what do you think of show groupies???- Page 5

[dreaminaret]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 12:28pm

i think i'm slowly but surely becoming a renthead in the sense that i talk about it waaaaaay too much to my friends, some of whom are just like me and others who are either 'just okay' with the show or haven't even seen the movie. and i definitely have 'memorized all of rent' (yay facebook groups). and the last time i saw it i waited by the stage door (which was a first) and i woke up mad early for tony danza and clapped till my hands were red when adam pascal came out. so judge me as you may.

but i would never try to harrass any of the actors, or be like 'remember me from when you performed on november 19' (which is what i heard) or anything like that. i think that it's fine to see a show several times if that's what you like to do and if it's not keeping you from actually paying your rent, and if you have other hobbies. even waiting at the stage door multiple times is okay, as long as you don't try to be all chummy with the actors and assume that they remember exactly what you were like last time you were at the door. it's all about decorum in my opinion.

[way_to_spend_the_day]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 12:33pm

For me it definatley depends on the caliber of worshiping these "groupies" are doing. If someone is a fan of the show because they believe that the work as well as the actors should be praised for reasons other than "OMG! I want to be Maureen Johnson soooooooooo bad when I grow up" or "Adam Pascal is so hott!!" (Rent was just the easiest to use here) then I think it's great. However, it bothers me when fans are groupies for reasons other than acknowledging good performances.

[ruprecht]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 1:24pm

RD2Ruin, first of all, I had to stop laughing before I could respond to your (nebulous, at best), accusations in any coherent matter, second, this is a waste of board space and would be far more appropriate for the PM feature, third, this is EXACTLY what's wrong with the majority of you as a group, eveything has a far deeper meaning to you and must have some hidden agenda, or I, ruprecht, must "know more than I'm saying", and so on.

I have many interests and have been posting, never "lurking", on this site for quite some time about a myriad of topics. This is the only "in depth" discussion of the altar's I've ever wasted any time on.

I, as I've said ad nauseum, visited the Trailer Park many times before it vanished and witnessed all of the things I mentioned first hand, what's to discuss? I'm calling it the way I heard and saw it for myself.

Some fans are scary, unappreciative, unapologetic and delusional, some are genuine in their adulation of the actor, some are just there to get an autograph from someone standing 2 feet away from them, some are profssional autograph "hounds" some, have no agenda at all. Nuff, said.

[BreeDaniel]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 1:29pm

Bravo Rup.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 1:36pm

From a few pages back...

Me: 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!"

orangeskittles: 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.



A few things- why do you need to see him so many times? I truly don't understand. I also hate that some of said groupies think it's the end of the world if they DON'T see him. I've somehow survived it since... forever. Some people need a good smack and real perspective. If you've seen it ten times, go find something more productive to do with your time and money. See another show. Buy a book. Go to an art gallery. Expand your little fangirly minds. Or maybe you could donate it.

I know of at least one 'groupie' who has said she doesn't really care about the SHOW anymore; it bores her. She goes specifically for the actor. Why? Don't you want to spend money on something really worthwhile, the whole package? Can one single performer bring that much joy WHEN YOU HAVE ALREADY SEEN HIM DOING THE SAME THING? It seems to me like it's more a case of too much money and too little imagination.

And yes, I've heard things very similar to what I posted.
Updated On: 12/29/05 at 01:36 PM

[rd2ruin]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 1:42pm

you're enjoying yourself way to much. 'nuf said.

[Crazy_for_the_Q]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 1:58pm

Rup- I seriously don't understand your problem with groupies. Or just fans for that matter. There are fans of shows, there are fans of actors, there always will be. Some are crazy, some are sane, you can't do anything about it. Having an opinion is fine but when it's an opinion based on nothing, where's your argument? You don't have one. You can't. Fans are fans because they admire something. Groupies are groupies because they admire something. Why do you have this hurtful opinion towards groupies? Fans are groupies. You are probably a fan of something, say Trailer Park? You admire the show. Holics admire Altar Boyz. Some go too far but you can't hate them for it.

Also, why do you care about groupies? So there are fan groups, who cares. Whoever started this thread, why does it matter?

[carymetorent2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 1:59pm

Rup ... everyone can have their own opinion. My only intent was to illustrate that not all Altarholics are like that and to label them all as that creates unnecessary preconceived ideas.

