Stage Door

phillyeagle111 · Member

Stage Door

phillyeagle111 · Member

and if so...do you know apprx. how long they would take to come out?

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

From my limited experience it taikes 45 minutes to an hour for actors to come out. But the fans have to get there as soon as the curtain comes down for a popular show or they may not get a chance to get close enough for an autograph, photo etc. I also wondered if Max and Laura will come out the first night and how it would be set up. I imagine there would be many more fans there than the usual dozen or so at a long running play. I don't imagine they would do nothing the first time they perform. As much as it is a thrill for the fans, it has to be something, I would guess, that someone making their broadway debut would want to experience at least once or twice.

LauraFan1 · Senior Member

When I went to see Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2003, I had staked out a whole plan of action for after the show, so I could do the whole stage door thing. Well, the curtain went down, and I hightailed it to the stage door and the cast was already coming out. The person I had come to see, Sutton Foster, came out looking SOOOO different, she went right by me and I had no idea it was her! I noticed other people going up to her, and finally figured it out, ha ha ha. It was SUCH a fun experience, I recommend doing the whole stage door thing, and will be doing it in September when I see Grease :) biggrin

Paikea · Veteran Member

I remember Max saying in a fan survey that unless he was super busy or sick or something, he would be happy to greet fans at the stage door. And I don't mean to speak for Jane, but I believe she echoed the sentiment in another thread.

For me, casts have usually taken fifteen to thirty minutes to come out. Once previews start, I'm sure we'll get lots of reviews and stage door reports posted here. Someone should know then.

Robert, how long have the actors taken at the other shows you've been to?

When I went to see Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2003, I had staked out a whole plan of action for after the show, so I could do the whole stage door thing... It was SUCH a fun experience, I recommend doing the whole stage door thing, and will be doing it in September when I see Grease :)
Hahaha. Dana, I've done that too! The first time I saw Jersey Boys I only got to meet two Seasons, so the second time I planned out a route to be taken immediately after curtain call. Stage-dooring really is fun. It always tops off a great night at the theater.

grannygreaser · Senior Member

Of the times that I've done the stage door, it was pretty easy to greet the actors and they took about 10 to 15 minutes before they came out. The largest group I encountered was for Hugh Jackman at The Boy From Oz and then it was nearly impossible to get close enough to talk to him or ask for an autograph, but I did get photos. He probably spent about 10 to 15 minutes each time. (Did this about three times trying to get an X-Men cast ballcap autographed, but ended up getting it in a different way!) I had hoped to at least see Tim Curry after Spamalot, but he left a different way. I did get to see the rest of the cast though. It was the night before the Tony Awards and there was quite a crowd at the stage door then.

So I hope I can at least get a few photos of Max and Laura at the stage door in September. (Yes, I will share.)

phillyeagle111 · Member

In the other shows I have seen they can range anywhere from 5-45 minutes, usually close to around 10-15.

Laura4Broadway · Veteran Member

I went to see Beauty and the Beast in NYC last March with my AP class and when me and my friend were walking out of the theater I saw all these people coming out of the "extra" door.. and I was like "hmmm... those people look so familiar... OMG THEY WERE IN THE SHOW!" And the funny thing is I knew all about Stage Doors... but it didn't hit me, because I was talking and laughing with my friends, not really paying attention to what was going on.

I know when I go to the stage door for Grease there is likely to be a mob lol... so I hope I could at least get a pic... or maybe even my paybill signed... speaking of... 8 more days for me!!!! biggrin WOO!

DogsandBirds · Guru

There is no extra stage door at Brooks Atkinson as far as I know.

phillyeagle111 · Member

No, im positive there IS a stage door.
I was just checking to make sure they would be coming out.
Lauras mom did say they would unless they were sick that night, so basically its a yes.

DogsandBirds · Guru

What I mean is someone said there was another door the performers could exit as an "extra" stage door. Of course there is a stage door!

