This is gonna be brief and vaguely irrational.
I just have to say for the record that I'm sick to death of standing up at the end of every Broadway show!
What is going on with these people? It's gotten to the point where it really doesn't matter one iota what actually transpired on that stage, at some point during the curtain call, audiences leap to their feet.
When I was in my twenties, I was a purist when it came to the standing ovation. Oh, I was firm in my commitment never to cave to peer pressure. If my entire world had not been shaken to its core, I applauded heartily from my seat, thank you very much.
Not so today. Maybe it's a product of getting older. I'm not sure. But these days, I feel the heat of judging eyes on me the moment I even hesitate for an instant once that euphoric leap has begun.
And another thing. Is it just me, or do Broadway audiences tend to reserve that moment of ecstatic appreciation for the very nanosecond the biggest celebrity hits the stage? I know, I know, I sound like a real sour puss but last night at South Pacific, a whole parade of talented souls took their bows to a seated house right up until the moment Kelli O'Hara appeared. Now is that really fair? I mean, what an ensemble! What an orchestra! The girl is great but, come on.
Spread the love, people!
OK. I'm done.
