Best with Fans- Page 3
Best with Fans
#50re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 4:17pm
I never understood why so many celebrities have a problem with signing autographs. All you have to do is sign your name. Chances are you've done many, many times in your general life. Personally, I'd be honored if it ever got to the point in my life where my signature meant a lot to someone.
I am not referring to actors who are simply tired and want to go home after a performance. That's fine. But, there are some people who say "I don't sign autographs". What does that mean?
StateOfJade
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/03
#51re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 4:31pmSebastian Arcelus, Mayumi Ando, Karmine Alers, Daphne Rubin Vega
"I really liked the show--Wish I saw Boy's Night...Am I allowed as I am not a boy anymore:)"-duffyny1
#52re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 4:32pm
I totally agree about having nice moments with stars...To me, that is worth so much more than their name on a piece of paper/playbill! That's why I can totally understand those who say they don't sign things- they know a lot of it will probably end up on Ebay anyway..
I had a really nice encounter with Bebe Neuwirth after I saw her in "Writer's Block", that is more precious to me than any autograph. I had heard she doesn't like to sign things, so I didn't plan on asking. So I waited for her for about 20 minutes in the rain, just me, and when she came out I asked her if I could say something to her. She said of course, so I told her that it had been my dream for so many years to see her live, and that she lived up to every single expectation! I didn't ask for anything, just told her that and smiled- and she was kinda surprised, said "wow! thank you so much!" and smiled right back at me. :) We chatted for about a minute after that, and then she left. It was short and sweet, and a memory I will always treasure. I don't need her autograph to remind me of it.
"Years from now, when you talk about this - And you will - Be kind. "
JO125
Featured Actor Joined: 7/16/03
#53re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 4:43pm
Often, I can't make out whose autograph I got anyway when reading it later. But when they stop and engage in a short conversation that's the best. And when they actually recognize you, after you have seen them a few times 
My children never consider their theatre experience complete unless they meet the actors afterward. They do try for the autographs, but my little one certainly enjoys a good chat.
#54re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 4:49pmJo- the first time Louise Pitre recognized me I almost fainted. LOL
"Years from now, when you talk about this - And you will - Be kind. "
JO125
Featured Actor Joined: 7/16/03
WhatDoINeedWithLove?
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/03
#56re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 5:12pmTotally agree, I mean I DO ask for autographs, but Id prefer a moment. Gavin Creel and Sutton Foster are my two favorites and then when I saw Mille for the second time I was just waiting as Sutton signed stuff then she looked up at me and said "Oh hey! I remember you! I remembered you during the show tonight! You were in like the 4th row, right?" Sutton REMEMBERED me and SAW me during the show (I think it was during "Jimmy" cause I swear we had eye contact!) Then when I saw Gavin in "Bounce" I said "Hey Gavin Im a big fan" and he was like "Hey...Ken?right?" and we chatted for a while and he gave me college advice!! YAY!
Hello Gorgeous
Broadway Star Joined: 7/29/03
#57re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 6:24pmChristine-I couldn't stay after at the stage door either, but that was a really sweet thing Bernadette did, making the driver stop and all.
~*Christa*~
"Don't ya wanna be the life of the party?" Idina Menzel, THE WILD PARTY
CJR
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/14/03
#58re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 6:39pmNot to totally jump off topic... but you saw Bounce WDINWL? What did you think? I'm heading to DC on the 25th to see Michele Pawk in it and am really excited. I know the show itself lacks a lot, but it'll be fun to see Michele again and see her in a show :)
"You're every gay man's wet dream!" ~ MA
If in Heaven you don't excel, you can always party down in hell...
GirlfriendFromCanada
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/7/03
#59re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 6:43pm
Though I wasn't a huge fan of his performance, Joey Fatone was absolutely one of the best with fans I've ever witnessed. He usually had a HUGE bunch, as there is no easy retreat from the Nederlander, and he'd stick around usually ten or fifteen minutes signing and taking pictures before getting into his waiting SUV. Not to mention that he only called out five or six times in his five month run (and he was scheduled for all eight shows a week), probably because he knew that people were coming to see him. It really made me respect and appreciate him a lot.
