In the past three weeks at least three incidents involving theater-goers and cell phones have made headlines.
Actor and singer Patti LuPone explains why she grabbed the phone of a woman who'd been texting during her performance of "Shows For Days," and talks about theater etiquette, especially for (in her words) "rude, self absorbed and inconsiderate audience members who are controlled by their phones."
Plus: WNYC's business and economics editor (now heading cultural coverage) Charlie Herman talks about how theaters and theater-goers address the challenge of electronic devices and live performance.
Patti LuPone is on @BrianLehrer on @WNYC right now and I'm afraid to even pick up my cellphone while I'm listening! Love you LuPone!
— Denise Schipani (@DeniseSchipani) July 15, 2015
Important notice: @PearlTheatreCo is seriously on a roll with theater puns + tech etiquette right now. https://t.co/PMypFHZovL
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 15, 2015
On #TheaterEtiquette: There's no need ask Siri what exactly is the importance of being Ernest. (CC:@BrianLehrer)
— The Pearl Theatre Co (@PearlTheatreCo) July 15, 2015
.@Patti_LuPone: it's actually illegal to use phones in theaters/galleries/etc. She's right but it's largely ignored. http://t.co/Y8IQFo43PT
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 15, 2015
“You do your best to keep the audience in that suspension of disbelief, and it’s become harder + harder + harder. It’s a zoo.” @Patti_LuPone
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 15, 2015
"People should be thrown out of the theater - ejected, as the law states! I think the audience would erupt in cheers." -@Patti_Lupone
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 15, 2015