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Just an addition: stagedooring is not a recent phenomenon. During the early years of theatre it used to be a tradition for artists to come out of the stage door after a performance to receive another ovation from fans and then sign autographs. That used to be a big press moment. Then much later, in the 1980's after the launch of Phantom on Broadway there were stage door queues for Michael Crawford that went round the block. It's always been part of theatre tradition.

First off, very much enjoyed your content throughout Tony season. Here’s the bottom line & you hit the nail on the head…it’s essentially stalking people at their jobs. Actors don’t owe anyone a post-show meet ‘n greet because you came to see their show, so the fact that some people feel entitled to it now is weird. You bring up a good point about contractual obligation & I would be curious to know if that’s an actual thing now or if stagedooring is still completely voluntary for the actors. Keep up the good work!

Craziest (not in a good way) stage door experience I had was when Lea Salonga was in the 2007or 2008 Les Mis revival. I’m surprised she even came out because it got dangerous at one point with people pushing the barricade and pushing other people around. Best stage door experience I’ve ever had was meeting Eden Espinosa after Lempicka. There were so many people at the stage door but made she sure she signed everyone’s playbill (that she could reach at least) , took pictures with whoever wanted and really made sure to stop and look you in the eye when you were talking to her. She was so appreciative of everyone who came to the show and for any gifts people brought or made for her, she didn’t rush anyone or rush through the line at all. I’m sure there are others who are like that but as someone who has been a fan for a very long time it was incredibly memorable That being said the crowd at Lempicka was incredibly respectful (at least when I went). Even with a ton of people there, like 4 rows deep) everyone was cool, those of us in the front tried to help pass playbills up from those in the back but no one was pushy or like crazy about it. I don’t stage door often but there happened to be an opening on the barricade when I walked out of the theater so I went for it. It does get a little wild though and you make a lot of valid points

patrick page stagedoored for hadestown at reeve carneys last preformance and he wasn’t even in the show anymore (he was there to watch and contribute to a speech after bows) so some performers definitely do just enjoy doing it. i think it’s something eva noblezada has talked pretty openly about too

I just did stage door at Merrily We Roll Along and I was impressed by how well organized it was- Daniel Radcliffe saw hundreds of people in a really short amount of time. Supposedly he comes out after almost every show. Really nice of him to do that considering how famous he is. It kinda sucked how many people were there with Harry Potter merch instead of a playbill or poster for Merrily. No one else from Merrily came out and I don’t blame them bc of how nuts it was

I appreciate your perspective and insight.

