PRESHOW STAGEDOOR -- PLEASE READ

[Elphabaluv]

Yeah, now I'd go through my whole long rant about stage door and how being there really early and everything is bad but I've made that 2 times today and so I think I won't. I'd just want to say that I will be breaking the don't go pre-show on the 18th because we've already promised somebody that we're going, but we're just going to drop something off in their hands because they'll be expecting it and we don't want them to check it for bombs and everything and have her get it late. But yes, when they come in we should all back off...and yeah, stage door gets ugly, really ugly. I've seen people get hurt actually, I like to say that I'll avoid it, but I can't because after the show I really feel the need to say hi, but still, I am once again very glad that tis request was made.

[WickedWitchElphie]

I read about that stuff on the Wicked LJ communities. Thank Lurline it was posted, because when I go to NYC in August, I was going to go before the show (because I don't know if I'm going to see Wicked) to see if I could meet any of the cast members, but now I won't. I would feel so bad if it was my fault that they were late!

[ChenoLuvinForMe]

That's BULL. Pardon my French...but Come On! I go to the stagedoor before the shows practically every day---I live down the block from the Gershwin, and I assure you, the mobs are for the benfits of the actors! It gives them pure confidence ANDDDDdd we all know that Idina needs a lot of that! She's so shy! I would know,,,,,,I'm her cousin.

[SugarTherapy]

This is coming directly from Kristin's people, and I've heard it a lot at work as well. It is not "bull." There is no reason for preshow autographs - it sets the actors behind schedule, adds stress to their preshow routine, and creates pedestrian traffic problems on 51st St. It IS a problem, it DOES need to stop, it is NOT appropriate, and I'd really appreciate if those of you on my board refrained from it as a rule because there are very VERY few instances where it is appropriate. You should NEVER preshow intending to get something from an actor, lets just leave it at that. Pictures and autographs are for the post-show stagedoor, and if your tickets are for a wed or sat mat... tough luck, I'm sorry. Those are often THE WORST preshows (but today was HORRIBLE, both before and after - largest I'd ever seen either crowd), because there is no post-show, but if it was that important to you to get autographs and pictures you should've gotten tickets for an evening show. Also, you don't have to have seen the show to go to the door after -- if your trip includes a matinee show, find time to come to the stagedoor after an evening performance during your stay. For the sake of the actors and the time they need to prepare. Please. Thanks.

[SugarTherapy]

Okay, I'm posting this here on my board because I can. I've been around the preshow stagedoor lately either because of work, lotto, or having to deliver fanclub things, etc. to Kristin and I have to say the problem hasn't gotten a lot better. And what I've been noticing is that a lot of people there have this to say: "Yeah, I saw the email/post/etc. saying not to stage door, and I totally understand, but (insert reason why this person and this case is special and okay to be at the door)."

Guys, there is really no reason. I'm a little more understanding toward people who are giving things (gifts, pictures, whatev.) before the show, but people who want autographs and pictures (even if its in addition to the gift-giving) DO NOT NEED TO BE THERE. I'm serious you guys, that's what the post-show stage door is for. I have come across VERY few people who actually have valid reasons for being there before and if it seems like I'm especially cranky about this... well, I am.

Its not that hard to not go to the stagedoor - believe me. Several of us have been asked (because we are the ones they can actually make a request like this to) not to be at the stage door both before and after because the crowds are so huge and we've been there before. Basically, we've been asked to clear out so the first-timers can have a chance at the experience we used to have pretty often. And we've done a very good job of not preshowing, and not postshowing, so it CAN be done. Does it put us at a disadvantage? Yes. Sometime there are things we would like to get to Kristin, or things we need to get to Kristin, and lately its becoming more of a production to get them to her because 1) Stagedoor security has gotten A LOT tighter recently and 2) We're trying to honor the request made and not be there. We feel bad being there because we've been asked not to be, as have all of you (at least for the preshow). I know you may think you have your reasons, but you DON'T. Not for preshowing. Come after the show, or the night before or the night after or whatever, but there is no real need to preshow.

