tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post2877507310755736703..comments2024-03-26T00:10:40.751-04:00Comments on Reggie Darling: "The Theatuh, the Theatuh, What's Happened to the Theatuh?"*Reggie Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04044215790585354363noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-1121878571167046892010-10-02T21:14:15.858-04:002010-10-02T21:14:15.858-04:00Two hundred and seventy-seven dollars a ticket! I ...Two hundred and seventy-seven dollars a ticket! I am still holding my breath!SKY PRINCESShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08754246852792388695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-14243951036311213662010-03-18T10:57:58.991-04:002010-03-18T10:57:58.991-04:00As a follow-up, I wanted to tell you that we got t...As a follow-up, I wanted to tell you that we got to the City this past (impossibly rainy) weekend, and saw both "ALNM" (original cast) and "South Pacific". Since our inheritances were long ago squandered, we had to choose from discounted shows available at the TKTS booth, and got into both shows for around $80.<br /><br />I imagine I would have expected more if I'd paid the staggering full price you did, but I didn't mind ALNM as much as you did. The theatre was packed to the gills and crowd control was lacking, but it was alright. The show isn't a favorite, but it was great to see Angela Lansbury in perhaps her last stage role.<br /><br />South Pacific was glorious and fun.<br /><br />P in PhoenixAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-91330359864835098492010-01-18T09:54:57.671-05:002010-01-18T09:54:57.671-05:00Reggie, thank you for saving me $277.00.
Your desc...Reggie, thank you for saving me $277.00.<br />Your description of the whole experience rings painfully true.<br />I am old enough to have seen the original production of A Little Night Music at its tryout in Boston when for around $12 one got Hermione and Glynis and the whole evening couldn't have been more civilized and<br />delightful. Night Music remains my favourite of all the Sondheim musicals, to the extent that I rather wanted to see this latest version of it, but not now.Toby Worthingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05887066048372484464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-75151429168170274732010-01-17T10:59:27.267-05:002010-01-17T10:59:27.267-05:00"Does anyone make an effort anymore?" I ..."Does anyone make an effort anymore?" I think you summed it up quite nicely with that sentence. My grandmother wore heels to the market and would not open the front door to reach for the mail without lipstick. These are values she instilled in "her girls" as she fondly called us. The other day I was having lunch in a nice restaurant and there was a college age girl at the next table in what appeared to me to be her pajamas. Hopefully, you were able to focus on the show and had an enjoyable evening .slehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08495827946270759070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-56332635701851526722010-01-15T19:52:57.276-05:002010-01-15T19:52:57.276-05:00Hi Reggie,
Thanks for your comment on my blog. I ...Hi Reggie, <br />Thanks for your comment on my blog. I rushed over. What an unfortunate night you had : ( I LOVE A Little Night Music and Ted and I looked into tickets for the holidays, but they were just too darn expensive. (And that was a first for us.) I was slightly heart broken. Maybe we'll make it some day. I think producers think if they get a movie star (Catherine Zeta Jones) they can charge what ever they want. But honestly how high can these prices go? I think it's really too bad. <br />BartBart Boehlerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12615567093206057490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-52041550274021536322010-01-14T22:57:47.862-05:002010-01-14T22:57:47.862-05:00Here on the west coast I attended a performance of...Here on the west coast I attended a performance of a play by Berkeley Rep that was so offensive that there were no intermissions so no one could escape! Honestly, I have to laugh at the audacity of the the whole production. There was just no way to get the heck out. And yes, because it was Berkeley and we are all getting older I refuse to believe that all the people next to me didn't want to exit screaming!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-18892562681217064192010-01-14T05:08:28.188-05:002010-01-14T05:08:28.188-05:00Do you think this new trend towards casting A-list...Do you think this new trend towards casting A-list film stars like Zeta Jones in the theatre allows the management to rest on their laurels, try less hard?<br />The way the Gadarene Swine herd towards these so-called luminaries means they can be be treated as commodities - sadly at the expense of regular theatre goers and aesthetes like yourselves. I found your account of what should have been a magical theatre visit totally depressing. <br />On Sunday we went as a family to the pantomime at London's Hackney Empire Theatre, which is just about to go dark through lack of funds, and were received with grace and enthusiasm by the staff. The production values were superb and it was a natural and happy experience for everyone there.Rose C'est La Viehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17193872186283731567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-55204986578127867152010-01-13T23:54:08.582-05:002010-01-13T23:54:08.582-05:00Mrs. M: Thanks and good comment. South Pacific