Saturday, October 18, 2025

When Did All This Screaming Start?

 


On Thursday evening, I joined friends to attend a performance by Jeremy Jordan at the Scottsdale Center For the Performing Arts.  Jordan is a Tony-nominated Broadway star with an incredible voice and excellent stage presence.  The show was excellent and beautifully staged.

The behavior of the audience is what troubled me.  The constant screaming caused me to cover my ears multiple times.  It seemed like every song he sang spurred many audience members to scream as though an alien creature had just grabbed them.

I'm used to enthusiastic applause and loud, exuberant  cheering but screaming at the top of your lungs seems a little much.

I've noticed this phenomenon probably over the past 4 years.  In fact, it's one of the reasons that I gave  up my season tickets to the Valley Broadway series.  I've had those 5th row/center tickets for over 20 years but lately I've been finding it hard to enjoy the performances when the audience pierces my ears with their constant screams.   


The photos of the plants above were taken near the Scottsdale Civic Center.

6 comments:

Travel said...

Not every performance, should be treated like a Taylor Swift concert.

Gemel said...

I avoid live performances for the same reason Sharon, I really don't understand why people need to behave like that. As it spoils the performance for others.

RedPat said...

That sounds horrible, Sharon. No wonder you were uncomfortable.

Steve Reed said...

That's interesting. I guess people are failing to distinguish proper behavior at a Broadway show from behavior at a rock concert!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Sharon, I don't like going to concerts, operas, parades, movie theaters, etc., because I don't like crowds and a lot of noise. Often it happens that some people get out of control and violence occurs, which spoils the entire experience, not to mention people get hurt or killed.

Bill said...

That's really too bad and maybe manangement needs to say something to the crowd before the event begins.