I know someone will say something about matinee days, so I'm just going to say this now (if I haven't already): if you have tickets for a matinee, tough luck. Leave your playbill w/ a SASE to have it signed, leave your gift at the stage door, whatever, but the matinee stagedoors are NOTORIOUSLY bad, and its sick to have to see Kristin wait in a cab to call someone down to escort her in past the crowd.

Please, PLEASE, PLEASE do your best to honor this request, for the actors, for the theatre crew, for everyone.

Thanks,

The Thropp.

[dramaqueen25]

Ok I just really want to say this (Please don't kill me or ban me or anything. And, Aly, this is NOT directed at you. Please don't think it is):

While I've never gone to the stage door before a Wicked show and I don't know first hand what it's like, you've gotta think that the main reason the crowds are so huge is because Kristin is leaving very soon. But you have to think about someone's reason for going before the show.

If someone is going to a matinee they know automatically that they're not going to see the stars. And you can't just say "Well, then go to a night show." Because some people don't have that option. I know a lot of people who go to shows with their parents and their parents will NOT (and I mean will NOT) go to a night show (NYC traffic-it's horrible). So how are they supposed to meet the actors? Before the show.

And, I'm sorry, but you can't tell people to come to a show the night before or the night after. What if they don't live in Manhattan? What if they live in California or, like my cousin Gia, in Europe? When are they going to get another chance to get an autograph, or a picture or maybe give the actor something that they made? You can't just say: "Tough luck."

I, like some others, am fortunate enough to have the money and time to go to plenty of shows and wait after a night show. But some people aren't that lucky. Some people are getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet their idol.

Do I condone the way some people act pre-show? No, not at all. I think it's disgraceful how rowdy people can get. But it happens post-show, too. You have to think about someone's situation for a minute. Just because you're not in that situation, doesn't mean someone's not.

So, my point? If someone who probably will not get another oppurtunity to meet the actors or give them a gift wants to go before the show, let them. Just because some people are immature, why ruin someone else's chance?

Ok, I've been waiting to say that for about a week and a half. Wow, that feels better.

Please, nobody take offense to that. If you feel the need to kick me off the board for this, then do so.

[SugarTherapy]

Honey, we won't kick you off the board for having an opinion and expressing it politely Don't worry.


But I'd just have to say this... LOTS of people who are there are there for thier first time, and LOTS of them ARE the immature ones. I'm just saying this because it has been asked that fans not preshow if they can at all avoid it, and because it can be frustrating when you're trying to get to work. Even a month ago it wasn't this bad, and the actors could hang outside before the show, read the paper, eat their lunch, whatever. Now there's no room to do it without being bothered. I just think that there should never be a need for a preshow barricade, and there is now. I know Kristin's leaving, I know it sucks, but there's just so many people some days and its people who come expecting to get more than they sometimes do, and then they leave disappointed. Also, people come both before and after, and then there are people who get stuck behind them at the barricade after and get nothing.

And, yes, I'm aware of the hypocrisy of that last statement

[ChancetoFly]

Just putting my two cents in on this. Most of the people I talk to, because I live at the Gershwin too and part of my job is to tell people this kind of stuff as it comes down from the PRODUCERS, are very understanding when I ask them not to pre-show, especially on double show days. When it is calmly explained to them that, yes, it is unfortunate that they are seeing a matinee and no, people won't come out after the show because they have another one to do, but please don't pre show because our actors/crew DO need to get to work, most tourists/out of towners are very understanding. In all honesty, I have yet to hear from a tourist that they think it is an unreasonable request. The general response I get is "Wow, you're right, ok there goes that idea. But since we're from out of town and staying in a hotel we'll just come back tonight after the second show. Thanks for the info!"

