Popcorn at a Broadway show?

[MM27]

The only show that I've ever seen popcorn allowed was when they used to do A Christmas Carol at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. They had the whole lobby set up, it was really amazing, and had popcorn, cotton candy, and anything else you could imagine.

I remember sitting in the theater before the show started one year and the lady sitting in front of us was complaining (loudly) about food being allowed in the theater and how wrong it was. At intermission she was calling over the peanut vendor.

I saw The Secret Garden on Broadway and there were some kids behind us. We were in the balcony at the St. James Theater and one of the kids opened a huge bag of Skittles right after the show started. It was like the commercial Taste the Rainbow as the Skittles fell down the stairs.

 

[JenM]

That's not bad...when I saw Billy Elliot in London, the woman sitting next to me brought sushi.

I've heard popcorn has become popular at some of the more family-oriented shows. Ugh. There's no need for popcorn at a Broadway show.

As far as dressing up, I go to Broadway shows so often that I'm long past dressing up for it. I'm perfectly fine going in jeans and t-shirts, I just keep it neat. Unless it's an opening night or something, it doesn't really matter.

And if a kid is bothering you, just flag an usher if the parents won't do anything about it. Your tickets were expensive and you shouldn't have to deal with it, and they'll usually tell them to settle down.

You will occasionally get decent parents - when I saw Mary Poppins, I saw a guy complain to the people behind him that their son had been kicking his seat during most of Act 1. The mother not only made her son move, she made him apologize to the guy for kicking his seat.

 

[Cindy F]

I completely understand. We went to the ballet and people were eating candy bars and popcorn all during the performance.

At the ballet.

WTH? Since when do you eat popcorn at the ballet?
Even worse, there were people coming in and looking for seats deep into act 1, how rude.

This is why we usually go to the ballet in Atlanta, no popcorn and NO LATE ADMITTANCE. If you get there late, too bad, you will have to wait in the lobby until first intermission. The tickets are clearly marked "no late admittance", you know that when you purchase them, and it is strictly enforced--thank God. This is also true for intermission, if you do not take your seat by the warning bell, you have to wait it out in the lobby until the next intermission.

That is so rude to walk in, disrupt other patrons, climb over people looking for a seat, just because you can't manage to get somewhere on time.

Okay, mini-vent over. ~grin~

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

This is when you quietly get up speak to an usher & have them deal with it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

At our "theater" here in Orlando they serve roasted nuts in the lobby. Thats all you can smell the entire evening! The smell goes through the whole building! And dont get me started on how people dress to go to the theater these days!

Mike, I am with you on the dress issue (I guess I am a snob ). The ONLY time we do not dress for the theatre is when we see a show in a Disney theme park We do not go "all out" generally but do at least go "dressy casual" (slacks and a button down shirt on my son, casual dresses on us girls). It shows respect for the hard working cast and crew Yes, we dress for high school productions even (those kids work hard). Along those lines, we went to see Wicked on tour this summer. DS9 leaned over during just before the lights went down and asked me (quietly--he is far too polite to embarass rude adults) why the grown in front of him didn't know better than to leave his ball cap on during the performance (DS own dressy style ivy cap was off his head and in his hand as he stepped into the auditorium).

The theaters in Dallas and Fort Worth that host the touring shows allow no food or drink in the seating area. You can have something in the lobby during intermission and that's it.

I don't think I'd like the mess either, not to mention the crunch, crunch of popcorn during the show.

I think the food in the loby only rule is the best. That is what we usually run into.

They've been serving refreshments here for ages. There was always a bar, but now we've got candy and cookies and who knows what all.

They're having some trouble selling tickets. They're doing what they can to draw people in and to make money. I'm fine with that.

Poorly behaved children, on the other hand...not so much. If your kid can't sit through the show, leave them at home, please.

I wonder how many people they turn off with these new policies? I would avoid a theatre which felt like the movies instead of something classier. I like to hear the actors and not stick to my seat.

I agree that misbehaving children should not be in a theatre. Same goes for misbeaving adults (adn we have run into plenty of both).

 

[allison443]

I went to a show, earlier this year, that a youth group was also attending. (Not that I have a problem with that-I don't. Many matinees I have been to have had appropriately dressed & behaving youth at them) There were girls in Daisy dukes, spaghetti strap halters & FLIP FLOPS!!!

Is it too much to ask for a nice skirt, dress, or dress pants?

My dds attended (and one is still there) Catholic elementary school. The annual 8th grade trip is a bus ride to NYC in the spring with a tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral, ESPN Zone for lunch and games, then a Broadway matinee. The school requires the boys to wear suits and ties, the girls have to wear nice dresses and shoes (no flipflops). The longtime 8th grade teacher was telling a group of us moms how every year strangers come up to the group on the streets of NYC and compliment the kids' appearance. We all kind of thought she was exaggerating. Well, two years ago I went with my daughter's class and no fewer than three separate people at the theater/waiting outside/on the steps of the cathedral came up to us chaperones and complimented our group for their appearance and behavior!! We had to laugh at ourselves for doubting the teacher.

 

[piney]

My dds attended (and one is still there) Catholic elementary school. The annual 8th grade trip is a bus ride to NYC in the spring with a tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral, ESPN Zone for lunch and games, then a Broadway matinee. The school requires the boys to wear suits and ties, the girls have to wear nice dresses and shoes (no flipflops). The longtime 8th grade teacher was telling a group of us moms how every year strangers come up to the group on the streets of NYC and compliment the kids' appearance. We all kind of thought she was exaggerating. Well, two years ago I went with my daughter's class and no fewer than three separate people at the theater/waiting outside/on the steps of the cathedral came up to us chaperones and complimented our group for their appearance and behavior!! We had to laugh at ourselves for doubting the teacher.

I think the difference, in my mind, is that these are live actors on the stage working very hard and they deserve a little respect and undivided attention.

 

[aprilgail2]

The only show that I've ever seen popcorn allowed was when they used to do A Christmas Carol at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. They had the whole lobby set up, it was really amazing, and had popcorn, cotton candy, and anything else you could imagine.
:

We were at Radio City yesterday and I can't believe what a mess it is between shows- and those shows are pretty close together! Popcorn, candy, soda, winde, beer etc, all sold in the lobby for people to bring in and eat- but worse than that was they sold hot dogs in the lobby-the lady behind me sat there with her family eating hot dogs, the smell made me want to barf- can't stand the smell of those!
I personally don't care how anyone dresses for the shows, we wear jeans, no need to get all dressed up anymore.

 

[piney]

We were at Radio City yesterday and I can't believe what a mess it is between shows- and those shows are pretty close together! Popcorn, candy, soda, winde, beer etc, all sold in the lobby for people to bring in and eat- but worse than that was they sold hot dogs in the lobby-the lady behind me sat there with her family eating hot dogs, the smell made me want to barf- can't stand the smell of those!
I personally don't care how anyone dresses for the shows, we wear jeans, no need to get all dressed up anymore.

Maybe it has something to do with the economy I'm sure these items bring in a big profit, but it detracts from the experience. How can you focus on the show while eating a hot dog and balancing a soda?

Last month we went to see Celtic Thunder at Trump's in Atlantic City. The theatre was disgraceful, my seat was covered in stains, the floor was sticky, DH"s chair was broken and we had a hard time getting them to replace it (they actually used folding chairs ). This for $100 PER ticket!

(LOL - I love your ticker - my DH is counting down to retirement - this morning he told me he has 182 weeks to go!! )

 

[troobabiee7]

Maybe it has something to do with the economy

It has everything to do with the economy. Most people don't know about the theater clubs where you can pay one price to join and then get really cheap tickets to shows, and they don't have the $500 needed to bring their family to see a show. When the economy was doing well, ticket prices skyrocketed and now producers are paying the price. Huge, tony-winning, hit shows are closing left and right because people just aren't going, so theaters are doing whatever they can to lure families back in. If it's turning the theater into a more party-like atmosphere with snacks and drinks, so be it. Not that I agree with it, but that's what's happening, and that's why you only see it at kid-friendly shows.

 

[Erin1700]

We recently saw Mary Poppins on Broadway and I don't think they had popcorn. They did, however, have 2 infants that would start screaming and then the parents would be up and down taking them out! It was really annoying!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

We recently saw Mary Poppins on Broadway and I don't think they had popcorn. They did, however, have 2 infants that would start screaming and then the parents would be up and down taking them out! It was really annoying!

There isn't popcorn at Mary Poppins.....I actually haven't seen it at any show either in NYC or London. I don't put Radio City in the "theater" group because after all it is a movie theater so bring on the popcorn.

 

[MissMet]

I grew up going to shows. We were taught how to dress & act at a show. People just don't teach their kids the values they used to. It's not about the economy, my family & I have been complaining about this issue for the last couple of years now.

It's disappointing that when you want to have a nice night out to see a show & have a nice dinner that you are the one that feels out of place. It's not just the theaters, too. Step into a ruth's chris, it's unbelievable the way people dress & act.

