Seeing A Show? What You Need To Know
Whether you're a newbie or an avid fan of musicals, this post is definitely for you.
Seeing a show? What do you need to know?
First, BE ON TIME. You don't want to miss anything because no live theatre is the same. You might miss a very funny, one-of-a-kind blooper, or an insanely amazing riff that you'll regret for the rest of your life.
Second, BE OPEN. I've seen quite a number of shows both locally and internationally, and expectations are set differently. Production-wise, international tours have the closest stage set-up and props to that of Broadway. Although some tours like Beauty and the Beast (Manila 2015) and Wicked UK Tour (Manila 2017) both have downsized staging. That being said, you may not get the full Broadway experience, but you're still in for a treat. While local productions can never have grand staging, the local talent sure makes up for it.
Third, BE FORGIVING. Live theatre is different from a recorded, perfected movie. Unexpected things happen. For instance, Elphaba may not fly on Defying Gravity, or (God forbid) there'd be no magic carpet ride on Aladdin. Yes, you paid an expensive ticket, and double yes, it may be your one and only chance to see the show, but it is part of live theatre. It is the beauty and the curse of it. But know for sure that no one likes that, most especially the cast and crew.
Fourth, ENJOY. Oh my gosh, you didn't pay to sleep (yep, talking to myself here), criticize, and talk to your seatmate. Also, RESPECT the cast and the audiences. I know you're excited, 'cause I am too! Please remember it is not a karaoke, even if you know all the songs by heart. I Dreamed A Dream, My Favorite Things, Dancing Queen, Let It Go --- sounds familiar? YES. Do not succumb to singing unless you're Jeremy Jordan or something. But seriously, unacceptable. Thank you.
Lastly, BE PREPARED. Know where the stage door is. It took 3 years before I knew the magic of stagedooring, and I never turned back. It makes your experience a lot better than you can imagine. Meeting the brilliant actors after the show, even getting to talk to them about your experience, is the icing on the cake you never thought you needed. Just know that actors are in no way obliged to sign or stop at the stage door. There has been a lot of debates regarding this issue, and I may have an unpopular opinion that we cannot discuss in public 😏😜. Manage your expectations when going to the stage door. I've had a fair share of unpleasant experiences caused by rude people and unmet expectations.
In the previous years, the International Tours that come to Manila have more stagedooring time (at CCP) than the recent tours (Solaire). It's because these actors have to run to the bus to get back to their hotel. They do have a strict time of leaving the theatre, so don't be offended when they don't stop. Some also never expect people to want their autographs, especially the ensembles, so again, it's nothing personal. If you happen to go on a good day, you might be able to have a short talk with the actors and even have a selfie, just ask nicely. Please bring your own sharpie, if you want an autograph, when stagedooring in Manila.
It's important to note that stage door experience is always different abroad, so know if there is an actual stage door or a stage door culture. For example in Hong Kong's Asia World Expo Arena, there is no stage door when I saw Phantom of the Opera in 2015. Good thing most of the musicals now are performing at HKAPA where stage door is easy to find. Stage doors on broadway are listed here for those going to New York. TIP: Don't know where to go? Ask an usher before the show starts, so you'll know which way to run after the curtain call and not get lost in the crowd. Knowledge is power, my friends. 😉
Hope this short list is insightful. Have the greatest time watching live theatre and maybe, stagedooring!
💋
Kristine
Seeing a show? What do you need to know?
First, BE ON TIME. You don't want to miss anything because no live theatre is the same. You might miss a very funny, one-of-a-kind blooper, or an insanely amazing riff that you'll regret for the rest of your life.
Second, BE OPEN. I've seen quite a number of shows both locally and internationally, and expectations are set differently. Production-wise, international tours have the closest stage set-up and props to that of Broadway. Although some tours like Beauty and the Beast (Manila 2015) and Wicked UK Tour (Manila 2017) both have downsized staging. That being said, you may not get the full Broadway experience, but you're still in for a treat. While local productions can never have grand staging, the local talent sure makes up for it.
Third, BE FORGIVING. Live theatre is different from a recorded, perfected movie. Unexpected things happen. For instance, Elphaba may not fly on Defying Gravity, or (God forbid) there'd be no magic carpet ride on Aladdin. Yes, you paid an expensive ticket, and double yes, it may be your one and only chance to see the show, but it is part of live theatre. It is the beauty and the curse of it. But know for sure that no one likes that, most especially the cast and crew.
Fourth, ENJOY. Oh my gosh, you didn't pay to sleep (yep, talking to myself here), criticize, and talk to your seatmate. Also, RESPECT the cast and the audiences. I know you're excited, 'cause I am too! Please remember it is not a karaoke, even if you know all the songs by heart. I Dreamed A Dream, My Favorite Things, Dancing Queen, Let It Go --- sounds familiar? YES. Do not succumb to singing unless you're Jeremy Jordan or something. But seriously, unacceptable. Thank you.
Lastly, BE PREPARED. Know where the stage door is. It took 3 years before I knew the magic of stagedooring, and I never turned back. It makes your experience a lot better than you can imagine. Meeting the brilliant actors after the show, even getting to talk to them about your experience, is the icing on the cake you never thought you needed. Just know that actors are in no way obliged to sign or stop at the stage door. There has been a lot of debates regarding this issue, and I may have an unpopular opinion that we cannot discuss in public 😏😜. Manage your expectations when going to the stage door. I've had a fair share of unpleasant experiences caused by rude people and unmet expectations.
It's important to note that stage door experience is always different abroad, so know if there is an actual stage door or a stage door culture. For example in Hong Kong's Asia World Expo Arena, there is no stage door when I saw Phantom of the Opera in 2015. Good thing most of the musicals now are performing at HKAPA where stage door is easy to find. Stage doors on broadway are listed here for those going to New York. TIP: Don't know where to go? Ask an usher before the show starts, so you'll know which way to run after the curtain call and not get lost in the crowd. Knowledge is power, my friends. 😉
Hope this short list is insightful. Have the greatest time watching live theatre and maybe, stagedooring!
💋
Kristine
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