Klarinet Archive - Posting 000745.txt from 1999/08

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Audience Distractions
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 19:46:21 -0400

On Wed, 25 Aug 1999, Ken Wolman wrote:

> somewhere during the performance I heard the very loud ringing of a
> cell phone from inside the auditorium. My companion and I were
> aghast. There are notices all over the program that cell phones and
> beepers have to be turned off or set to vibrate.

About a month ago, my wife and I attended a stage performance of the play,
"Steel Magnolias." Near the end, there is a poignant moment where an
emotional monologue is given by one of the characters whose daughter has
just died. At the most crucial moment, where tears are supposed to begin
to flow, and tissues are being pulled from pockets, purses, etc., a cell
phone directly behind me began to ring. At first, it seemed very loud.
The the woman who owned it pulled it from the deep, dark recesses of her
purse, and it was louder still. But, instead of turning it off, she
proceded to answer it and carry on a long conversation, in a normal tone
of voice! She sort of turned her head to one side and talked as if over
one shoulder, as if that would do any good. Everyone in the theater
learned a lot about her. It seems that she was a nurse, and someone was
calling her about obtaining a nurse-practicioner to sit with a sick
relative. It didn't seem very critical to me. The two participants in
the conversation seemed to be disagreeing about something, and the
offending party's voice got louder and more strident as the conversation
got more heated. At least a quarter of the audience was totally
distracted by this shameful display. I couldn't believe the rudeness and
lack of consideration. Her husband or gentleman friend was sitting next
to her, and turned many shades of red as he tried to pretend that he
didn't know her.

The ushers seemed to have gone out for a beer or something, as none of
them came to deal with the problem. If I could have done so without
seeming a rude as she was, I really would have told her what I thought of
her after the performance. As it was, I was limited to clearing my throat
and staring at her with my most disgusted and threatening glare, and
believe me, I can really put the evil eye on someone if I want to. It had
no effect on her, nor did the 50 or so other people who stared at her
equally malevolently.

What would you have done?

Ed Lacy
el2@-----.edu

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