I'm in the UK, and I've only very rarely stage-doored. My only times were once in 2015 after 'Miss Saigon' (got an autograph from Jon-Jon Briones), once in 2018 after 'Young Frankenstein' (got an autograph from Hadley Fraser), and once in 2019 after the 'Les Mis' staged concert where I got autographs from...pretty much all the leads and a fair number of the ensemble. In the first two cases, the only reason I went round to the stage door at all was specifically to try and get those autographs; and for 'Les Mis', going to the show was a birthday present from my family so stage-dooring kind of rounded it out; I actually wasn't even seeking autographs or waiting for anyone in particular on that occasion, I just wanted to say "good job" to whoever came out the door and all the autographs I got were from people who offered to sign my programme of their own accord. But generally it's not a practice I like to engage in. And especially not post-pandemic since social behaviour has kind of gone down the drain... I feel like a big part of the issue with stage-dooring in general is that an increasing number of people tend to see it as almost like a guarantee. As though their ticket means that they're automatically entitled to see whichever actor they want and get whatever they want from said actor at the stage-door, often without asking - the number of times I've seen footage of stage-doors both here in the UK and on Broadway where screaming "fans" will just shove things at actors or in some cases outright grab and hold them to take a selfie with them is frankly appalling. And mildly disturbing. Especially considering how angry people can get if an actor refuses to give them what they want; I remember back in 2017 there was a whole thing over a woman tweeting that Ben Platt was trash just because he didn't come out the stage door after 'Dear Evan Hansen' and audiences have only got worse, especially when someone famous is in the show. I saw David Tennant in 'Hamlet' way back in 2009 and learnt afterwards that he (and Patrick Stewart) were basically smuggled out of the theatre around the back just to avoid the crowds waiting for them because it had been a 2-show-day and it was 10.30pm and it's a long and draining (emotionally and physically) play and they just wanted to get back to their accommodation and rest up for the next evening. And of course there were people loudly complaining about it, saying "oh but we've already been waiting an hour" as if they hadn't *chosen* to wait that long when no one at the theatre ever remotely promised or guaranteed or even implied that either actor would be giving autographs - if you choose to spend time waiting at the stage-door to no avail, that's still ultimately your own decision and you are not owed anything from anyone. That was my own "I will not stage-door" experience. And I do get feeling disappointed if you want to try and see an actor and for whatever reason, you can't do so - I'd have been disappointed not to get Jon-Jon's or Hadley's autographs, for example - but equally, it's *not* the be-all-end-all of the overall experience; even if I hadn't got those autographs, even if I'd waited for hours at the stage-door and absolutely no one had come out, I'd had a great time at some great shows watching some truly great performances. And ultimately, *that* is all I'm entitled to. Stage-dooring as an activity is *not* a right. It's a privilege. And it's one that, to be completely honest, any given theatre still has in their power to just completely take away if things get out of hand enough times. An actor's obligations to an audience begins and ends with their onstage performance; anything else is a bonus but it's not something you're automatically entitled to.

I usually see evening shows and started stage dooring about a year ago (I’ve seen over 30 shows the past two years, over 40 if you include repeats). My general rule is just to be nice to them (I usually just say thank you or tell them they were amazing) I also NEVER take pictures of the actors. I get that people want to remember the moment but it just seems so icky to me when I see people take pictures of performers without their permission. In the past year since I started stage dooring I have only ever asked three people to take a picture with me (and two of them-Patrick Page and Andre de Shields-were at Eva’s last performance of Hadestown and not actually at stage door). And re: Suffs/Notebook stage door I saw Suffs last week and pretty much the entire cast, sans Jenn Colella, stage doored. Shaina Taub was actually the first person out and the entire cast was lovely and took the time to sign everyone’s playbills. I also saw the Notebook twice and stage doored both times, first time only a few people signed (they had a GMA performance in the morning) and the second time most of the cast signed. I was disappointed because Joy Woods didn’t stage door-shes the main draw for the show for me-but Marianne Plunckett came out the second time and she’s absolutely adorable and is the first performer I’ve met who actually signed her full name.

I am 68, grew up near NYC, and have gone to many, many Broadway shows beginning when I was just a kid. But I can only recall stage-dooring once in my entire life -- back in 2004, for Hugh Jackman (whom I idolized) who was starring in his Tony-winning performance in "The Boy from Oz". I not only got his autograph on a giant program/poster, but he actually took a few seconds to talk with me. Other than that experience (which was back before stage-dooring became a social media "thing" with hoards of people), I have never felt the need to do it. Also, as someone who performed in musical theatre in high school, college and then in local regional theatre for a while, I agree with you that it's very unfair to the actors - who already have a grueling schedule with as many as 8 shows per week. They really just want to get home, shower, eat and relax. If it's a musical, they really need to rest their voices. And none want to be exposed to a host of crowd-borne illnesses.

Thanks for sharing this, it's really interesting. I also used to stage door all the time here in the UK but since the Pandemic I've only done it maybe once or twice depending how busy it was. It used to be really fun and we'd make friends with other theatre fans etc but over time it got out of control and people act so entitled or like the actors are their best friends etc. I would always ask the actors if they have time to stop for a signature and never expect somebody to come out but it's got out of hand now. Also from a practical point of view I've got to the point where I don't want to miss a train home because I was waiting at a crowded stage door to potentially not even see anyone.