Maxismylove · Senior Member

Okay, guys, I am headed to NY in a few and am so excited. Jack is so sad he is not coming that I had to give him one of my debit cards so he could go buy toys while we are gone. He is not sad anymore.
We might get to go see the dress on Monday if all goes well and then the show again on Tuesday. We feel so blessed and are so thankful for all the prayers and for the people that have been so kind.
I will send pictures to the webmaster for Max's website at maxcrumm.com and then feel free to copy them to this site too.
I am looking forward to seeing Nate and Laura too and wish that Jane could be there with us.

Edwardian · Veteran Member

Have a great time, Rachel ... and please give Max and Laura big hugs from all of us here!

Ed

reniefran · Senior Member

God bless! Enjoy yourself. I echo the sentiment. Please give Max and Laura big hugs and kisses from all of us.

Laura Mom · Senior Member

Rachel and all, I have a marvelous surprise to share! I talked to Laura this morning on the phone and she told me about the Monday night dress rehearsal they are having at the theatre. She gets 4 free tickets for it and it just made me want to cry that I couldn't go. Well, I got on the computer and checked everywhere for last minute airfare deals and there was NOTHING! I was about to just give up and surrender to myself that I just couldn't go, when I tried one more thing. My sister and her husband both work for Northwest Airlines and I flew several times with them to get companion fare rates out to Los Angeles to see the Grease shows. I asked my sister if she could possibly consider flying with me out to New York and I would try to see if Laura has given her tickets away yet and we could go see the Grease show dress rehearsal. She talked to her husband and I talked to Laura and it is about 90% worked out that we are going! I am beside myself! I haven't seen Laura since she moved and I am suddenly so lonesome for her! And to get to see the very first dress rehearsal show is a surprise gift from God that just makes me cry! We have to go standby on our flights, so God willing we'll make it on and be off to New York! Rachel, I can't wait to see you!

Jane

cpathens · Veteran Member

Laura Mom, that's great news! I hope it works out for you.

reniefran · Senior Member

Yea! Jane I believe it will all work out fine! God knows what we need before we ask. How wonderful for you that it is all working out. Please give her my love. Tell her that I am praying for her!
God Bless,
Reniefran

Hello799 · Senior Member

Way to go Jane. One might say that "you got big-time lucky" and that "this probably wouldn't have been able to happen otherwise!" I am truely glad that this has happened for you. Please say "HI" to Rachel for me and the rest of the crew
TAKE CARE!!!!!!!

Laura4Broadway · Veteran Member

oh my gosh! What luck! Congratulations Jane! Tell everyone we said hi and give Laura a big hug from us.

BTW 4 days until I see the show!!!!!!!

EmmaFan · Newbie

Congradulations Jane!

It couldn't happen to a nicer person. I will pray that you get on that flight!

Kait · Senior Member

That's great, Jane! Have fun. Can't wait to hear the reports from both moms, as well as the lucky early attendees.

Mrs N · Senior Member

Today is Grease's dress rehearsal, and hopefully both Rachel and Jane are in the audience. All best to Laura and Max and their deservedly proud families!

DogsandBirds · Guru

I will be there too. I am so excited!!!

snickers · Veteran Member

It's an exciting day for the cast and their families! What time will the dress rehearsal start? Enjoy!

DogsandBirds · Guru

The show starts at 8:00 pm.

Ray · Senior Member

DogsandBirds wrote:

I will be there too. I am so excited!!!

I can imagine!!!!
I would so love to be there tomorrow night, but it would be too difficult logistically.
So, I tell myself "Oh, it would take the top off of Opening Night". Patience is golden...I'll wait.
In the meantime, I'll have reviews by you, the Moms, and others, to devour and think about.

reniefran · Senior Member

Can I say that I am green with envy! I would love to be there too but finances do not permit. I am however taking a vacation closer to home. Can you believe it? In a little less than 2 hours dress rehearsal beings and in about 26 hours the preview begins. I am so excited for Max and Laura. I can almost hear the applause now! It's nearly curtain time and there is a knock at Laura's dressing room door and in another part of the theater there is a knock at Max's dressing room door. