cell phones- Page 2

[on1ystarinthesky]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 3:48pm

Well, here's a great cell phone story. I went to see 'Little Shop' and I had my mom's cell. Well, it didn't ring 'cause I had it turned off, but I dropped it at the seat and we left without it. ^^;;

That was slightly on-topic, right? Broadway Bulldog, I applaud you. You should've made her buy you another glass of wine afterward. There, see, I'm on topic now.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 3:57pm

I went to see "Goldha's Balcony", it was actually pretty good. And the actress (can't spell her name) was working her tail off and this woman in the 6th row had her cell phone on. She ANSWERED it. and said "Hello? Oh hi! I can't talk right now I'm watching a play." Then you hear a muffle from the person she's talking to and she says "Eh." It was obvious she was saying this about the play. I told her during intermission. "That was rude." Then she gave me the finger. She was a b****h

[on1ystarinthesky]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 4:04pm

Ah, I have something else, and this one is on topic! The first time I went to see 'Little Shop,' I called my friend before the show started (in the theater) and during the intermission. But the phone never rang during the show (I turned it off) and I didn't talk while the show was on. That's not bad theater etiquette, is it?

[wickedfan]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 4:07pm

not really, as long as you were courtious to turn it off during the performance.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 11:10pm

Turn your cell phones and pagers on vibrate. You'll love it!

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 11:11pm

it depends on the cell phone I think that is the most "improper" comment I've ever made on this board. I'm still the good one right?

Updated On: 1/3/04 at 11:11 PM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/4/04 at 1:45pm

I am slowly bring Son to the dark side.......

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 1/4/04 at 1:49pm

honestly what is so hard about turning off your cell phone before a show? Most shows now make an announcment so if people still can't turn them off maybe they shouldn't have them because they are obviously deaf.

[on1ystarinthesky]

Posted: 1/4/04 at 2:22pm

They're pretty strict about it, at least at the Neil Simon. We were just there the other day and my dad was going through pictures on his digital camera and one of the ushers came over and screamed at him to "turn his phone off or I'll take it." Quite embarassing for him and us, being that it wasn't a phone. Anyway, the on-topic point I was trying to make was that some places really enforce it more than others, I guess.

[BroadwayBaby3]

Posted: 1/4/04 at 10:02pm

lol. one time i was at les miz and someones phone rang right as jean valjean was dying. talk about bad timing. and it was one of those really obnoxious rings too.

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 1/4/04 at 10:12pm

I was once at rehearsal, when I heard this really weird, LOUD sound...whatever it was, it sounded like some kind of REALLY loud alarm. I was ready to run out of the building.

What was it?

Someone's phone vibrating.

I think that a vibrating phone is just as loud and annoying as a ring. Might as well leave the ring on. I think that either silent or off is the way to go.

[lc1965]

Posted: 1/5/04 at 3:47pm

I will add my kudos to the others: rock on, Bulldog. I never understood anyone who'd continue to dine w/ someone who does nothing but talk on the phone during the meal.

As for why the NYC law re: cell phones in theatres isn't enforced... well, that's sort of complicated. Essentially, theatre employees (generally) think the law against usage anywhere in the theatre is a bit excessive. As long as you're not disturbing anyone (& that includes theatre staff on break!) you're usually all right. It's a bit hard to avoid a scene when someone is using their cell phone inappropriately. Removing someone whose phone rang but wasn't answered is more of a commotion than just letting it go. But, when a cell is answered mid-show, I personally believe that person should be put up against a wall & shot.

My mom handles it pre-show by standing up & saying very loudly to her companion, "NOW LET'S REMEMBER TO TURN OUR CELLS OFF RIGHT NOW." She's had more than one person thank her for the reminder, however "subtle".

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/5/04 at 4:28pm

Hello! What did the world do when there were no cell phones?
Turn it OFF. End of story. These are probably the same people who try to bring more than one carry-on bag on an airplane! We live in a society with rules and regulations. If not, it would be a friggin' free for all and people would be having sex on-stage. Wait, I think there was a show like that.

Updated On: 1/5/04 at 04:28 PM

[on1ystarinthesky]

Posted: 1/5/04 at 4:34pm

There were probably a couple shows like that...if not, they're coming soon. I know it. You should audition, Phantom. You and broadwayguy2.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/5/04 at 4:37pm

whya udition? They are writing it with us in mind.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/5/04 at 4:39pm

Mr. Shaiman likes us!

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 1/5/04 at 5:14pm

I was at Chicago this weekend, and during intermission, when people pulled out their cell phones to make calls, the usher told them to "Turn it off right now! There's a $50 fine for using that!"

First time I had heard any ushers attempt to enforce the rules, and during intermission even.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 1/5/04 at 10:04pm

I still think the best and safest way to end this cell phone torture once and for all is the use of a Cellphone - block mechanism. As for lawsuits mentioned, of course I don't know Americal Laws well, but what if the Box Office had a sign saying " Cell phone block mechanism is being used in this theater" That way people would be WARNED and if they think their world will end without their cell in the two hours the show lasts, they simply won't go ! Or if they choose to go they can't have any demands afterwards since they were warned ! I am sure it is a little complicated legally but I think it can be enforced. After all NYC managed to ban smoking everywhere, I am sure making viewers accept cellphone-block is much easier :)
Take care