Backstage: "It was intermission at the final Broadway performance of 'Next to Normal,' and Natalie Chernicoff, who was seeing the show for the 32nd time, was talking mascara with Kathleen Parker, who was seeing it for the 42nd time.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
For Some, a Favorite Show Becomes a Way of Life
Backstage: "It was intermission at the final Broadway performance of 'Next to Normal,' and Natalie Chernicoff, who was seeing the show for the 32nd time, was talking mascara with Kathleen Parker, who was seeing it for the 42nd time.
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3 comments:
The fact that there are so many frequent regulars is shocking, yet very intriguing. After seeing Next To Normal, I can completely understand the catharsis the fans speak of. It is interesting how seeing a show like that on repeat is enjoyable instead of emotionally draining, but it brings me great joy to see how these shows have such a serious impact on so many audience members. It is also so great to see actors appreciating these serious fans, just as Ripley did at her final performance. It is so great to see how the audience and members of a show have such an influence on each other's lives.
As someone who tends to do repeat visits at my favorite shows (not to the extent that these people do, but some of my numbers are up there...), I agree with a lot of what this article had to say. For me, my favorite shows are fun to see again because the best shows give you something new every time: like rereading a favorite book. In the case of the theatre, I've seen different actors take on exciting roles, and learned new things about the show by watching their performance. There is also a lot of camaraderie among regulars at a show; i have made a lot of my closest friends in rush lines and at ticket lotteries. I'm glad these fans got to be interviewed, and I hope more people, if they're financially able (don't forget about rushes and lotteries!) would consider giving shows a second, third, or even tenth visit.
THIS is what makes shows great. I hate to beat the Spider-man horse to death but IF somehow people connect to the story in Turn Off the Dark THEN it will succeed. Spectacle is awesome but theatre is all about the story story story.
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