what do you think of show groupies??? — Page 3

Jane2: Thanks for sharing your perspective.

Diva: Right on

What good show fans understand is an actor's boundaries and limits. They are real people too after all. What I wonder about is when actors know your first name and converse with you in that matter. That is an establishing rapport for many 'friendships'. I certainly hope actors know when to make that distinction between being warm and friendly rather than being polite. Actors who parade a false kindness or lack genuine warmness to fans who show up often set themselves up to have obsessed fans who think that the stars 'love' them. Let's also not forget that actors on Broadway are very vulnerable. They have to be cautious.

Updated On: 12/24/05 at 03:33 PM

I've had this discussion with a few actors recently. I basically was putting some of the blame on them for spending so much time with small talk and taking so many pictures, etc. They acknowledged that it was to some extent their faults but seemed not to know how to avoid it. Want to know what I think?-I'll tell you anyway, lol. I think that some of them actually enjoy the adoration and like to drink it in. No, they don't consider these fans their friends and don't think about them once they leave the theatre, but it's an ego boost. Others know how to get out fast with an excuse like they have to meet someone, etc. Others hate it but do it to promote good feelings for the show. That's what I think. In any event, the relationship is one sided.

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Groupies are invariably annoying. I can't stand to hear "I went to see Chitty for my eleventh time and Raul was OUT!! Can you believe that? I've only seen him ten times in this show, I need my fix!"

insomniak, that's an interesting interpretation, but I've never heard anything like this, and I know some of the biggest Raúl groupies on the board. And besides, most of us won't see the show in the first place if Raúl is out.

Seeing a show multiple times because you really like an actor in it doesn't make you annoying. It's when you start painting your face green, singing at the stagedoor and vowing to never see a movie because the plaid pants aren't in it that people become annoying.

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Updated On: 12/24/05 at 04:22 PM

Haha OS, I can really see a Renthead saying, "I won't see Rent the movie because Roger isn't wearing plaid pants. It's going to suck."
People who see the same show for the same actor are so used to the said actor that the show is diminished for them. As long as thei venting isn't bothering you, let them lament. It's their money to spend.

Sirliir- I agree with you, I think small talk is very curtious and it can mean the world to some people- however, it has a snowball effect... first it's a signature, then a picture, then small talk, then recognizing the fan, then seeing them over and over again... sometimes it just goes too far, and that's when misunderstandings occur and fans think they're beomcing friendly with someone.

Very true Jane!

There must be something comforting for some actors to see familiar faces at the stage door, because basically the audience is filled every night with tourists and others who have never seen the show. Maybe it's nice for an actor to see someone he or she recognizes, because after awhile, the friends and relatives stop coming regularly! I know an actor who got a whole fan club and active website started consisting of people who greeted him at the stage door over and over again. He had his assistant take names & e-mail addresses. It was terrific goodwill and publicity for him, and it was also used to show casting people that he had a sizeable fan base.

Glinda2, that's great to here. If fans can help their favorite performer in any way possible, its gratifying to see that we can be of some help.

You've heard of the altarholics?

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Is it me or does the term "passionate supporter" remind anyone else of a really tight jockstrap?

Just a thought.

As for the whole groupie discussion, never have been one, but I think they are kind of like pornography - you know it when you see it.

Updated On: 12/25/05 at 01:31 AM

Patronus, You Make Me Laugh.

I think I may have just lost a shoe.

It was great seeing you and your better half!

I'm almost hesistant to join in this thread. It seems like one long conversation between Jane2 and Siir but since someone mentioned the Altarholics, I think it's time I paid my 2 cents.

I, as you know, went to Dodgers alot to see Trailer Park and each and every time, the Altar's were there in full force, taking the same pics they took the day before, of the same actors, talking the same nonsense, etc... Some actors are extremely warm, generous and friendly and what really bothers and confuses me about them is, they talk so much dirty, mean, lewd sh*t behind their "idol's" backs, that I don't get why they bother to spend all that money, time and adulation on them in the first place. And they all look like they're past the "it's o.k. they're just kids", age. They, to me at least, are prime examples of the dangers to nice Broadway actors. The lines are eerily blurred with that group.

Updated On: 12/26/05 at 06:34 PM