meanest person @ stage door — Page 4

Heather Headley after a performance of Aida. Although not "mean" at the stage door she was rather cold and ignored the fans at the door--all 7 of us. The weird thing was the way she just sauntered down the street, not in an obvious hurry at all. When one young man asked if he could get her to sign his playbill she simply said "No", but it wasn't an evil no. Now I don't believe she was required to do anything for the fans, but I fail to understand how she could be so aloof and arrogant to act as if her fans didn't matter. It would have taken two seconds to say "Thank you for coming" or to scribble something on our playbills as there simply was not a huge crowd mobbing her and she clearly wasn't in a hurry to get somewhere. Maybe it's just me but were I in her shoes as a Tony winner I like to think I would remember the audience of ticket buyers out there. After all, if it wasn't for all us ticket buying schmucks Ms. Headley wouldn't have had a stage to sing on or a Tony to shine every night (and yes, her talent is her own, not "ours"). I guess one can become jaded and arrogant as a successful performer it's just that I have a hard time understanding how anyone can forget the importance of their audience. It's in the little things, perceptions, etc.

And true, Ms. Headley owes us nothing other than the performance we paid to see that night, but that door swings both ways. She lost a fan in me that night and I haven't spent a dime on her since then whereas had she at least acknowledged us fans that time I'd probably have bought her CD(s) and kept paying to see her. So pooh on her!

Adam Pascal was very nice and spent tons of time signing autographs and doing the pic thing and just hanging out with the few of us there. Since I didn't even know who he was at the time (don't freak on me) I didn't realize until later that he was a big star. Since he treated us fans so well I have followed him since then and supported him too. In retrospect I was really impressed with his genuine politeness. He's a class act.

I also was impressed with (and don't even think of bashing here) Taylor Dayne. Not only does she have "pipes" but she was very nice at the stagedoor. She took the time to greet and sign autographs (as Adam did too) with the two wheelchair bound fans that were about 20 feet away just past some construction barricades. Heather on the other hand managed to walk right by these fans with nary a glance in their direction.

Via con Diablo Heather
("baby, it's cold outside")

Wow, Lea Salonga?

Bebe Neuwirth back when Chicago FIRST opened (meaning eons ago), was VERY VERY nice to me. She even complimented my mom on a ring that she was wearing when my mom snapped a picture for us.

I have to say that while not necessarily mean, Julie Andrews let down tons of fans consistently during her Victor Victoria run. I know of only a few who actually really got to meet her and get her signature after a show.

But then again, she's Julie Andrews, so I still love her!

Wow, Damn Yankees was 10 years ago? Makes me feel old!

Hey, rude is rude, and I don't condone that, but I think starting a deliberately spiteful thread like this one is just as bad.

Gotta agree with Plum. That's why I think rather than name names of those who showed rude behavior, I like just naming people who went above and beyond just the simple pleasantries of signing playbills. Most actors are very nice in signing and talking to those fans who wait at the stage door and then there are a few who are incredibly sweet when they obviously do not have to be.

I try not to speak ill of people anymore and haven't really had many "mean" experiences...but I'll just say that Gina Gershon, Tom Bosley, and Rhea Pearlman aren't exactly cuddly. I couldn't care less about the last two, but the first one really hurt years ago.

And frankly, I didn't think the Peter Krause thing was that bad. At least they announced it ahead of time so no one would be made to feel uncomfortable or snubbed to their faces. And I still snuck a candid of him from the curb. He knew I was doing it and wasn't upset.

ESM,
I SO love you now. LOL.
The sense of entitlement that people feel sometimes is RIDICUKOUS.

frankly, I think the stars should be grateful they have fans, and signing playbills and chatting with people is a great way to show some appreciation.

Of course, this is assuming that the fans are sane and somewhat calm.

Drew and Jai win at life.

Mel B and Frenchie suck at life.

That's that.

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On the whole, I have witnessed many more rude people than rude actors outside stage doors. Plus I think most of the collectors are a frightening lot.

Im just suprised noone mentioned Harvey Fierstein. Seriously. I remember seeing Hairspray, and Mary Bond Davis (sweetest woman i know) even warned everyone of his attitude before he came out.

and since everyone keeps bringing this up... as a matter of fact, many contracts state that you DO represent a large part of your show and and expected to act as such. Many shows even, if you havent noticed (more so with openings and special guest artists) delay performers exits so they all hit at different times.

la lala

bdwybelle: You may not agree with this, but I'll say it anyway. I know you may have been disappointed by the fact that Lane did not acknowledge people but I've seen him and other actors just give a wave and once they acknowledge the crowd, they are finished...they will NOT get out of there because people take that acknowledgement as permission to approach. If you DON'T want to engage with someone because you are late, sick, tired, hungry etc. then this is usually the best way to get out quickly...or leave by another door. Wearing a hat and sunglasses may seem silly but it is further proof that he did want to be disturbed. I don't know when you saw the Producers but you should also consider that Lane had many physical and vocal problems and was really fighting to remain healthy during this show. Standing in a crowd of people who may have something contagious does not exactly help that process...and when you are doing a role as demanding as Max B, you tend to work, eat and sleep and that's about it. If you need further evidence of how demanding and tiring this role is, look at the debacle that is going on over in London because of Dreyfuss leaving the show and Lane having to step in. This is NOT an easy role to do. And though every audience feels like they are the ONLY ones...the stage door thing night after night is just one more in a long list of challenges an actor faces in getting through this show.

The bottom line is...like it or not...you pay your money and you are entitled to a good performance (just as in a movie theater). That's IT...there is no contract that says a performer has to talk to, LIKE or look at his/her fans though we'd all like a shot at telling them how wonderful we think they are.

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