A few other Rent people that are almost always incredibly nice are Sebastian Arcelus and Ryan Link. Ryan comes out with his "Can't Talk" sign when he needs to rest the voice, but is still animated and sweet while mute.
John Tartaglia was a sweetie, when I asked him for a picture, he made sure we took it under the Avenue Q sign. He also assured me it was ok to have a crush on Rod. Good.
singnyc
Understudy Joined: 7/6/03
#60re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 6:51pm
"he only called out five or six times in his five month run..."
That's actually quite a few missed performances for a five month run. I mean, I am obviously not going to hold it against the guy- I just do not agree with that statement.
Updated On: 10/13/03 at 06:51 PM
GirlfriendFromCanada
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/7/03
#61re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 7:00pmMaybe it is, but compared to the rest of the Rent cast, it's really not. Four of them were pre-arranged (VMA's, and a trip to LA to do publicity for being in Rent on various talk shows), and only one was not announced ahead of time. And for a fan of the stand-by, five was not really enough! Plus, I consider Rent to be a very draining show to WATCH sometimes, let alone perform, which is probably why the cast members call out more often than other shows. I wouldn't really know though.
WhatDoINeedWithLove?
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/03
#62re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 7:26pmCJR, Bounce...eh...Well, uhh...I think Michelle, Gavin, and RIchard give great performences. It lacks any great songs, and the book is nothing special...ANd REALLLLY drags on. It has its "cute" moments, but overall isnt a great show, but its an okay show. Plus, I hear there has been a lot changes...SO i hope its better because I saw potential
Al Dente
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#63re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 7:34pmI would hope that any Broadway *star* would be extremely grateful and gracious to have anyone at all, ask for their autograph.
CaTheatreGirl
Broadway Star Joined: 5/12/03
#64re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 7:51pm
I'll agree that a chance meeting and chat with a celebrity is more memorable to me than getting a signature. Still etched in my memory is meeting and chatting with Ginger Rogers after her performance in Mame in London many years ago. She was so sweet and animated as we talked about the show. I never got her signature on my program but it didn't matter. I left with more to remember than a name on a paper.
If I happen to enjoy a show, I may wait for signatures on my Playbill or a poster (I have a nice collection framed and hanging in my hallway!) and a chance to compliment the actors on a job well done. Most are always very gracious and appreciative of the good words. I'm pretty quiet and respectful of them as people since they do cherish their privacy.
Al Dente
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#65re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 8:14pmIt's always intrigued me that so many celebs (and I mean household names, not Sutton or Alice),who spend so much energy and a good portion of their lives *clawing* their way to the top, (to get famous), suddenly "cherish their privacy".
#66re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 8:43pmGotta go with Sutton here - she was so sweet and patient and signed autographs and posed with everyone in nearly freezing temperatures when I saw her this past February. Kerry Butler is also very sweet and a pleasure to speak with at the stage door. And Diana Kaarina is another very sweet performer - she genuinely cares about all of her fans. I really haven't had any bad experiences with anyone at the stage door.
robyn525600
Broadway Star Joined: 9/26/03
#67re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 8:50pmMy best experiences have been Raul Esparza, James Brennan (ME & MY GIRL) and David Bryant (original Marius from OBC of LES MISERABLES). My worst have been Molly Ringwald, Harvey Fierstein, Michael Crawford and Michael Maguire.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."
cmleidi
Broadway Star Joined: 9/27/03
#68re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 8:57pm
How did Molly Ringwald, Harvey Fierstein, Michael Crawford and Michael Maguire behave? Of course, I don't even know who Maguire is. I'm constantly amazed at how some performers snub their fans. It comes back to bite them in the end because they'll need these fans on their way down.
