Hello all. I would just like to tell everyone about my trip to NYC this weekend and before you go ahead and delete this, I would like you to know that this will mostly be a commentary about a certain aspect of the theatre which has been degraded throughout the years.
As I stood in line on a cloudy Saturday at the TKTS booth, I overheard people talking while I read the TKTS playbill. Most of the people around me had no idea what any play was about. I found that very amusing that they sought out my advice on some matters (You know you look like a New Yorker when you have 2 groups in 5 hours ask you for directions). After our discussion on some things I commenced reading the TKTS Playbill. In it was the history of TKTS and it also pointed out, "TDF [Theatre Developement Fund] was founded...with the mission of suporting works of artistic merit and making theatre accessible to those who could not ordinarily afford attendance." Now, for some strange reason that struck a discord in me, and until this trip to New York, I never knew why.
I received tickets to Titanic the musical. My aunt and I attended. After our diner we went to the theatre and with only 3 minutes left until the show began I found myself in the line to the woman's room, which is always out the door, so I found my courage and commandeered the mens. Sometimes you must do what you have to...and besides there are never enough restrooms for women.
I managed to return to my seat in time to have the houselights go to half. I sat paciently as the talking commenced and the three people seated in front of us decided to play musical chairs. After the show had been running about 5 minutes, another couple comes in and the whole row in front of us were on their feet to let the couple by. I detest latecomers. In England, as my aunt who lives there pointed out, after twenty minutes they won't let you in. This is the theatre's choice, for in Les Miz, they will hold you at the frontdoor until the first 20 minutes is up (Jean's Soliliquy) because it sets the mood. So, I was irritated. The rest of the act was filled with rustling playbills and ushers sitting on the stairs (which is an immediate breech of the fire code). I must say that if a person is that impactient for intermission, they shouldn't even come, because you must concentrate and enjoy the show.
Next came the intermission where the couple who came in late were late once again, the talking commenced and we've now added the sound of crackling celefane. Personally, I think that candy should be banned from the theatre, because it is one of the worst distractions. As the play ended, people began to leave the theatre before the curtain call, which is a direct disrespect for the actors who they had just watched for the past two hours. As my aunt and I stood in the lobby with the hundreds of people trying to exit, an elderly man in back of us belched without the slightness bit of recourse.
As we exited the theatre I turned to her and said this:
It is nice to be given a discount through TKTS...everybody wants a deal, but I feel that it has brought a degradation to the theatre. The class of people is getting worst. Theatre used to be reserved for the elite, but now it has become no more tackful than a football game. It is good that more people can experience the theatre, but they should be respectful, and that is the root of the problem here in America is that society as a whole is being degraded in the glorification of the lower class. To be honest, those of us who have class, and a fine appreciation for life, are perturbed by these uprootings.
I have no absolute solution to this problem, but I urge all of you to help me fight this battle. Always take care of the way you look and act. Never get mad, but rather carry yourself with dignity. Find a witty way to retort to someone. Remember that whenever you are a guest, you should do you best to help with finances, keep the place clean and make sure you leave the place better than came. Never forget to thank a person. Even if you had an awful trip, make sure that person knows that you appriciated their efforts in arranging the vacation. And remember to always put on your finest to go to the theatre...make it a sacred place once again.
Thank you,
Jamie