Recently I read an interesting article by the New York Times chief theatre critic, Ben Brantley, about the problem with standing ovations at Broadway shows. It seems audiences are still going nuts about everything and anything on stage and Brantley is calling for an end to this obsession. Even lame shows are receiving standing ovations at the end of the night.
Do we have this problem in Australia? Do we mostly see audience standing ovations at just the opening and closing nights of a show? Is it mainly for musical blockbusters down the east coast cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane (I know Adelaide and Perth often miss out, but that’s another post altogether)? Most importantly, do we only stand up for quality?
I must say, I haven’t seen too many standing ovations in Melbourne of late, so I’d be interested in readers comments.
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Dosent happen too often in Melbourne. I also hold mine back for only the best. Hairspray was the last one I gave out.
Hairspray was my last standing ovation, too, Michael. Loved that show.
Absolutely! I can’t stand it. I give out mine sparingly, maybe once every 18 months!!