The Broadway scene is abuzz with reports of unruly behavior at the new hit show “Cabaret.” As audience members are treated to a 75-minute “prologue” before the main performance, where dancers entertain in the “Kit Kat Club” bar area of the August Wilson Theater, the free-flowing alcohol seems to be fueling some bad behavior. Each guest is offered a shot of schnapps upon entry and given a drink voucher, setting the stage for what some have described as a chaotic night at the theater.
Reports from Reddit conversations reveal instances of theatergoers being disruptive due to excessive drinking. Guests have complained about fellow audience members being loud, obnoxious, and disrespectful during the show. One person shared how a drunk woman next to them was constantly getting up to use the restroom, clinking her ice cubes, and engaging in disruptive behavior, despite repeated requests to stop. Another attendee recounted a confrontation with a rowdy couple who were singing, talking loudly, and even giving rude gestures when asked to quiet down.
In some cases, security had to step in to address disruptive behavior by patrons. The incidents ranged from one woman walking on stage and grabbing the star Eddie Redmayne during a song, to another woman in the front row loudly blowing kisses at the actors. Audience members shared their frustrations with the lack of control over drunken and disruptive individuals, leading to shouting matches and confrontations during the performance.
Apart from drunken behavior, complaints also surfaced about cell phones going off during the show, adding to the chaos. Some theatergoers joked about the lack of etiquette and compared the disruptions to past incidents in the theater world, such as Patti Lupone snatching a phone from an audience member. The combination of excessive drinking, disruptive behavior, and technological distractions seemed to detract from the overall theater experience for many attendees.
Despite the reports of disruptive behavior, many audience members still expressed their admiration for the show itself. They praised the performance of the actors and the overall production while acknowledging the challenges posed by intoxicated and rowdy patrons. Some even suggested that dealing with drunk individuals was a minor inconvenience compared to the quality of the show.
The incidents of alcohol-fueled chaos at “Cabaret” highlight the challenges that theaters face in managing audience behavior. While the show itself may be a hit among theater enthusiasts, the disruptive actions of a few individuals can significantly impact the overall experience for everyone. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible drinking and respectful behavior in the theater, ensuring that all patrons can enjoy the performance without unnecessary disruptions.