Standing Ovations- Page 2

[BwayLover]

Posted: 9/29/03 at 3:14am

Regarding the mega mix at 'Mamma Mia' - It only starts AFTER everyone takes their bows. Yes, there is music when they appear, but I wouldn't say that the music was the cause for people to get up.

I agree about standing ovations being too common. When I gave Vanessa Redgrave a standing Ovation the night before the won the Tony, I felt like I had truly witnessed greatness. So I stood. Same goes for Fiona Shaw in 'Medea'. I didnt feel the same awe and respect for other performers in other show, yet I stood because, well, everyone else was.

Updated On: 9/29/03 at 03:14 AM

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 9/29/03 at 7:23am

I think as someone said before....it's not the ovation that means so much anymore...but the energy behind it. For some reason, I think many people think you're supposed to stand at the end of performance no matter what. But I remember when I saw DOTV most people, at least in the orchestra, stood, but the ovation was very lukewarm. The opposite of the reception that Hairspray received. A much louder, longer, and energetic standing "O".
I find this business of calling people "duped" into liking something tiresome and pretentious. Especially when well received shows such as Hairspray and Rent are used. I've seen plenty of shows that I didn't care for, TMM comes to mind, that got a very warm reception but I didn't think...oh, all those people have been fooled! It's just a difference of opinion. And the way I figure it, many people in the audience are probably tourists who don't get to see nearly as much theater as I do, so for them I could see how even TMM would be a special experience.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 9/29/03 at 11:06am

I really don't place much value on Standing O's anymore. They're just too commonplace and confusing anyway! Stand to see, stand for the mega mix, stand for the crew, stand for every show in appreciation, stand to get out before the mad rush!

Perhaps Standing O's are a "personally thing". People get up for their own reasons and that's ok, by me.

Because I cover shows in Philly/S.Jersey some NY, about one a week during the busy season, I see what's moving people to get excited about and what's not. There are not that many standing O's around here. Oh, there's always a handful who jump up for a certain actor, but it's not as contageous as you think. And we get the same great touring companies and talent that are on the road. I think it's more of a Broadway thing. But then I've not been to near as far away theaters. Perhaps they are more appreciative and that's nice!

Personally, I don't do standing o's unless I'm truly impressed with someone. And I don't care if I'm the only gal up there, if I loved it, I stand. That's just me.

Posted: 9/29/03 at 11:11am

The only time I ever auto-pilot stood was when I worked for a theater in pennsylvania. We would sit there for the final preview and get to watch the show. I always stood for them no matter how bad the show was as I knew how hard they worked. Okay or maybe didn't work but still....
That is my confession.
You may kill me all now.

[DofB5]

Posted: 9/29/03 at 6:34pm

Jon, I know EXACTLY how you feel. That was my point about everyone else who has anything to do with the show. When I stand, it’s not just for the “stars” but to also show my appreciation for ALL of the hard work that goes into a show. I think we sometimes forget that.

D Updated On: 9/29/03 at 06:34 PM

[Hello Gorgeous]

Posted: 9/29/03 at 8:49pm

Haha I saw it in late January, early Feb. And I only saw it ONCE lol

[Maggie]

Posted: 9/29/03 at 9:00pm

Jon and DofB...I do the same thing. I feel guilty if I don't stand.