The only show that I've seen lately that somewhat still has the classic broadway feel is Jersey Boys, prob because everyone in there but me was 50+.

You think Hairspray was bad, don't see Grease. All it was was teenaged girls screaming at the top of thieir lungs whenever "Danny" came on stage...and during the kissing scenes, forget it!

 

[troobabiee7]

I grew up going to shows. We were taught how to dress & act at a show. People just don't teach their kids the values they used to. It's not about the economy, my family & I have been complaining about this issue for the last couple of years now.

It's not the economy when it comes to how people dress, but the popcorn is. I've never seen it in a theater, but the shows that are selling it are doing so to appeal to families who just aren't seeing shows anymore.

I have no urge to see Grease. Everyone I know who's seen it complained that it was worse than a high school production Friends of mine went last month and said the same thing as you, that the teenage girls in there thought they were at a Justin Timberlake concert. That would drive me crazy!

 

[MissMet]

It's not the economy when it comes to how people dress, but the popcorn is. I've never seen it in a theater, but the shows that are selling it are doing so to appeal to families who just aren't seeing shows anymore.

I have no urge to see Grease. Everyone I know who's seen it complained that it was worse than a high school production Friends of mine went last month and said the same thing as you, that the teenage girls in there thought they were at a Justin Timberlake concert. That would drive me crazy!

Your friends are exactly right about Grease. I was disappointed & annoyed.

I have high hopes for the revival of West Side Story & even more so for Guys & Dolls, hopefully the audience will be a little older and no popcorn served.

 

[troobabiee7]

Your friends are exactly right about Grease. I was disappointed & annoyed.

I have high hopes for the revival of West Side Story & even more so for Guys & Dolls, hopefully the audience will be a little older and no popcorn served.

I can't wait for West Side Story! I'm also really excited about the revival of Hair, those are the two I'm looking forward to most. I'd also love to see Billie Elliott and Shrek but I can't see discounts being offered for those anytime soon

 

[MissMet]

Yeah, I hear you. I think for those shows time is the only thing that will get us discounts. The discounts they are offering are great, too. I just got two tickets for Chicago for a "Girl's Night Out Christmas gift" for $66 each, front row, center mezz too. I'm taking my friend from GA & the only show she's seen so far is Stomp, so I'm excited for her.

I can't wait for West Side Story! I'm also really excited about the revival of Hair, those are the two I'm looking forward to most. I'd also love to see Billie Elliott and Shrek but I can't see discounts being offered for those anytime soon

 

[troobabiee7]

Yeah, I hear you. I think for those shows time is the only thing that will get us discounts. The discounts they are offering are great, too. I just got two tickets for Chicago for a "Girl's Night Out Christmas gift" for $66 each, front row, center mezz too. I'm taking my friend from GA & the only show she's seen so far is Stomp, so I'm excited for her.

You have to check out TDF! I know I've mentioned it already but I cant recommend it enough. It's $25 to join for the year, and then you get up to 9 $35 tickets per performance for a ton of shows. We've seen Hairspray, Spamalot, Spring Awakening twice, Xanadu and Rock of Ages through it so far, and have always had seats either within the first ten rows of orchestra or in our own box. It's an AWESOME deal! The only catch is that you have to be a teacher, student or union member (of any union) to join. If you fit any of those categories, check it out! Chicago's one of the shows up there! I've actually never seen it. I hope you have a great time!

 

[MissMet]

I actually joined it two weeks ago. I work at a school, so I qualified. But I got a little scared off when I read you possibly won't get your seats together???

The idea of that kinda scared me off. I'm so glad I found someone who is already a member & used them. Have you ever gotten like 2 seats & they were not together? I wouldn't mind buying say 4 seats & they were separated in twos, but I didn't want to chance me & my friend sitting clear across the theater from each other for such a special occasion.

You have to check out TDF! I know I've mentioned it already but I cant recommend it enough. It's $25 to join for the year, and then you get up to 9 $35 tickets per performance for a ton of shows. We've seen Hairspray, Spamalot, Spring Awakening twice, Xanadu and Rock of Ages through it so far, and have always had seats either within the first ten rows of orchestra or in our own box. It's an AWESOME deal! The only catch is that you have to be a teacher, student or union member (of any union) to join. If you fit any of those categories, check it out! Chicago's one of the shows up there! I've actually never seen it. I hope you have a great time!

 

[piney]

I did something I have never done before. I sent an email to the threater manager. He was very nice and said the popcorn was not his idea!

He forwarded my email on to corporate headquarters. I'll let you know how they respond!