what do you think of show groupies???- Page 6

[thespian geek]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:34pm

If these people could look back and be satisfied by memories, they would not need to see the show repeatedly.

But what about wanting to make new memories? I've seen Altar Boyz several times, but every single time is fresh for me (I've yet to sit in that audience and not enjoy myself throughly). And my interaction with the actors at the stage door is different every single time. I make new memories every time I go back and see that show, and that's one thing that makes me very happy when it comes to ABz.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:34pm

"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."

I don't think this was a fair comment to make. Maybe these kids (excuse me for using that term here) don't know anyone on welfare. In fact maybe they don't have any tragic or even serious problems at this time in their lives. Many people at that age don't. Let's hear it for youth, lol. Why shouldn't they have their fun? And if in fact they do have these problems, well then, after giving all they can to their friends and helping them out the best they can, what's a better balance in life than having something that's purely fun to turn to. Or should they only occupy themselves with tragedies?

In my long post I tried to explain this to those who haven't experienced it, as I did. It's more than spending lots of money on a show. It's finding a place in society (be it a small one) and feeling accepted. It's lifting your spirits and making new friends.

I also want to add-why do people even care what these groupies do or how they spend their money. I can't imagine how it impacts anyone else except in a good way-they're supporting theater and that's why you're all here!

Updated On: 12/29/05 at 04:34 PM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:42pm

You know, I have never been a groupie, as I mentioned before. But much of the behavior exhibited by those who have such a deep attachment with a show or a star is a bit scary. These are people and shows that entertain. Sometimes there is a deeper meaning in the show, and other times, it is just fun.

Regardless, these people and/or shows are not alters to be worshipped upon. They should not become substitutes for other more important facets of your life. There is a fine line between devoted fan, and obsessed fan. Once you cross it, you do no one any good, and only alientate those who otherwise might want to share in you INTEREST. When the show or the star because the defining part of your life, then I think you a problem.

I have no objection to folks seeing a show multiple times. Go see Chitty again, or Wicked, or Sweeney, or Color Purple. If you are that pleased with the performer, that is fine. But, once the curtain falls and the show is over, it is over. And those who cannot distinguish between a performer being paid to entertain and make you happen and a performer being your friend, well, then you have a problem.

Now I will go run away and hide from

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:44pm

While I agree that yes, one single performer CAN bring joy through performance even if you've seen them do the same thing before -- because that's live theatre -- no two times are ever the same, I *don't* think it's okay to tell somebody that they don't understand what it's like to admire someone and love them as much as you do. You don't want to be judged? Who are you to judge someone, then? Do unto others...

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:51pm

I've seen two broadway shows in my entire life. I've still found my place here. To think that you need to 'keep up with the Jones' ' in order to keep your friends says quite a bit about who you choose to hang around with.

It would impact people in a BETTER way if they would forgo their dozenth show ticket and give the fifty dollars to a homeless shelter. Theatre is a luxury, not a necessity, and some people do not understand that.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:55pm

You may not think theatre is a necessity, but perhaps some of us do. Again with not knowing the whole story...

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:57pm

You want it when-As I said, I was one of those groupies. I have to take exception to a couple of your points. First-Being into a show and making that your pasttime, sharing with friends, etc. is not very different from people who are into and spend hordes of money and time with video games, a particular sport maybe, (who are obssessed with an athlete, wear his uniform, hang out at games, own everything with his name on it, toys, etc.)and perhaps never even get to meet this idol. Actually, any interest that people are fervently involved with can fall into this category. If you think it's scary that's your opinion, and I have to respect it. However, it's the few that are the exception-who think the actors are more friends to them than actors. I never felt that way. I loved the meeting up with the other fans, going out to eat and seeing other theater and films with them, and in general, having new friends. I'd like to add that some benefits which came to me as a result of my "obssession", were a career in show business, a making of profit through photography, new friends and also changing my place of residence. These things happened during the run of the show and have lasted until now, more than 20 years later.

[TheBlonde]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:58pm

Like Jane2 said earlier, insomniak, I don't think you can understand it unless you've had it... And as a side note, I don't feel bad spending the money that I've spent all day at work earning any way I choose.

[thetheatrekook]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:58pm

the only thing i don't get is this idea that you can either go to the theatre or do some kind of charity work/volunteer/donate money to a good cause. Who's to say that some people can't afford to do both?

I understand what you're saying, I do, but I can't help but feel that it's being made to be this black and white issue when it's not.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 4:58pm

Necesities are food, shelter, clothing and air. Theatre is a form of entertainment. If you lose it, you'll live. But those spoiled by countless shows won't be able to do anything but pout and mope because they're used to having it all.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:00pm

"It would impact people in a BETTER way if they would forgo their dozenth show ticket and give the fifty dollars to a homeless shelter. Theatre is a luxury, not a necessity, and some people do not understand that. "

And how do you know that they've never given money to a shelter or other charity. And how do we know you have? cmon now.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:01pm

Jane, plenty of shows are pastimes for me, but I've not even seen them. I still have friends. Isn't that amazing? When you don't have money, if you're creative enough, you too can find a way to entertain yourself.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:01pm

Unless you've "had it?" So you can't be a fan unless you've seen this person in the flesh, and met them, and had them sign your left pinky toe?

