Where have manners and consideration gone? While there are countless examples I could provide, I will go with the most recent. I thoroughly enjoy attending Broadway shows and go in hoping the cell phone checking, soda slurping, popcorn munching, ice eating, candy crunching, wrapper wranglers have come to their senses and finally realize how they are impacting others around them.
Don’t get me wrong, I fully understand selling outrageously priced snack foods substantially adds to overall revenue to help pay the bills. However, is it too much to ask that all noise generating wrappers and food be consumed BEFORE entering the seating areas?
I guess I need different seats as it seems I always end up surrounded by people who have the incessant need to constantly eat, jiggle ice cubes and/ or mangle the popcorn bag or candy wrappers. What is interesting is they appear totally oblivious to how sound amplifies. Particularly in a venue suited for good acoustics.
While it is certainly within the rights of any paying customer to enjoy the various treats offered by the venue, isn’t it also a right for the other paying customers to enjoy the show with minimal distractions? A recent play and the lead actress is in the middle of the aria. The audience is captivated. She pauses and just as she is about to finish the song, some moron slurps the last bit of soda from his cup then shakes the ice to try and free up more liquid. Really? Can someone actually be that ignorant. Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding Yes.
So to those who attend the theater, cinema or any social event that may require a quiet environment or moment during a performance, and you fall into the ISG (incessant snacking group), please show some consideration for those around you. If not, then it is a good bet the side looks, head turns, evil eyes and throat clearing ahems are probably directed at you.
P.S. Shut your phone OFF! The vibrate feature is just as annoying as the ringing.