Theatre Queen - Pissed Off Patti

Awhile back Todd over at Postcards... did a post about Patti LuPone having a Diva moment during a performance of the musical "Gypsy," by stopping a show to have someone in the audience removed from the theatre, because he or she was taking pictures, while Patti was belting out "Rose's Turn" (a show stopper of a song by the way. The irony!). A couple of his readers, along with Todd, felt Patti was a bit over the top and should have went on with the show.

I'm taking Patti's side on this one, and here's why:

Imagine you are on stage giving it your all. You have to dig deep in order to hit and carry those notes, while being in character. It takes a lot to do that folks. The amount of focus and awareness of all around you is higher than usual. Then you see flashes of light coming at you, one, two, then three (yup, the offenders took three pictures). There you are struggling to sell it and a damn light is breaking your concentration. It's just not right. The rules were explained before the performance; no flash photography!

I also want to add that many of my friends that performed as dancers, have said that it is dangerous to have a flash go off in your face while you are dancing.

I'm glad Patti called them out. This is something you have to nip in the bud, because if you don't, I can see future shows being fucked up by a bused in tourists, trying to get yet another snapshot souvenir from their trip to NYC. Imagine if audiences get over this rule and you have a series of flashes going off throughout a show. Not good! You want a picture of the star, wait till the curtain call, or go to the stage door and get a shot of you and your favorite performer.

I also have to admit, if I was there and got to see the drama in person, it would have been gravy! I'm okay with seeing rude and inconsiderate people get their hands slapped.