Tonight is the last performance of "Romeo and Juliet."
As usual, the house was over-sold. As unusual, everyone showed up. We stuffed as many as we could in there, until one guy went outside to call the fire department, because we had people sitting on the steps.
As we have always had when the house is over-sold.
So our House Manager had to invite people to leave, with a refund and comp tickets to the next show.
Because this was their last chance to see this one.
Mary Ellen and Cliff Butler were two of the people who left, and they were two who I especially wanted to see the show.
If the guy was so upset about overcrowding, why didn't he just leave?
We do need to find a computer system that will force people to pay for a seat when they reserve one. That will prevent over-selling.
I don't know why people insist on waiting until closing night--the house was half empty on Thursday. There were several empty seats last night. Earlier in the run, there were several nights when there wre a lot of empty seats.
Part of the problem is that people make reservations and then don't cancel when they decide not to come. That's why we over sell in the first place, because, otherwise, we wind up turning people away and having empty seats.
It's a shame to close on such a sour note.
Hi Ronni!
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Ohhh, I'm so sorry! People can be such jerks. :( I've always loved being in the theatre when it's packed with eager patrons. It makes the entire experience just that much better!
ReplyDeleteCliff & ME are class acts. It's a huge shame they didn't see the show, but they're the kind of people who will step aside to make sure others can have a fun experience. Better them than someone who will get all huffy.
This makes me sad. I hope the cast wasn't too bummed out.
Hey there,
ReplyDeleteWe had a similar experience with Love Perfect Change (No Fire Marshall tho). 1/4 houses for the first two matinees, the difference of which our waiting lists on closing weekend could have made toward 90-100% attendance on those days. People are so human.