Top 10 Things You Should NEVER Say to a Musical Theatre Fan
#10: “I’m Throwing Away This Playbill”
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Few things will break a musical theatre fan's heart more than seeing discarded Playbills scattered in the street after a performance. For many audience members, programs are simply informational, but it's much deeper than that for theatre lovers. These little booklets are a special memento, a sacred souvenir, and a collectible item. They archive the ephemeral nature of live performances through text and photos and sometimes even serve as a place for autographs. But remember if you are going to toss your Playbill, make sure to recycle it accordingly.
#9: “Superstitions Aren’t Real”
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When it comes to something with high stakes, like a live performance, it's wise to do anything to prevent any hiccups. There are many famous superstitions in the theatre that all artists will outright avoid. Everything from saying the name of "The Scottish Play" to wishing a performer "good luck" is considered, well… bad luck. Even whistling in a theatrical venue is taboo! So, no matter what you believe in, it's best to air on the side of caution and brush up on theatrical dos and don'ts just to be safe.
#8: “Lin-who?”
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If you haven't heard the name Lin-Manuel Miranda, well, chances are your theatre lovin' pal is going to roast you for it. The "Hamilton" creator has become a household name in the past decade, with both his face and name plastered across Broadway and Hollywood. As an actor, rapper, composer, writer, and producer, his talents know no bounds, and he's so close to achieving EGOT status. Winner of a Pulitzer Prize, Miranda is an icon in the Broadway community, so, best to brush up on your Lin-ucation before catching up with your musical theatre-obsessed friends.
#7: “I Know Everything About Theatre”
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In general, being a "know-it-all" is kind of annoying. But for theatre fans, they feel it on a whole other. The industry is so big and expansive that it's nearly impossible to know every single name, title, and term. Even seasoned creators don't know everything about the art form! Theatre is a collaborative art form and requires all kinds of experiences, skills, and insights to make it happen. So, don't feel as if you need to know every little bit about it. Just bring your experience to the table and your theatre buds will help fill in the rest!
#6: “A Play & A Musical Are The Same Thing”
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This is an easy way to insult a theatre fan. Like apples to oranges, plays and musicals are vastly different. A musical is a story told through song and usually but not always, dance, and a play is a story told through dialogue. However, there are exceptions to this. For instance, Tarell Alvin McCraney’s 2012 play, "Choir Boy," is a play with music but not a musical. Usually, songs in musicals help drive the plot while dialogue drives it in plays. No matter who is steering the wheel, both theatrical genres are great in their own ways.
#5: “All Musicals Are Happy & Unrealistic”
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If you think all musicals are rainbows and unicorns, then maybe you haven't seen enough of them. Sure, the genre lends itself well to uplifting and joyful stories. After all, nothing screams “happiness’ like people bursting into song. But there are so many shows that are downright devastating! "Les Miserables," "Once on This Island," and "Ragtime" will all pull on your heartstrings. Then there are shows like "West Side Story," "Spring Awakening," and "Parade," which are pure tragedies. The list goes on and on, but never assume that all musicals are made equal when it comes to their emotional weight.
#4: Insulting a Performer
For theatre fans, performers are like gods. Everyone, from the ensemble to the leads, is cherished, admired, and looked up to. But no matter how skilled an actor is, that doesn't mean everyone will like their acting. There are many factors that contribute to someone's performance, but it's never okay to insult them. This is also true if an understudy steps into a role. Imagine filling in a role at the last minute and going on stage to a room full of people who were anticipating someone else. The pressure is intense in any situation so it’s always a good idea to try to find the positive, especially within a few blocks of the venue where that actor might be within earshot.
#3: Insulting a Show
Not every play or musical is going to be a winner. Sometimes a show, for whatever reason, is not your cup of tea. It's perfectly fine to have your preferences, but what you don't enjoy might be someone else's favorite production. Often, for theatre fans, a show is more than a show. It may hold special meaning for them and can cut deep hearing someone tear it apart. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion but around a theatre fan, maybe leave any harsh criticism to the critics.
#2: Insulting Theatre as a Career
Working in the arts can be a wonderful, fulfilling, and exciting career. On the other hand, it can also be filled with rejection, sacrifice, and heartbreak. It may look like all fun and games, but that is just the result of years of blood, sweat, and tears. Creatives are already very well aware of both the joys and hardships of their careers so degrading their profession hurts more than helps. If you have a friend pursuing a life in theatre, having their back and supporting their ambitions is always appreciated.
#1: “Enough With the Show Tunes!”
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If you're friends with musical theatre fans, chances are you're going to hear a lot of show tunes. They are the soundtrack of their lives and hold a special place in their hearts. Telling them to shut it off is asking a lot! Now, that's not to say that's the only genre they listen to, but it definitely takes priority on their music listening preferences. Even musicals aren't your jam, the good news is that there are lots of different styles of show tunes, so, it's likely that there's one out there that'll appease both your tastes.