JO125
Featured Actor Joined: 7/16/03
#69re: re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 9:18pm
I found Michael Crawford to be very pleasant after "Dance of the Vampires".
Molly Ringwald was very sweet to my son after Tick Tick Boom, I must say, to give her credit. But after Cabaret one night, as she signed autographs, I mentionned to her that my kids happened to be watching one of her movies lately, hoping I guess for a smile or a nice word. Rather, she very curtly asked "Do you want my autograph?" Actually I didn't--already had it, but I just said "yes" and left it at that. Oh well, it was cold out, maybe she was tired, but it really was one of those give a signature but don't expect repartee kind of moments, and I felt disappointed in her.
ShbrtAlley44
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/03
#70re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 9:40pmEartha Kitt, last I saw, signed autographs. I hear she slaps people backstage though.
#71re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 10:34pm
I have to say that I have never had any bad experiences when meeting performers at the stage door. Sutton Foster was such a sweetheart..she was so nice and didn't make it at all seem like an obligation. Also Patrick Wilson was great, a friend of mine who is also a huge fan of his wasn't able to make it there with me and so he wrote her out a quick message on the playbill and signed it.
My favorite experience was defininely with Adam Pascal though!! Oh man....he was sooo great though and he actually talked to my friend on the phone(my cell!!) and if anyone wants to hear the whooole "phone story", as we now call it, let me know! I had heard from other ppl that he wasn't very good with fans but I really don't understand any of that because he was soo sweet!!
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
#72 Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 10:38pm
Two Words....
LINDA EDER. She will wait for each person until the very very end. She is the nicest one ever.
but honorable mantions go to
Brian Stokes Mithcell (RAGTIME)
Petula Clark (SUNSET BOULEVARD)
Audra McDonald (RAGTIME)
cabarethed
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/03
#73re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 10:59pm
Ooh yeah, I forgot to mention, Billy Zane was really nice after Chicago. He seemed like he'd be full of himself (just MY own observation), but it was a relatively small crowd and he was very polite and nice about signing. My friend is a huge fan of his but couldn't make it up with me. I had one of his nice flyers with me and asked him to sign it. As he signed, I told him that about my friend. He paused, asked her name, and then personalized it to her with little peace-love-happiness symbols. I thought that was a very lovely thing to do.
Raul Esparza's great with faces. I had one of the happiest actor experiences of my life, thanks to him I never once saw Molly Ringwald sign. Not a particularly nice lady (and NOT just b/c of that). I was disappointed that Jennifer Jason Leigh snuck out a back door after Proof. There was practically nobody there...I didn't want anything from her, I just wanted to speak to her for a brief minute b/c I was so overwhelmed by the show and her performance. Oh well. After some past rude actor experiences, I'd rather have no encounter than a potential bad one.
I also can't emphasize enough how wonderful Neil Patrick Harris was (another good one with faces). The second time I met him, I was one of the only people out there...he kinda hugged me and we had a long conversation in the freezing cold, even with his friends waiting by the car.
Lately, Alan Cumming's been a little weird with fans, but the first time I met him (after Design for Living) was the absolute best. He was my first celeb and I was dying. My friend had already met him a few times by then, so he knew her. In a nutshell... He responded to every fan and saved us for last. He said hi to us, told us to wait, and put his mom in a cab (she was going back to Scotland). Then his boyfriend and friends waited up by his car while he talked to us for a really long time. He told my friend how he saw her website for him, how he saw mine, chatted about other things, and then did the whole autograph/pic bit. It was, for lack of a better word, simply amazing. In fact it may have been awesome. I was spoiled for any other encounters from that point forward.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#74re: re: Best with Fans
Posted: 10/13/03 at 11:05pmI also forgot that Vanessa WILlIAMS so so nice to all of us. She signed everyting and took pictures and laughed and had a nice time.
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