“Romeo + Juliet,” one of Broadway’s latest hits, is giving theater fans a refreshing experience. The play is a Generation Z adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved stories, with a modern setting, a cast of Gen Z actors, audience interaction, and music written by singer, songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff (who has worked with famous musicians like Taylor Swift).
However, these are not the only parts of the show making waves—how audiences watch the show has also been the subject of much attention. Videos posted on social media platforms depicting screaming fans, mid-show exits, and etiquette gone wild have sparked debate among social media users. This situation has raised concerns about whether this behavior from the audience is appropriate and whether today’s audience should receive more enforcement or education on etiquette rules.
What is theater etiquette in a setting like Broadway? According to Playbill, best etiquette practices for Broadway and most music theater events, include not photographing anything during the show, turning phones off, unwrapping snacks before the show begins, clapping only at the end of musical numbers and bows (except for first entrances of well-known stars), keeping comments neutral or positive while inside the venue, staying quiet for the show and not bringing large bags. Other common-sense practices include not acting aggressively toward anyone, avoiding blocking the vision of the stage, and leaving the venue calmly. All these protocols were established to bring an (almost) equally enjoyable experience for everyone, whether sitting at the front or back.
Considering these points, it is understandable that some fans were shocked by how theater audiences have begun to behave during performances, particularly during performances of “Romeo + Juliet.” This could be attributed to the global pandemic in 2020, where people were confined at home and consuming entertainment through online streaming, which entails a more casual and flexible watching experience where one can eat, sit, and talk as they please. No “etiquette” is attached to it, and audiences have gotten used to acting that way during entertainment experiences.
Others attribute disruptive audience behavior to a lack of social awareness, to which Playbill has reacted by printing an etiquette protocol on their programs. Nevertheless, users on the internet have yet to see significant changes and continue to complain about experiences where poor audience behavior has made them uncomfortable or even disrupted the show. Complaints are posted frequently, especially on “r/Broadway,” a large subreddit that includes many Broadway fans. Many have felt awkward seeing people screaming behind them, using their cellphones to record shows (which is prohibited), publishing videos on social media (totally banned), or just making noise during quiet scenes.
On the other hand, some have justified this behavior in “Romeo + Juliet” as entirely appropriate, pointing out that the play—which is not a traditional musical but a production of Shakespeare’s original play with some musical numbers added—includes much audience interaction. The setup of the venue (seats rising around a circular stage at the bottom) gives more opportunity for all viewers to feel immersed in the play and thus react more strongly during the play. Therefore, some etiquette rules might adapt based on these circumstances, such as verbal interaction with the actors, more noise than usual, and more general expressivity. These factors might encourage younger attendees to watch more shows in the future, as many have had highly positive reactions to the show and the experience itself, some even calling it “life-changing.”
Additionally, Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler, who play Romeo and Juliet, respectively, have expressed love for some of the audience’s interactions with the play. During an interview with “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Zegler said, “It’s so awesome to feel like you really have an audience, and they’re responding to us verbally.”
Her declarations demonstrate that it could be the play’s purpose to have a lively reaction from the audience and also explain the importance of the audience in creating an artistic experience for both the audience and the actors. In some productions, the audience must remain quiet so that the actors can focus and perform at their best. However, other productions require audience interaction or reaction for the artistic experience intended by the production team. It may very well be that a production like “Romeo + Juliet” falls under the latter category and demonstrates the new experiences that Broadway and theater are introducing.
In a post-Covid Broadway era, many elements are facing challenges and changes, with productions like “Romeo + Juliet” stimulating more interaction between actors and audience and less rigid rules on noise. Productions like it are giving Broadway fans across social media platforms much to talk about, with many trying to conclude whether new etiquette rules are needed or if people should respect the already-established rules. So far, the general consensus is that some rules can adapt to the situation and the play on production, but there are other rules that cannot change and should be respected by everyone. Ultimately, conversations like this can lead to changes that benefit everyone and create better experiences for a changing society.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.