So really, most tourists are understading. It's the frequent flyers, they who live close and can come at their leisure, that crowd the stage door. I see many a frequent flyer at the show, people who live in town and stop by because they can and want to. Not that we don't love to see you, but if you've seen em once, then you've gotten more than the tourists from Idaho, so please give em a chance. Also, if you've seen em once or more than once, and are not giving them a gift, do you really need to be there? We know you love them, really we do, but the crowds are getting out of control and it's only going to get worse this week. For the safety of our actors, crew, and your fellow theatre goers and Wicked lovers, please be aware that this is a place of business and a workplace. The actors love seeing you, but AFTER the show. Let everyone get to work and then come later and congratulate them on a job well done.

Thanks!

[Elphie]

I really like the 'give the tourists a chance' idea. To people who live in NY and frequent the preshow door, this tourist just sometimes (but I never do because I'm an extremely well-grounded and composed and polite person ) wants to say 'okay, you guys could've come three weeks ago, or when you first learned Kristin was leaving. Why do you have to preshow THIS WEEK?! Let the people who have never been there and never seen the cast have the chance after the show.'
Of course I'm not talking about anyone on this board, just in general terms.
And that's all I have to say about that

[SugarTherapy]

As for us doing the stagedoor this week (we're not preshowing, but i'm talking postshow because people sometimes complain about people who do that a lot), its her last week. You guys are all huge fans of the show, you've seen it a few times, you're excited to meet Kristin. We've been seeing her once a week or more for the past few months. And now she's leaving, and we won't see her again until August, September, January, who knows when. Its different for us than it is for you (not at all trying to say we're better fans or anything, just saying the experience is different for us, so the week is different for us). And to be completely honest, this preshow craziness sucks A LOT because it has robbed some of the regulars of private time with Kristin to give her gifts and such that have a lot of meaning and often explanations. And we haven't been able to do that because there are so many people and we've been asked not to be there before the show. Trust me, giving her something you and your friend conceptualized months ago, something you worked on, something you intended to give her without a crowd of 200 around, something that touches her so much it makes her cry and only having one of you getting the hug for it because the other is smushed into a pole by squealy, annoying "omigod will you be my bestfriendiloveyousomuchi'myourbiggestfanomigod!!!" teenagers SUCKS. Having something she asked you to give her before the show and feeling guilty ANYWAY for being there SUCKS. Knowing you won't have a minute alone to say goodbye and thank you for an awesome 8 months SUCKS. And it sucks in a way none of you can know, because you AREN'T there as often as we are, and the experience is NOT the same for you, and I know I'm going to piss people off by saying it, but you know what? Its the truth. So I'm taking one post to not be a BoZ, and just be a fan, and say what I need to say.

And, no, Mon, this didn't just stem from your post It was a long time coming, and just decided to come now.

[BeautifullyTragic]

SugarTherapy said:

As for us doing the stagedoor this week (we're not preshowing, but i'm talking postshow because people sometimes complain about people who do that a lot), its her last week. You guys are all huge fans of the show, you've seen it a few times, you're excited to meet Kristin. We've been seeing her once a week or more for the past few months. And now she's leaving, and we won't see her again until August, September, January, who knows when. Its different for us than it is for you (not at all trying to say we're better fans or anything, just saying the experience is different for us, so the week is different for us). And to be completely honest, this preshow craziness sucks A LOT because it has robbed some of the regulars of private time with Kristin to give her gifts and such that have a lot of meaning and often explanations. And we haven't been able to do that because there are so many people and we've been asked not to be there before the show. Trust me, giving her something you and your friend conceptualized months ago, something you worked on, something you intended to give her without a crowd of 200 around, something that touches her so much it makes her cry and only having one of you getting the hug for it because the other is smushed into a pole by squealy, annoying "omigod will you be my bestfriendiloveyousomuchi'myourbiggestfanomigod!!!" teenagers SUCKS. Having something she asked you to give her before the show and feeling guilty ANYWAY for being there SUCKS. Knowing you won't have a minute alone to say goodbye and thank you for an awesome 8 months SUCKS. And it sucks in a way none of you can know, because you AREN'T there as often as we are, and the experience is NOT the same for you, and I know I'm going to piss people off by saying it, but you know what? Its the truth. So I'm taking one post to not be a BoZ, and just be a fan, and say what I need to say.