I know you addressed that to rd2 but I just wanted to make sure we were clear :)

[TheBlonde]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 2:00pm

Just out of curiousity Ruprecht, do you stagedoor at all? At Trailer Park, for example? I'm not setting you up or trying to be accusatory at all, I'm just curious. I'm not sure whether you've got a problem with Altarholics because there are some that really are rather loud and scary or it's just stagedoor in general... and out of curiousity, what would you categorize as "appropriate" behavior?

Again, I'm not trying to put you on your guard or insult you in any way or sound sarcastic, I'm just wondering.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 2:08pm

Hmm...I've been debating replying again, but there are a couple things I think i can add to...

First off, I do agree there are some "groupies" that go too far, badmouth actors, etc. I think too many ppl get generalized in this group and the following I am talking about those who do not indulge in such activities...

I certainly agree w/ Jane that it is a win-win situation. A lot of times having such enthusiastic fans in the audience is very helpful to a show, particularly comedies. I know w/ DRS, the show I go too the most, the audience plays a vital role on the quality of the performance, and the actors are aware--I've seen that when the audience is very loud and enthusiastic, their energy rubs off onto the performers and the show can reach new heights. Even from simply being in the audience myself I've found the show to just be a more enjoyable experience w/ the enthusiastic audiences. So everytime I go I try to be really enthusiastic, cheering hard and loud after each song, clapping in certain comedic parts I deem appropriate such as Norbert rolling on the floor(he does that 8 times a week, I think that deserves applause) and often I get people to join me, etc. I find in these similar circumstances, as long as the fans know where it's appropriate(to scream after the song, not during, etc), they can enhance a performance for both the actors and the audience.

And to whoever said they saw a show a lot but never wanted to go to the stage door--you shouldn't have to feel that way. Again, as long as you're respectful and such, everyone would appreciate you as a fan, if you go again you're enthusiastic, some may joke you keep them in jobs b/c you spend lots of money on the show, and I mean their job is to entertain people--who wouldn't be excited to know they've done such a great job that someone keeps coming back to see them? I mean at DRS once I talked to David Yazbek at the stage door, very excitedly told him how many times I've seen it(10 at the time I think) and he was soo happy and excited, told me I'm awesome and he loves me b/c...well...he gets royalties and started joking that I should start getting free tickets and stuff. Seriously if nothing else you do spend a lot of money on the show, so you certainly would be appreciated for that. Again, remain respectful, and it becomes a really nice experience going to the stage door after seeing the show each time.

And even w/ those that some of us think take it a too far just...before you're judge, realize you don't know the whole situation. I took a class on fanatics and read a story by one of the people on Star Trek who met this fan at a convention and found out she was quite suicidal. He started to get to know her, encouraged her to come to all the conventions, to always chat w/ him, etc. so for 2 years about the main purpose of her life was everything Star Trek, and particularly going to the conventions and talking w/ the actors, especially him. Finally after 2 years, they didn't explain exactly why but something changed, and she wasn't suicidal anymore and she developed other loves and reasons to live besides Star Trek and now she's a successful doctor. The actor said knowing that he helped her to live has given him greater joy than anything else he's done in his life.

I just think it's important to keep in mind that seeing someone in a situation once doesn't mean you really know them enough to judge them.

[YankeeGal#24]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 2:11pm

Glad you replied to this thread again. Beautifully said wickedrentq.

[Fantabulous428]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 2:18pm

In regards to people questioning why "groupies" go to see a show however many times - why does it matter? It's their money and their time. Perhaps they find it a worthwhile experience. People are allowed to say and/or think whatever they want, but why exactly does it matter? People can do as they please.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 2:38pm

Alright one more thing I have to add in regards to Insomniak.

Again, when asking that question, it's impossible to understand how people can do such things unless you know you love or admire someone as they do.

Now, for me to do that, if I think of the one person who ever lived that I would love and admire above all else, there wouldn't be one question in my mind who that would be--Leonard Bernstein. I mean, I could go on and on...a genius, from what I heard a very nice man, amazing scores, a joy to watch conduct, etc.