That's absurd. Think about what you're saying for just a minute, to those of you who are saying these kinds of things.

It's not about who knows your name; that's not the measure of who's a better fan. It's about appreciating the work -- something I think a LOT of people are losing sight of.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:03pm

That's your opinion, insomniak, but as I said.. you don't know the whole story. I can flat out tell you that theatre IS a necessity for me and that will never, ever change. Call me what you like, but that's how it is and how it has been for years.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:03pm

Theatre is not a RIGHT. If you get to see a show, you're a priviledged, lucky person. Be GREATFUL. This is what I meant about the spoiled child mentality- you think the world owes you all of these things, but yet you don't feel that you owe it to anyone to go and drop five dollars in the offering at church once a month.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:03pm

Well that's wonderful insomniac and I'm sincerely glad for you. I can relate, being an artist. But what if these kids CAN afford to do what they want? You sound as if you hold a grudge against them for what they're doing.

[TheBlonde]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:03pm

luvtheEmcee, no no, I meant the experience of meeting other fans and connecting with them -- nothing to do with actors.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:05pm

Sorry, I misread. By "had it" I thought you meant had the privilege of seeing this stuff whenever you want to, etc -- I didn't see that this had gone into anything about making friends through being a fan -- that's a whole other animal, anyway.

Anyway, your comment wasn't the only one I directed that to.

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

[thespian geek]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:06pm

Not to mention, who says just because people see shows everytime when they can that they don't give to charity? I've given money to BC/EFA plenty of times, yet I'll see certain shows multiple times or see a lot of shows everytime I'm in the city.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:07pm

I hold a grudge against those who think they somehow HAVE to see theatre in order to have friends, matter to the world or be happy. I'm angry that there are people so self centered that they think the world is over if they don't get to see a show they like.

"That's your opinion, insomniak, but as I said.. you don't know the whole story. I can flat out tell you that theatre IS a necessity for me and that will never, ever change. Call me what you like, but that's how it is and how it has been for years."

I know that I've loved musicals for as long as I can remember, having grown up on them. It's a necessary LOVE, but somehow, I have survived WITHOUT all of the material objects like signed playbills to make me happy. I do know the story, you've told it to me by saying you need theatre just as much as food.

[thetheatrekook]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:08pm

ok, this i cannot TAKE! just because i choose to see Chitty 5, 6, 7 times does NOT mean I don't "drop five dollars in the offering at church once a month." Yes, it is a point that if I didn't spend the $26.25 on a Chitty student rush ticket, that that money COULD (stress on COULD, not automatically WOULD) be used to help those less fortunate. But just because I choose to spend part of the money I earn that way does NOT mean I don't donate to charity. This generalization is completely absurd and drives me crazy.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:08pm

I don't know if I'd call myself a groupie, but I see Hairspray about once per week. I think it's a fun upbeat show. I never go to the stagedoor, and I've actually only met one member of the cast (who was very nice to me). I see other shows as well, but when I'm bored and can't think of anything else to do I see Hairspray. There's just something about it: the cast, the energy, the score. It's just fun. I love seeing different understudies, though I must confess that Tracy Miller (Penny Pingleton) is irreplaceable, and that's the only role I don't like to see understudies for. That said, outside seeing Hairspray every week, you wouldn't even know I had heard of the show.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:09pm

"It's not about who knows your name; that's not the measure of who's a better fan. It's about appreciating the work -- something I think a LOT of people are losing sight of. "

Emcee, of course it's about appreciating the work. These fans fell absolutely in love with the show before ever knowing any of the cast. They loved the show enough to continue to go. And let's say they didn't appreciate the work as much as you do-why would anyone care? How does that affect your life? They are supporting the show and the cast and production team all appreciate them. Why don't you?

[thespian geek]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:10pm

I don't go see theatre for the material objects, but if I suddenly were forced to stop seeing theatre or being involved with theatre? I'm going to sound insane saying this, but I'd probably become throughly depressed and the outcome probably wouldn't be pretty.

Yes, I realize I've just set myself up for a whole slew of backslash about how crazy I am, but I don't care. That's how it is.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/29/05 at 5:13pm

I was forced to stop being involved with theatre because my school was so exclusive. I can't afford to see more than a small handful of touring shows a year. You know what? I'm alive.

How can this be?

I have other interests. I'm a complete person who doesn't wither and die when one aspect of her life falls through. It's called independence and I can promise that you'll enjoy life a lot more if your happiness does not hinge upon two hours of one person's singing.

Do something worthwhile- for others, maybe, but for yourself, too.

I'm finished trying to communicate with you people.
Updated On: 12/29/05 at 05:13 PM