I'm in my 30s and I still stage door and have noticed some of the best stage door experiences are those that are not crowded. Some of my most memorable are: The Last Visit - Chita Rivera gladly autographed our Playbills and even took photos but only asked that we formed a line so she could stay put in one spot with her bodyguard. Oh Mary - surprisingly small crowd during previews but Cole Escola and the cast took the time to answer our questions (a few of us watched it off-bway and noticed some changes), made jokes, and took photos with us. I hope you will stage door again but just like you, I avoid the super crowded ones.

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG THE JEREMY JORDAN PIC ON THE RIGHT AT 0:07 AND 14:10 IS MY PICTURE!!!!!!!

Great video! Any update on the video on how you went to the Cannes film festival?

I watch these for the Oscars too so I’m very in support of this LOL

Best actress will be between jasmine Nichole and Audra. TBH i think it will be jasmine bc her performance in boop was out of this world and she’s an absolute triple threat.

As a starkid fan im really excited about maybe happy ending💙💙

For the record - Gloria Swanson was 50 when she did the film Sunset Blvd. and Glenn Close was 46 - the same age as Nicole Scherzinger is now. Patti Lupone was 44. None of the actresses were in their 50s, 60s or 70s.

Yes - way too early. WAY TOO EARLY!

thank you!!

Love this video, great insights - will say, Floyd Collins is not a revival, it originally opened off-Broadway, so it’s getting its LONG overdue Broadway production, and I wouldn’t underestimate it - it was critically acclaimed when it first opened also winning bunch of awards off Broadway, it’s Guettel’s first score and considering how loved Days and Wine and Roses was last season but was mostly shut out of awards (due to its early closure?) I think the community would jump at a chance to celebrate Guettel when possible. It’s also opening later (might still be open) in the season and at Lincoln Theater, so that org’s reputation for excellence. And, personally, I consider the show a masterpiece, an incredible score, and as long as they don’t f’ck up the production (original, highly regarded director/co writer Tina Landau is back) the best musical, best score awards are theirs. I think this will be the artsy pick - think Caroline or Change, Fun Home, etc. and this will be the critics pick unless another show surprises. As far as actor nominations, unless it sweeps I would predict just Floyd as nominated for best actor. The brother, and Nellie might for supporting if the actors get amazing notices (and obviously are incredible) Nellie has specifically a beautiful solo that could be an incredible showcase. Thanks again for the video!

I gotta say i disagree on swept away i think it’s pretty clearly in

Interesting thoughts. SMASH needed a lot of work so while would be interesting for it to get a nomination I wouldn't be surprised if another show took that nomination instead

Audra definitely!❤

Very good analysis. Like you, I have doubts about Redwood being nominated and would replace it with either Swept Away or Tammy Faye, both of which have good creative teams and casting.

I wish SHUCKED was coming to New Orleans

WHY DID THEY CUT ALL MY FAVS 😢😢😢😢 ESPECIALLY DO THIS THING THAT IS MY FAV

Hopefully, you’ll see Suffs. I actually love the song & it’s pretty powerful in the show - but it was such a boring performance on the Tony’s. They should’ve performed G.A.B. You can find several performances of that song on TH-cam- it’s very much an audience favorite.

Yay! I'm looking forward to this upcoming touring season. I'm MA based so I see the tours in Boston and I'm eager for these shows to come. Just wanted to add that Shrek and Parade are also coming to Boston, they were booked separately thru the Emerson Colonial rather than Broadway Across America. Shrek is coming this September and Parade is coming in March 2025.

The six hat ❤❤❤❤

I am having this exact problem and I definitely know what i don't want to see but I hope this gives me ideas, I have to choose out of five.

"Aura: Cleopatra", baby!!! Good work!🎉❤

You MUST see Death Becomes Her. It's fantastic! So campy and fun.

You need to see the film Death Becomes Her. It’s a classic and fabulous!