There have been times I've read about or had the honor of talking to people who saw him conduct a show first hand live. If you listen to the way they describe this, it just gives me chills. From what i've heard, he conducted like no one...the passion and everything he put into it, I consider anyone who got to see this lucky. Now let's say he were alive now and you know what I knew everyday for a year he would be conducting a show...the music would be okay, the story would be crap. If I had the time/means, w/o a doubt I would go watch him conduct everyday for a year. i would not go see anything else, as I'd want to save my money for this, and years and years from now I would think back in awe to the fact that I got to watch Bernstein conduct everyday for a year. I just admire him so much, even thoughts of being given that oppertunity, gives me a feeling of euphoria.

So if people feel that way about Raul, who are you to judge? I think people are quite lucky if they can find something to do that gives them so much joy as it would be for me watching Bernstein conduct. In fact, I envy them. It's not like they'll be able to see this everyday for their whole life, but to get to look back at these wonderful memories...

"Can one single performer bring that much joy WHEN YOU HAVE ALREADY SEEN HIM DOING THE SAME THING"

YES. Without a doubt.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 2:44pm

I have an understanding of the whole groupie phenomenon because I was one. If I may, I'd like to explain something to those who've never had the experience. Those who have had it will totally understand what I'm talking about.

This may not apply to every single show which has a following but I'm pretty sure it does to most. Beyond having a love for the show and feeling some deep meaning from it that goes beyond what the average theatregoer sees in it, is the comaraderie (sp)which forms with the other groupies. There is something special about sharing the very same things that each one feels for the show. Everyone is on the same wavelength with their love for the show, and all other forces which may separate people are overcome by this love. I felt that my time at the show and with the other fans were my second home and got great joy from the social aspect of hanging around with them. The show was always the main thing-it brought us together, but making new friends who totally understood my "sick obssession" was more important. Some people can be brought out of a depression by making friends who understand them, as one post here demonstrated.

When the show ends, there will invariably be a letdown but I believe that the uplifting experience the groupies have had will stay with them forever.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 2:48pm

Very well said Jane. I mean look at us here in the message board--I think that whole idea of making friends who understand you and relate to obsessions can pretty much describe anyone who's made friends here on the board.

[Blue J]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 3:07pm

Jane 2 - Very well said! I have definitely become close friends with people I have met through a certain show and even after the show closed, we all still talk daily and get together, etc. So, you can call us groupies, but at least we're all in it together!

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 3:47pm

Man I must see this show!

[WaltSummersPI]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 3:52pm

I like soup.

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 3:58pm

I have something to confess, i am a Sweet Charity Groupie.... Christina and Janine told me that was the number 1 fan.... i saw it 21 times....i even saw Christina's first show....its 100th...and i will be at closing night

[Phantom2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:08pm

It's great to be a supporter of a show or a particular actor. It's when fans act like a "stalker" that gets annoying to an actor.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:08pm

"I like soup."

How nice for you, but wrong board, newbie.

Updated On: 12/29/05 at 04:08 PM

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:09pm

Thank you Jane for the insight. I do say it is great fun when you have friends who enjoy a show as much as you do. Just draw a line somewhere and have fun. Groupies, smoupies. As long as we love and support a show and act civil, then everything is alright!

[thetheatrekook]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:13pm

I recently had a terrifying experience with a certifiably insane RENThead. (you know they're scary when you're stalked because you're a friend of a cast member!)

it's definately a fine line between fan/supporter and CRAZY PERSON! haha.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:14pm

People need to chill.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:19pm

"Again, when asking that question, it's impossible to understand how people can do such things unless you know you love or admire someone as they do. "

It's very presumptuous of you to assume that I don't admire anyone just because I haven't spent hundreds of dollars on them.

"So if people feel that way about Raul, who are you to judge? I think people are quite lucky if they can find something to do that gives them so much joy as it would be for me watching Bernstein conduct. In fact, I envy them. It's not like they'll be able to see this everyday for their whole life, but to get to look back at these wonderful memories..."

If these people could look back and be satisfied by memories, they would not need to see the show repeatedly. It's the spoiled child mentality- nothing is ever good enough for them.

The effect of any good thing wears off after a while. It's like a drug, you need more and more of it to get any kind of high. I don't believe for a moment that you'd care so much about Bernstein's conducting if you saw it every day.

It's also hard to have simultaneous AIM/BWW conversations with one person complaining about not getting to see Chitty ONE MORE TIME before it closes while another friend of mine is struggling to make ends meet while on welfare. There are MANY fufilling things in life BESIDES broadway. Try volunteering or donating your extra cash. Someone out there needs it.