Theatre Etiquette

Broadway Bound..

There are a lot of great shows this fall, from A Chorus Line to Shrek. Even a few of the classics like Phantom of the Opera and Lion King, are worth seeing again with new friends or an addition to the family. So, what is the appropriate protocol for seeing a Broadway show. Here are a few bullet points, please share:

• Be On Time- Nothing is more disrupting then a group of 20 waltzing to their seat, disrupting the actors and blocking your view. Most curtains rise at 8pm, and if you arrive even 5 minutes late you will not be allowed to enter. You will either have to wait for a break in the show, or stand in the back before you can get ushered to your seat. So arrive early or right on time, so you can enjoy the entire experience. Didn't you pay enough money for those tickets? I recommend dinner reservations at 5:30pm, in the theatre district. Chez Josephine's, B. Smith's, and Carmines are a few of my favs.

• You are *not* at the Movies- The highly skilled and trained Broadway actors can hear you. Save the talking, crinkling wrappers, rifling through your purse, even whispering for intermission. These actors are masters at their craft, they may perform in numerous shows a day and or week. So be courteous and respect their work.

• Turn off your Cell Phone- You would think that I would not have to even mention this, that it is understood that your phone should be off. For some, it needs to be repeated. Vibrate or Silent are not options, and let me tell you why. Some cell phones or PDA's have a vibrate option that is louder and more annoying than some ring tones. It is distracting, and inconsiderate. Silent, yes, but when you occasionally look at your phone there is a blaring light that could light up the whole theatre and that is distracting as well. Also for Blackberry users like myself, we have a blinking red light that could possibly distract your neighbor which is equally as offensive as distracting the cast. Please turn it off.

• Intermission- Most people have just had dinner so if you have the munchies please grab a light snack or drink during intermission. Key word here is light snack, most theatres have a concession stand where there are chips, cookies, and candy available. All of these snacks are usually small and bite size for a reason. Chat with your neighbor, stand, have a quick drink, text a friend about how dynamite the show is and when the lights dim once or twice find your seat and get back to theatre mode. Remember the phone..

• Make an Effort to look Nice- You don't have to don gowns and tuxedos, unless you really want to, but do your best to capture the essence of the evening and look nice. I know that the word nice means different things to different people. I will just say this, if you only look good in denim and a button down,then wear it. There really is no rule, but an effort to make the night a special one whether on a date or sharing a special time with family does require a little sprucing up. I say go all out, I know I do.

• Children- I have mixed feelings about this one. Some say children of a certain age should not attend Broadway plays because they simply do not have the attention span that adults do. I agree with that to a certain extent. I will say No to bringing babies and toddlers, but musicals can be a wonderful experience for young people. My parents have been taking me since about the tender age of 8. Of course I was well behaved and knew the proper protocol, and my memories are priceless. I recommend parents bring young people to a musical or theatre event suited for children. If they are not entertained, or simply cannot sit still, give it another few years. The experience is truly culturally rewarding.

• Please be Still- Please try to keep your heads apart. Two heads are bigger than one, be considerate of the people behind you. Also, the music at some of the shows is phenomenal, but avoid dancing in your seat or singing along. You are not at a concert.

Take advantage of living in one of the best cities in the world and do it with kindness and respect for others.

Enjoy the Show!