I like your considerations in ranking these numbers. My fave is also Merrily and for the reasons you stated. 2. Illionoise 3. Water for Elephants 4. Cabaret 5. The Outsiders. 6. Tommy. I guess Hell's Kitchen got more time than any other show due to its "cool" factor.

The opening to this years Tony awards was probably the worst they have done in a decade. At least the shows performing made it good

I became a fan during the deh era, just by listening to the cast recording and finding out what the show was about. I fell in love with his wonderful voice and overall talent. To be honest, especially listening to this video from a very different perspective of someone who lives far away from the US and any possible Ben Platt concert destination, I disagree with the concept of "fan" you are giving here. From my experience, being a fan goes beyond each project an artist releases or is a part of. For example, I didn't love "The politician", it's not my kind of show, but that never made feel less of an admirer of Ben. And it goes beyond seeing him live, because for some it may be just another concert, but for me (living in latam) it's a once in a lifetime experience, so wherever you are in the world, I think you shouldn't take for granted the opportunity of seeing amazing performers like Ben live. For me, the most important thing is that Ben inspires me as a singer, moves me with his music and his voice, whaether I see or like each of his projects or not.

I doubt I’m going to get to see all of these (if any of them) as I don’t know when the next time I can get to New York is, but I’d be most excited for Oh! Mary, Maybe Happy Ending and Sunset Boulevard, which I saw in London but only at the very end of its run and I’d love to see it again. Also interested in Gypsy and Death Becomes Her. Not as excited for Tammy Faye without Andrew Rannells, again I did see the London version but he’d have been the main draw for me to go back. Once Upon A Mattress is also a knowledge gap for me and I do love Sutton Foster so would be curious to check that out as well. Also have a few shows from this season still to catch up on, primarily the Outsiders, Hell’s Kitchen and maybe Water for Elephants. Really hope I can figure out a New York trip but it’s just not looking too promising 😅

Having just seen "Tommy" this weekend, I can tell you that the Tony performance does NOT capture the power of that show. I'm not a Who fan, I've never seen the movie (which I'm told is significantly different -- and not nearly as good as the musical), but I was blown away by the power of the music and the message of the show. I saw it with five friends, and we were all very impressed.

I would recommend Suffs, I really enjoyed it when I saw it!

Hell's Kitchen was my favorite, followed by the Outsiders and Cabaret

1. The Outsiders 2. Merrily 3. Illinoise 4. Stereophonic Seeing those four performances is causing me to think about another trip to NYC. Probably won’t make it in time to see Merrily. I’ll definitely see them when they’re on tour in Nashville. I’ll also try to see Suffs and Elephants. Your comments on the opening number are spot on. Cabaret sucked. I loathed it so much I rewatched the movie Friday night just to get my sense of appreciation back.

We should have done if we were married

Maybe I'm just thinking about the older versions of Cabaret, but I found Eddie Redmayne's performance to be really boring and did not give me any interest in finding more about the character. Fully agree with you about Outsiders & Merrily, though I think I would have kept Outsiders on top, if only barely. The choreographed rumble blew my mind. When this show tours to Denver in a year or three, I will definitely see it.

I’m stoked for Smash!

While I agree with your bottom one, my next to the bottom would be Hell’s Kitchen. It was far too long, why was Jay Z there, and while I know her NY song is in the show hearing all the pedi-cabs play it in mid town has made that song like nails on a chalkboard for me. I also would rank Suffs a lot higher than you did. I like that they just did one song straight through instead of a medley. I also saw Suffs and this song brought back how I felt watching the show. My top 5 would be: Outsiders, Illinoise, Stereophonic, Merrily, and Suffs.

Audra in Gypsy is always a 5/5 really it’s a 10/10!

Very excited about Audra in Gypsy!❤

What are you watching this on? I didn't see any of these technical awards on paramount+

Andrew no longer in Tammy Faye--

FLOYD COLLINS!!!