And, no, Mon, this didn't just stem from your post It was a long time coming, and just decided to come now.

Okay i know this is gunna make me come off as a bad person too...but it has to be said...i am the one she mentioned who was PERSONALLY ASKED by KRISTIN herself to come before the show to give her something she HERSELF ordered from me...she told me she was gunna talk to me...and instead there was a MOB there...of people who just were like fanatics...insane fanatics...the ones who just scream in her face and tell her they love her over and over...shes not gunna be able to talk to you if she cant hear...im sorry but its the truth...even she gets irratated by it...she cant understand anything...so now i had to feel terrible i was holding her up before the show with everyone there even though i was asked by her to be there...she tells me "oh ill see you after the show"...and what do i have to say..."kristin i told you on the phone i cant stay after the show to see you"...and she says "omg thats right" and had to come back out and sign and take pictures with more people which again made me feel bad...and i spent all of 5 mins with her with ONE HUGE hug to try and make up for it...all because of the NONSENSE before the show...PLEASE listen to me....KRISTIN HERSELF HAS ASKED THAT ALL FANS....NOT JUST THE ONES SHES MET MORE THAN ONCE...BUT ALL FANS GO AFTER THE SHOW IF THEY WANT PICTURES AND AUTOGRAPHS...barricades before the show is disgusting...again i know your all gunna hate me...and honestly...its something that was snowballing up and had to be dealt with...cause its causing way to much distruction to the joy of meeting kristin...and thats so sad in my book...im not trying to sound all possesive i swear...cause honestly it would be awesome if we could all get our own cheno time...its just when she knows you and asks for something from you herself it means a lil more when you can actually spend a lil time with her...i wish you guys could understand....i dont want to come across mean...i just know thats how its gunna be

[wickedOlivia]

Elphie said:

I really like the 'give the tourists a chance' idea. To people who live in NY and frequent the preshow door, this tourist just sometimes (but I never do because I'm an extremely well-grounded and composed and polite person ) wants to say 'okay, you guys could've come three weeks ago, or when you first learned Kristin was leaving. Why do you have to preshow THIS WEEK?! Let the people who have never been there and never seen the cast have the chance after the show.'

I couldn't agree more....

I feel so bad for those who had been personally asked by Kristin to give her something who were shafted because of other preshowers....it's not fair, really it isn't....

Myself, being a tourist in NYC(August 25th baby!) I can understand the desparatism (not a word but whatev) in wanting to meet their idol, if they can't make it after the show, for whatever reason, fine. Induldge the newbies.

However, I do not care to sympathize with the frequent flyers. As previously mentioned, there is no reason for people who have had the opprotunity to meet and greet their stars to take up the time of others who either a) were requested to be there or b) are experiencing this for the first time and are ignorant to the request to stay away preshow.

It's not so great to hear that people at the stage door have been saying, "yeah, I know we're not suppose to be here, but too bad". Come on people! We're ever so lucky that the cast DOES come out often...imagine if they didn't....constant bombarding might cause this to happen...maybe it's just so intense now because of Kristin's departure, but still....there is no need to ruin a wonderful thing by abusing it just because you can.

It all comes down to respecting the wishes of the cast, ignorance is forgivable, but intentionally ignoring the request isn't.

Just my four cents.....

[kate238]

