Why? Because a bunch of other people spoke up. And that compels me to speak up too. To offer them this special beverage:
"Huh?" you may be wondering. Why would FF say such a rude thing? Because she's been pushed to the limit, that's why. Because she attended a school play, The Hobbit, in which Amazing Boy Child was brilliantly playing his violin as part of the outstanding orchestra, and the people behind her were talking. Talking during the overture, talking during the actors' performances, talking, talking, talking, saying nothing of merit.
Despite multiple applications of the usually-successful tactic of turn-around-and-administer-the-stinkeye to said talkers, they continued their heinous behavior.
They weren't alone. There were large pockets of talking people scattered throughout the audience.
Unacceptable!
I overheard one young woman exclaim to her friend "This is the third time I've seen the play."
So at intermission, I went up to her with a friendly smile. "Did I hear this was the third time you've seen this?"
"Oh, yes!" she admitted.
"Wow!" I replied. "This is the first time I've seen it, and I'd really like to hear it. Do you think you can help me with that?" Then I walked away. I was very proud of my cleverness.
Amazing Boy Child came over to me. "Oh, I see you were talking to -------- - she's one of the people I'm inviting to my birthday party."
Oops. Maybe I can offer her some cake to go with her special beverage.
So take this as a warning, readers. If you don't want to put some mother in an awkward position, kindly remain quiet while actors and musicians are doin' their thang.
*In case you're wondering why on earth I haven't finished my writing goal, it's because I've been planning the great summer road trip, volunteering for the kids' classes and end of school year activities. But I'm committed to wrapping up a chapter before we leave on the trip so that I can share our fun. So you'll get play-by-play coverage of that adventure, as we journey over 7,300 miles.
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14 comments:
Good for you for saying something. People are stupid.
Well, it's good to know that you aren't BEING SILENT everywhere . . . just in blog-land!
What would Jane Austen say about people who talk during dramatic productions? (Something clever and cutting, I'm sure.)
If you have a mo, check out my visit to Jane's house . . . not to be outdone by your Jane Austen tea, you know.
Love the poster--wish I had one to flash at folks sometimes (although it's probably just as well that I don't).
And it's good to hear from you!
Glad to see you back, even briefly!
Those talking people were raised in a barn.
Oh my gosh, that would annoy the crap out of me! Sorry that speaking up put you in an awkward position--but I'm still glad you did! Loved it! :)
I feel angry just reading about it! That's one of my pet hates, people who talk through performances, especially performances they - and you - have paid to go and see. I imagine it's even worse when you are their to see your child perform.
Some people are just so self-absorbed and rude.
Yes, it puts you in an awkward position...but she's the one who should feel bad, not you!
I mean, this is your KID performing, for gawdssakes! The rude talkers are lucky you didn't body slam them.
Shana - thank you for your support. Some people may be stupid, but you are very smart.
Bee - oh, you devil. Tempting me with JA. Okay, my sweet, I'll come over for a visit, especially since you have such wonderful posts.
Kathy - thanks, buddy. Feel free to print that out and hand it out at events when people are talking. I'm seriously considering it myself.
Becky - it's good to see you too! I don't think they were raised in a barn, because farm animals are polite. I think they were raised by unruly wolves.
Ms. HP - we are clearly kindred spirits. Glad I gave you a smile.
Frisky L - I am so glad to know that even my gleeful friend shares this irritation. Once, when we were at a Sting concert, the person behind me wouldn't shut up despite us asking nicely. And we paid BIG BUCKS for those tickets. So I went out into the lobby of the concert hall and began to complain to the security guard and suddenly found myself CRYING with frustration. He took pity on me and moved me and Professor X to FABULOUS seats. Awesome!
phD - your analysis is greatly appreciated. Body slamming...must remember that for the future. ;)
That kind of thing drives me NUTS. I think it's the height of rudeness--not just for the audience around the talkers, but especially the performers! Do people think they're at the movies or something? (I also hate when people talk in movies).
Good for you for saying something!
Me too, Amy. My kids know better than to talk in the theatre or the cinema.
Every once in a while I've gone to the movies with a new friend, only to be surprised that they think it's appropriate to converse in a normal tone during the film. Awkward!
Wholeheartedly agree with you. Enjoy the party won't you ???
I hear you. Glad I'm on your good side :D
Some people are so inconsiderate, why do they bother coming to these plays if they are going to talk and spoil the performance for the players and everyone else who is interested.
I went to the movies with my eldest son some years back and there were these two very annoying girls behind us who would not shut up with their annoying prattle, rattling chip bags and candy wrappers and kicking the back of our seats.
We tried the stare and a polite would you please keep down the noise but to no avail, in the end my son stood up told them loudly 'that people came here to watch the movie not to listen to them and for goodness sake SHUT UP and stop making so much noise' the audience clapped and finally there was silence. ♡
Sally's Chateau - we did, thanks! :)
Stephanie - I'm mean to my friends too. You just haven't known me long enough.
Dianne - yay for your son. We must never underestimate the power of public humiliation.
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