was...Mrs. M: Thanks and good comment. South Pacific was the last show we saw before ALNM, and Boy and I were not at all offended by that experience in the way we were at ALNM. We loved South Pacific, which I think must have benefitted from running at Lincoln Center, and which now that I read your comment is likely the remaining outpost of public venue civility in the city (perhaps Carnegie Hall, too?). I have always thoght of myself as more of a Broadway musicals kind of guy than an opera/serious music/ballet fellow. I will most definitely give the Met, a place I haven't been in years, a try -- thanks for the suggestion.Reggie Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04044215790585354363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-52222144833874831432010-01-13T22:51:30.656-05:002010-01-13T22:51:30.656-05:00My husband and I have had similar experiences at t...My husband and I have had similar experiences at the theater lately, although we have enjoyed South Pacific -twice! We lately have come to the conclusion that for the high ticket prices on Broadway, we'd prefer the Metropolitan Opera which is always a worth your investment. We adored Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier this last week. Beautiful music and a really fun opera. Renee Flemming and Susan Graham were impeccable, as were the costumes and ever beautiful productions at the Met. Even the audience shares your reverence for the finer things. Enjoyable all around!Mrs. Marcianohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14809365326913700803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-76228156765276996362010-01-13T18:43:22.340-05:002010-01-13T18:43:22.340-05:00So many good comments here, I'm clearly not th...So many good comments here, I'm clearly not the only one smarting about this (hello Jujamcyn -- are you reading this?)<br /><br />Jason: How frustrating it must be for you to witness the degradation of what you hold near and dear.<br /><br />Columnist: I plan on doing just that, these feet will need to be dragged into another Broadway theater. <br /><br />Lindaraxa: I look forward to your scribe on "21"<br /><br />BH: I'm not sad, I'm angry. The destruction of what once made attending the theater enjoyable has been willful and calculated.<br /><br />Lulu: indeed!<br /><br />DocP: It may be a done deal, but I still don't like it. But how does one entertain oneself on an evening out when going to the theater and such has become so unpleasant? Must I be confined to restaurants and dinner parties only?<br /><br />Janel: Exactly!<br /><br />Thanks everyoneReggie Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04044215790585354363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-43897791692116062112010-01-13T17:03:10.920-05:002010-01-13T17:03:10.920-05:00Just have to add my vote for, please good people, ...Just have to add my vote for, please good people, if you're going out to an event -- any event -- can't you please dress for the occasion? I am so tired of jeans and t-shirts -- no matter how expensive. Dress like adults; you'll feel better and everyone around you will appreciate the effort.Janelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-53663545973648815922010-01-13T15:03:43.361-05:002010-01-13T15:03:43.361-05:00My first comment, but I've been following for ...My first comment, but I've been following for a while. Expensive tickets are obviously no insurance against a poorly managed theater or inappropriate behaviour and dress by the patrons. A small percentage of still care, I suspect most do not. Business decisions will be made to maximize profit. Short of entertaining like minded friends at home, I'm not sure there are any solutions or hope of change. Unfortunately at the moment, I seem to be a bit short of like minded friends.DocPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06823834084619817888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-55369685280644558872010-01-13T14:05:53.838-05:002010-01-13T14:05:53.838-05:00where to begin? i could go on for days commenting ...where to begin? i could go on for days commenting about this..<br />but i'll start with:<br /> it never ceases to amaze me that people don't realize it would be more pleasant and less inconvenient for them to actually stand to let others pass in front of them in order to reach their seats in the middle of the aisle. they are just making it more difficult and uncomfortable for everyone involved by making those who are trying to pass brush along their knees. is it from spite? how lazy and inconsiderate can they be? very!<br /> i can't believe the way people dress in public. it's grotesque. i went to midnight mass at my church and was surrounded by people who looked like they came to church on CHRISTMAS, no less, in clothes that appeared as though they had slept in them. you hit the nail on the head when you described them as clothes better suited in which to clean the garage rather than attend the theater. no one makes an effort- again, lazy. dressing up is a sign of respect for yourself and others. it makes an event special and brings up the tone. no wonder so many americans are fat. they let themselves go. their clothes say, i don't care. they don't take care of their appearance. they think it is superficial, but it goes deeper. <br /> people and their noises are another bone of contention for me. people are so disrespectful to those around them. i believe it is the result of the tv generation. they have grown accustomed to watching movies and programs in their own living