Swan Lake Samba Girl - Latest Comments in TCHAIKOVSKY AND TWIZZLERS DO NOT MIX, NYCB!

Re: TCHAIKOVSKY AND TWIZZLERS DO NOT MIX, NYCB!

Roger Hayes — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 11:36:25 -0000

Not just courtesy to other audience members -- courtesy to the performers. The audience creates the performance with their attention; if you don't fully participate in that creation, you might as well be at a movie.

Re: TCHAIKOVSKY AND TWIZZLERS DO NOT MIX, NYCB!

maxlangrind — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:35:17 -0000

Don't beat yourself up over having the usher intervene - that family's behavior was disruptive and you had every right to enjoy the performance you paid so dearly to see. That they listened to the usher suggests that they now understand and presumably will be more mindful of others in the future. I write this out of frustration with my experience on Saturday night, sitting in the orchestra very front (sorry, that's pretentious, I know), with the people next to me looking at a bright cell phone screen during the Sugar Plum Fairy's solo - despite the admonition at the outset of the performance to shut off phones. Why someone would stare at a cell phone with Ashley Bouder 15 feet away is a mystery to me.

Re: TCHAIKOVSKY AND TWIZZLERS DO NOT MIX, NYCB!

Michael Northrop — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:04:45 -0000

Seriously, though, in terms of practical solutions, I think you are absolutely right: Clear signs posted at the concession stands and by the entrances are the first logical step. Long before we get to tazers :) I think many, or even most, of these people just don't realize that different rules apply at the ballet than the movie theater.

Re: TCHAIKOVSKY AND TWIZZLERS DO NOT MIX, NYCB!

Katrina — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:29:07 -0000

Its not just the Ballet Tonya, its musicals too, especially at regional theatre... I don't know to combat it either *shrugs*

Re: TCHAIKOVSKY AND TWIZZLERS DO NOT MIX, NYCB!

Michael Northrop — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:37:43 -0000

Yes, the ushers are very good. But just in case, I'm bringing a squirt gun to the next performance :)

I actually don't mind a little rustling here and there, but I can't stand talkers. I'm a pretty effective glarer, though. I mean, it might not work for me at a UFC fight, but it works at the ballet.

Re: TCHAIKOVSKY AND TWIZZLERS DO NOT MIX, NYCB!

deborahbroide — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:02:52 -0000

The NYCB has always sold concessions (including noisy candy). That said, most regular ballet-goers respect the fact that candy/food can't be consumed inside the theatre. On the few (very few) occasions that I've had a problem (not just with food but with talkers), I get an usher at intermission. Without fail the ushers put a stop to the offending behavior.
Also, as awful as eating candy is at "Nut," I would gladly put up with it (at least until I complained to an usher at intermission) if it means getting more young people -- including kids -- hooked on ballet. Finally the concessions benefit the company (and boy do they need the money). Again -- you are not wrong (at all!) in being annoyed by candy eating but it's a small price to pay for garnering a new audience (and the ushers are top not at NYCB and always have been. They will, and do put a stop to bad behavior).