OT Sunday!
There's a new show opening on Broadway called Lombardi, detailing, obviously, the life of Football coach, Vince Lombardi. While the producers of this show are probably right to assume that a good chunk of their audience will be made up of people who are not regular theatre-goers, they apparently went overboard in the FAQ of the website, seeming to assume that most of the people who come to this show have not only never seen a play, but have probably never seen a movie, a concert, or a sporting event.
FAQ: The Broadway Experience
I’ve never been to a Broadway show. What should I expect?
Attending a theatrical performance on Broadway is thrilling. You will experience world-class talent-both on the stage and behind-the-scenes-performing live, just for you. Just for me? So the other 800+ people there aren't important? They're just doing this for my benefit?
What do I need to do before the show starts?
Purchasing a ticket is required for a live theatre performance A ticket? What is this "ticket" of which you speak? and it will be for a specific date and show A specific date and show? You mean I can't just show up whenever I want and they'll be there to perform just for me?. Be sure to check your ticket when you buy it, because tickets are not usually refundable or exchangeable.
What happens when I get to the theatre?
An usher will greet you, ask for your ticket, and show you to your assigned seat. Be sure to sit in the seat you are given so that you don’t cause confusion for other audience members.What if I don't like the seat? Can I just sit in one of the other ones, then? After all, they're performing just for me!
The usher will also give you a printed program. Be sure to arrive early enough to read it, so you have an idea of what to expect during the show. What if I don't arrive early enough? Will I be okay? Is there going to be a quiz? Will I still understand the show if I don't get to read the whole playbill?
What is expected of me once the curtain goes up?
Please don’t talk! The actors will be performing live for you. Performing live? In theatre? That's crazy! It’s important that you listen very well so that you don’t miss anything and so that you don’t disturb others around you. How will me not listening well disturb others around me?
Let the actors know that you appreciate the show: Laugh at the funny parts Laugh at the funny parts? What a novel concept!, applaud when you like something can I boo if I hate something?, but remember to respond respectfully and appropriately. The actors are right in front of you and their performance will be affected by your reactions.
What is expected of me when it’s over?
When the performance is over, it’s important to show your appreciation by applauding for the performers.But you said only applaud when I like something!
Please stay in your seat during the curtain call when the actors come onstage to take their bows. Wait until it is over and then exit with the rest of the audience.
It’s okay to stand and applaud if you really loved the show What if I only kind of loved it? should I give a kneeling ovation? Or a half-standing ovation?. If you want to give the actors your highest praise, you can give them a standing ovation.
Sadly, when these FAQ entries were mocked, the producers took them down, but not before a Broadway site snagged them for posterity
FAQ: The Broadway Experience
I’ve never been to a Broadway show. What should I expect?
Attending a theatrical performance on Broadway is thrilling. You will experience world-class talent-both on the stage and behind-the-scenes-performing live, just for you. Just for me? So the other 800+ people there aren't important? They're just doing this for my benefit?
What do I need to do before the show starts?
Purchasing a ticket is required for a live theatre performance A ticket? What is this "ticket" of which you speak? and it will be for a specific date and show A specific date and show? You mean I can't just show up whenever I want and they'll be there to perform just for me?. Be sure to check your ticket when you buy it, because tickets are not usually refundable or exchangeable.
What happens when I get to the theatre?
An usher will greet you, ask for your ticket, and show you to your assigned seat. Be sure to sit in the seat you are given so that you don’t cause confusion for other audience members.What if I don't like the seat? Can I just sit in one of the other ones, then? After all, they're performing just for me!
The usher will also give you a printed program. Be sure to arrive early enough to read it, so you have an idea of what to expect during the show. What if I don't arrive early enough? Will I be okay? Is there going to be a quiz? Will I still understand the show if I don't get to read the whole playbill?
What is expected of me once the curtain goes up?
Please don’t talk! The actors will be performing live for you. Performing live? In theatre? That's crazy! It’s important that you listen very well so that you don’t miss anything and so that you don’t disturb others around you. How will me not listening well disturb others around me?
Let the actors know that you appreciate the show: Laugh at the funny parts Laugh at the funny parts? What a novel concept!, applaud when you like something can I boo if I hate something?, but remember to respond respectfully and appropriately. The actors are right in front of you and their performance will be affected by your reactions.
What is expected of me when it’s over?
When the performance is over, it’s important to show your appreciation by applauding for the performers.But you said only applaud when I like something!
Please stay in your seat during the curtain call when the actors come onstage to take their bows. Wait until it is over and then exit with the rest of the audience.
It’s okay to stand and applaud if you really loved the show What if I only kind of loved it? should I give a kneeling ovation? Or a half-standing ovation?. If you want to give the actors your highest praise, you can give them a standing ovation.
Sadly, when these FAQ entries were mocked, the producers took them down, but not before a Broadway site snagged them for posterity