LOL...I agree with you. I have never pre-showed (haha...I turned that into a verb), frankly because I didn't know about until right before my last trip, and that's when I read Jaime's post and decided I wouldn't this time. However, I also have never met any of the cast (excluding Sean McCourt, the nicest man alive ;D who signed, like, 500 playbills for the hordes at the stage door postshow). The only thing I can think of that would have made my experience at the stage door better is if I had gone in October, right after I had seen the show the first time. Unfortunately, I didn't know about the stage door then. Damn ignorance.
The only people who really bother me at the stage door (besides people who talk for, like, 30 minutes) are the people who come over who don't know anything about the show that they have just seen. I mean, if I care enough to go to the stage door, I am going to look up the actors names and parts first. Seriously, the last time I was there, tons of people were saying things like "I want the green one to sign my playbill!" or "Glinda!!! Over here!" or "Fiyero! SIGN THIS!"
Some of them didn't even know which lead was which. I was asked at least 5 times if the person coming out was "important." OF COURSE THEY ARE IMPORTANT!!!! I know that they were watching for the leads, but it bothers me that they would refer to the ensemble so rudely.
Anyway, thats my two cents. No more Wicked on Broadway for me. No meeting Kristin, no meeting Idina...(No thanks to the pushy people at the stage door who actually pushed me and others away from the barricades....I am a fairly small person. It is not that hard to push me over and take my spot...hopefully the guilt stuck with them....not likely).
I'm holding out for an awesome tour company and saving my money so I can go lots of times when its here.
And, if I go to the stage door, I will learn the actor's names first. ;D

[Galindaba089]

kate238, I know what you mean! Last time I was there, every few seconds this group of people would ask me who it was that was coming out of the stage door. If you bothered to come to the stage door, then you can bother to know who's who. It has a picture of them in the playbill, I mean come on!! Lol.

SugarTherapy, I agree with what you're saying. I've honored Kristin's request and haven't pre-showed since you made this announcement. And I do agree that it's unfair for people who know Kristin to be pushed aside by screaming fans. But just because you (not directing this at you personally) are more restrained than other people at showing your emotions and feelings when meeting your idols, doesn't mean that everyone else has to be. I'm almost 15, and although I am technically a teenager, I don't want to be generalized as a "annoying screaming pushy "omigodimyourbiggestfan" teenager". Even though I know your statement wasn't directed at me personally, I just felt like I should say this. Yes, I'll tell Idina and Kristin that they're amazing and how much I loved them in Wicked etc. and sometimes you do have to yell to be heard over the usually large crowd at the stage door. I've been to the stage door about 7 or 8 times over the course of the year, so I guess that wouldn't really qualify me as a "frequent flyer" but I feel like I've been there a lot, and being on this board and constantly talking about Idina and Kristin as if I know them (lol), I just feel like you don't have to be a "regular" to appreciate Kristin. You also don't have to be a regular to make Kristin a gift and want to talk to her for a few minutes without a screaming crowd, as you say. I don't know, I just feel as if a fan is a fan, whether you've been to the stage door 1,000 times or 1 time. And I don't think that someone who goes every night should neccessarily take priority over someone who's never been. Just my personal oh-pinion (lol).

None of this was meant to be in a rude way, just saying my two cents, so I hope no one gets mad

[wickedOlivia]

Galindaba089 said:

I just feel like you don't have to be a "regular" to appreciate Kristin. You also don't have to be a regular to make Kristin a gift and want to talk to her for a few minutes without a screaming crowd, as you say. I don't know, I just feel as if a fan is a fan, whether you've been to the stage door 1,000 times or 1 time. And I don't think that someone who goes every night should neccessarily take priority over someone who's never been.

I agree with this....hopefully my prior post didn't leave the impression that I didn't...EVERYONE wants to have a good experience meeting these actors...regardless if it's the first, second or 100000000th time...I just think that those who have had the chance to see them 100000000 times should be a tiny bit more considerate to those who had to work almost full time while being a full time student and save every last penny so they could make it to the show and stagedoor...but-I think- fat chance...

I've never seen Kristin or Idina...but I still consider myself a fan...the same way I'm a fan of other performers although I've never seen them perform...when it comes to priority...I think first come first serve...you know? I'm going to head down to the door early Tues night when I'm not seeing any shows so I can get a good spot...and I pity the person who tries to push me out of the way because I will not let someone who just showed up 15 mins after the show to run me over....!

anyhow...I just want to mention that I respect everyone's opinions and everyone has very valid reasons for their opinions and everyone's situations are different, so I can't pretend that I understand where everyone is coming from, but alas I still respect it.