Audio Only - Stopping a Show

I read about this over at Mark Evanier's "News From ME" website and had to share it. It's audio from a performance of the Broadway show Gypsy on Jan. 10.

Apparently someone in the audience was taking photos during one of Patti LuPone's big numbers, and she stopped the show until that person was thrown out.

It's a problem that seems to be growing all the time in theatre - people will take out their cell phones and take pictures, check or send text messages, even make phone calls - apparently unaware (or uncaring) that they're disrupting the show for everyone around them.

The smallest cellphone sends out a blaze of light when it's activated, and in a dark theatre, it's just like turning a flashlight on the people behind you. And I see this happen all the time!

It's actually dangerous for the performers, too. They're working on a dark stage where the slightest misstep could mean trouble - and a flash can blind them just long enough for a serious injury to occur.

I saw a performance in Charleston where one of the directors got up and made a funny and heartfelt plea to the audience to turn off their cellphones and leave them off. He said, "If you want photos, see me after the show - I have tons of photos."

It was a great way to deal with the problem, but it's amazing to think people have to be reminded of common theatre courtesy. It's easy: enjoy the show, laugh and clap along, but don't talk, sing, use your cellphone or take photos or video!

Anyway, here's audio (which was no doubt recorded illegally) showing how a big star deals with boorish behavior. The audio levels jump around a bit - and the rant starts at about 45 seconds in. The crowd's response is priceless: