Be-In

Apparently I only use songs from Hair to title my blog posts- that will change once I'm done writing about Hair. But I'm going to try and use song titles from musicals as my titles- we'll see how long that lasts. ;)

I've been listening to Hair (the New Broadway cast recording- the one with Gavin and Will) pretty much non-stop since the week before I saw the show. I love the show and know it's not perfect. But the energy the cast puts out night after night is incredible. It's just a fun show with songs that leave you humming or singing long after you leave the theatre (or theater if you prefer that...).

The show was great. The tribe was FAB and I was lucky enough to see 2 understudies go on (Nick and Larkin- his first time for Woof!)- I have a special place in my heart for understudies from the Spring Awakening 1st National tour- knowing some of the understudies pretty well and getting a lovely amount in Pittsburgh (3 different Melchiors for an example...).

However, the audience left much to be desired.

I feel like I didn't get to fully experience this while seeing Spring Awakening (sitting on stage for the majority of the performances), CLO shows this summer (leaving a little early to run to the cast party (in heels!) to set up before the audience members who were invited arrived), and in New York City.

I sat in two different places: the balcony (there were 4 of us sitting together) and then the orchestra (by myself).

The balcony wasn't full. It was a Saturday night- a typical night that a lot of people go to the theater. However, you could tell where the $25 a ticket seats were; they were totally full. Of course, the second the lights went down, there was the shuffle of people moving to get a better view. I'm not complaining- I've done the same thing before. You want the best possible view for the show for the least amount of money. But please, wait for during the applause or intermission to do it- not when the opening notes are being sung.

Why do people get the programs before the show? Most of the people around me (both shows) immediately opened them up and folded them so they could see the list of songs. And plan their bathroom trips. The second "Where Do I Go?" was over, there wasn't as much applause as Paris (who played Claude) deserved because women were running to get in line for the bathroom. Really ladies? Can we not control our bladders for 2 hours? Go after the show! The intermission isn't only there so you can use the restroom.

I enjoy going alone so I can listen to other people and how they like the show. At the Sunday matinee, I was seated by 3 older women and 2 gay guys on the other side. The two guys LOVED the show and were talking about Nick as Berger. The ladies were talking about playing the record and that they must have added some songs from the record they used to play. During "Where Do I Go?" one exclaimed "Oh! They are naked!"-- thanks lady for pointing that out to me. I couldn't tell. I thought they might leave at intermission, but they didn't. I did notice a decent amount of people that left during intermission or during Claude's trip. It's not a show for everyone. I know my mother wouldn't enjoy it. But, a lot of ticket sales are to subscribers who are people who don't know what they are seeing until they get to the theatre and the show starts. While waiting in line for the parking garage, I heard some other people's views. I heard a couple "I liked the music" or "The lighting was good." One that made me laugh was: "I wonder if that's all their real hair or if they all wear wigs." (Larkin was asked this at the stage door when I saw the show in NYC this past summer).

Dear audience members,
Just because you know the lyrics to a song doesn't mean you should sing along. I'm talking to you sir and your clapping along wife. I came and paid to hear the actors and actresses sing. This is their job and quite obviously not yours, judging by your voice.
Love,
Me.

This happened. During "Let The Sun Shine In" part of "The Flesh Failures/ Eyes Look Your Last/ Let the Sun Shine In" on Sunday afternoon. Those who have seen the show know this an emotional part of the show- those who haven't, I won't ruin it for you. This man and wife knew the song. So, she was clapping along (at a slightly faster rate- more for the one for the curtain call) and her husband was singing along LOUDLY. I was a couple of rows back and over from them and could hear him clearly. Without a microphone. That's not right. It really bugged me since I was sitting there extremely emotional, crying (as I have every time I've seen the show) and he and his wife ruined the moment.

If you want to sing along, BUY the CD, put it in at home or in your car, and sing along there. That's what I do. Please respect your fellow theatre goers.

Of course the show got a standing ovation each time I saw it-- but come to think of it, I've never seen a show in Pittsburgh that hasn't gotten one. Even if it wasn't that great. It's what people come to expect. You get up and clap at the end of the show- no matter if you loved it or not. Of course, there are those who are rushing out of the theatre to go sit in the parking garage. Attempting to beat it never works- so I'm always one of the last out of the theatre (unless I'm in NYC or going to the stage door). Did this show deserve it, yes. 100%. I moved past the ladies sitting beside me (much to their annoyance even though they were already standing up) to run up on stage and dance with the tribe. It's such a unique experience and you have to do it if you see the show. Standing up there dancing and singing "Let The Sun Shine In" with all my heart and soul is an amazing experience that I will never forget. I love it and will totally do it again when I see the show again.

So, if the Hair tour happens to come through your town- go and see it (check out where they're going here! ). Hopefully the audience is better than the one in Pittsburgh- no one singing or clapping at inappropriate times.

Love to all,
Dria