I had the good fortune to see the Tony Award winning muscial Memphis on opening night this week at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. The set, sound, singers, dancers, actors, wardrobe were all in perfect unison as they performed heart-thumping, soul-jumping theater to a sold out crowd. I have never seen a play twice…but this one was so very AMAZING that I am going back Sunday.
Thank you Ruth Eckerd Hall for bringing in such dynamic shows to our hometown. Memphis is touring the entire U.S. this year. I urge you to see it when it comes to your town.
Thank you to all the actors, cast, and crew for giving it your all. I was awed and enjoyed every second.
Just before the curtain, a few minutes before 8:00 p.m., I had the chance to meet lead cast member Quentin Earl Darrington. His voice will make you cry. It is such a unique, beautiful, heart-wobbling voice.
Meeting Quentin Earl Darrington
John Wilson Interviews Quentin Earl Darrington
Opening Night Cast Party Entrance
Tasty Food from the Renowned Ponte's Cafe.
Theater / Performing Arts Etiquette
An evening at the theater can be a magical experience. The music, actors, musicians and audience all come together for one goal — to have a memorable and spectacular evening. With so many people packed into one place, it’s important to take common courtesy and respect along with your ticket with you when you go.
Tips to keep in mind when going to the theater:
- Have your tickets out and ready. Don’t plunder through your pocketbook or pockets to retrieve them. If you’re with a large group of people, let each one of them give their own ticket to the ticketmaster.
- Once you’re inside you may wonder, “Do I face the stage going into my row and finding my seat or do I face the people?” You always want to face the people, and as you pass them, look them in the eye and say, excuse me, hello, good evening, how are you; do that all the way down until you find your seat.
- Being prompt at the theater means arriving fifteen to twenty minutes before the show is due to start. You want to have time to find your seat, read the program, and relax.
- Don’t be a seat thief. I know you see those two seats down there twenty rows in front of you, and think nobody will ever know if you “move down”. Once you safely land in those seats, the people that had the flat tire that is now fixed are going to arrive and you’ll have to do the hike of shame twenty rows back up; so sit in the seat you’ve bought.
- Be respectful and don’t talk, whisper, sing, or hum during the performance. You can be sure you aren’t what the other guests came to hear and see.
- Don’t use your atomizer before going to the theater. People didn’t come to the theater for aroma therapy, or an allergic reaction. Many people are allergic to fragrances, so make sure scent isn’t a part of your outfit when you depart for the theater.
- Remember the 3 C’s: no cameras (or video), no cell phones, and no candy (or gum). If you forgot to get rid of the sweet treat before the show, just put it on a piece of tissue in your purse or pocket.
- Applaud. Performers appreciate when guests give an enthusiastic applause, shout “bravo” and give standing ovations. It is appropriate to applaud after a well performed song or dance, after each scene or act, and at curtain call.
- The protocol for curtain call is, at the end of the show when all the actors come out, clap and show them your appreciation. I know your bunions are barking, your Spankx are pinching and you put your loved one in a suit that’s scratching him, but please stay and show those actors the love. They need to see your pride and not your backside.
