In the July 24th Wall Street Journal, Ms. LuPone shared her top five rules of theater etiquette. Check them out below:
1. R-E-S-P-E-C-T- Be aware of your theatergoing neighbor. In front of you, behind you, to your right, and left. Treat them with respect, unless you're sitting next to a loudmouthed idiot.
2. Power Down - Turn off all electronic devices, and watch the play instead.
3. Have Dinner Beforehand- Refrain from eating and drinking in your seat. The majestic old ladies that are Broadway's great theaters deserve your respect. The theater isn't your kitchen. There is always intermission to imbibe.
4. Use Judgment - Don't feel obligated to give everything you see a standing ovation.
5. Prepare For Bliss - Come to the theater with the expectation of being transported. Isn't that why you bought the ticket?
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
I disagree about the drinking as well. I have sinus issues and the back of my throat easily gets dry. I like having the drink so I can take a sip and avoid coughing. Of course, I don't "jostle my ice", "slurp loudly", or "suck like a street walker". :)
I strongly agree with number 4. I hate it when you can sense the audience didn't really like the play but then they all stand up because A) it's a well-known cast or B) the cast just won't leave the stage. And then I end up being the only sitting down
^Yes. I never realized that I stood up for pretty much everything until I visited England and went to a few shows on the West End (where no one gave standing ovations). I am now a lot more focused in on how the show actually makes me feel when it ends rather than who is in it, etc.