rooms, so they have grown into a habit of talking and making noise through the entire thing. so when they are out, the habit has already stuck, it is too late, they can't hold their tongue or sit still. i can't tolerate the people around me who seem to have no clue that they are in a public place. they talk through whole movies/shows/anything as though they were completely unaware they were not alone with their family or friends in the privacy and freedom of their own living room. they don't give a thought to others enjoyment of the event. they don't care if their actions are distracting to others. <br /> and what is that coughing? it's non-stop! <br /> you didn't mention it here, but i'm on a roll, so i'll throw it in. how about babies crying? if a baby is crying, why doesn't the mother take the child out of the room or restaurant or store? it's as if the mother thinks to herself, well, i can't get away from my child, and if i have to listen to it cry, everyone else should have to suffer, too.luluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04674817864487916764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-68915215385780808002010-01-13T09:44:32.858-05:002010-01-13T09:44:32.858-05:00Can you elaborate on the "under-dressed"...Can you elaborate on the "under-dressed" situation and what sounds like a strange inconsistency- people pay $200+ for a seat and then go to theater in sweat shirts and jeans- why?! Is this because most all tickets are purchased through tourism plans and are then sold for a much lower price than you paid?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-39231369591839408772010-01-13T06:31:27.249-05:002010-01-13T06:31:27.249-05:00Reggie, I am very sorry.
Josh and I had a simila...Reggie, I am very sorry. <br /><br />Josh and I had a similar experience last March on a night so important to us: I had just had my second baby girl seven days before and Josh had just returned from a seven month deployment at the war (Naval officer, you see). I cannot tell you how very disappointing both dinner (Bar Americain) and the show were for just the resons you point out. <br /><br />As New Yorker, I am always certain my beloved city will do it big and brilliantly, but it is failing... my Mother was on both B'way and at the Met, even my childhood memories, fuzzy as they are - are so far from this place now. Altho, when my childhood pal won the best actress tony, the lights never shone brighter, right?!! Indeed it may be the last time I look at B'way as a truly memorable experience...The Blushing Hostesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16303502206261407536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-59531809982016484062010-01-13T01:11:15.975-05:002010-01-13T01:11:15.975-05:00Ah Reggie, you had me rolling in the aisles... and...Ah Reggie, you had me rolling in the aisles... and it's 12:45! I just might read it again. BTW talking about birds of a feather, this is getting eerie...I have a post on "21" which I was going to post tonight and postponed till later this week. Perhaps I will beat you to it, since your writing is so much better than mine and you already beat me to La Grenouille!<br /><br />Last time I saw Ms. Landsbury, we were both having Clam Chowder at the counter of the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station, many many moons ago! My, you are right, she could mail...no...TEXT her performance and still be awesome!lindaraxahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15721286284279902181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-41351890131622620022010-01-13T00:35:45.658-05:002010-01-13T00:35:45.658-05:00I obviously don't know you, but you seem to ec...I obviously don't know you, but you seem to echo sentiments I would express about such an event, which probably accounts for the fact that I find going to the theatre tiresome. And the movies too! Like you, I don't mind spending money on something good, but I detest being taken for a ride. Vote with your feet!columnisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03764365428633038329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-78944281361989957512010-01-12T23:30:47.526-05:002010-01-12T23:30:47.526-05:00Oh my! Good for you for sharing this dreadful expe...Oh my! Good for you for sharing this dreadful experience. Compare that to the wonderful experience of theater in London! So sorry.Meridith Moorenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-72811594896640241912010-01-12T22:46:03.494-05:002010-01-12T22:46:03.494-05:00I'm telling you, Reggie - My partner and I are...I'm telling you, Reggie - My partner and I are both Front of House Managers at bigtime venues in Toronto and neither of us can even <i>see</i> a show anymore. <i>The cobbler's children have no shoes</i>, as they say. <br /><br />Every. little. thing is so frustrating. <br />From terrible Patrons to lacking service to a bad environment - Never good. Top to bottom. <br /><br />All we try to do is operate <i>our venues </i>with integrity.Jason Hudson Dot Comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03965851459263413830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-843587024086200472010-01-12T21:24:55.514-05:002010-01-12T21:24:55.514-05:00I certainly concur with your thoughts on the lack ...I certainly concur with your thoughts on the lack of dress people sport these days. Perhaps I am old school, but being in the city, even for shopping, has always meant putting in a little extra effor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com