texting though. My phone doesn't make any noise when I text, nor does it light up very bright. I also keep it down low when I text, so I'd be shocked if anyone around me even noticed.

I've never texted during a show (save for during intermission), but if I did I'd be shocked to have people annoyed by it in my case...

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Updated On: 3/15/10 at 01:09 PM

I'm not sure I understand the annoyance with texting though. My phone doesn't make any noise when I text, nor does it light up very bright. I also keep it down low when I text, so I'd be shocked if anyone around me even noticed.

In a dark theatre, a screen in the audience that you may think isn't that bright in lighted conditions is as visible as if you'd just lit a match.

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I sort of understand. In any case, I just try not to do anything at all during a show, because they cost well over $100 here and I just want to get my money's worth.

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I have this "evil eye" look that I give my kids, which they know means they better knock whatever they're doing off. I give the same look along with a slow shake of the head "no" while also mouthing the words "Don't sing". Works every time.

I went to see In the Heights tonight and the guy behind sang along throughout the show. I could hear other people singing along, but they were kind of mumbling and definitely not as obnoxious as this guy. He made a point of emphasizing certain parts like "Sigue sigue!" and by emphasizing I mean I think he thought he was in the show.

I actually found the audience around me to be quite rude. The guy in front of me turned to his young son and said in a loud voice, "Wasn't that great? So powerful!!!"...after every song! Really? And why do people laugh when Kevin sings "And he slapped my face" during Inutil...is that supposed to be funny?? He definitely doesn't sing it that way...I don't get it. sorry...i just got home and needed to vent a little.

I stewed. I know I'm not helping the situation by not saying anything, but it's not my style. And oddly enough I found the women the two guys were with to be quite frightening...they could have both taken me.

I stewed. I know I'm not helping the situation by not saying anything, but it's not my style. And oddly enough I found the women the two guys were with to be quite frightening...they could have both taken me.

ALWAYS speak up. There are other people out there who are waiting for someone else to do something about it -- BE THAT PERSON. You had a room full of witnesses if anything happened.

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Updated On: 3/16/10 at 12:44 AM

I'm always at a loss when this happens. Someone was singing in the audience once and finally someone said very loudly, "Would you shut up?" It was so jarring, but at least the person did shut up.

The first time I saw Hair the lady aside of me sang very loudly and very bad. I didn't go back to the show for over a long time because of her ruining my experience.

Just this weekend at the Wicked tour in Virginia the lady aside of me was singing along and her mom kept shhhh'ing her which was worse than the singing plus they were eating candy the whole time. At Next to Normal last night a young guy and girl talked throughout the whole thing and the girl was singing. They got some evil glares from me and the people in front of them.

At the theatre in Virginia where I saw Wicked they sold popcorn that you could take to your seat. I know they are laid back there but that was ridiculous. It's a theatre not a movie theatre.

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I'm not too afraid of the people around here. I'm fine with telling them to shut up. The problem is that my girlfriend wants me to not cause any ruckus. So rather then being threatened to be beat up, the threat is sleeping alone. AND THAT CAN'T HAPPEN!

Ok, that's over-exaggerated, she probably wouldn't care that much.

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"I'm deeply disappointed in the amount of wimpiness being documented in this thread."

Amen. I'm a nice guy. Ask anyone who knows me. However in situations like the ones mentioned here, I'm the guy that makes these people (tourists most of the time) go home and say they can't believe how rude New Yorkers are. I have no patience for the talking, the texting, the unwrapping or the singing. Why can't people just sit down quietly for 2 hours without having to stuff their faces or talk to/deal with anyone else in the outside world?!

Maybe I'll just speak to everyone around me before the show starts...and that way everyone knows the area around me is a "no sing-a-long zone".

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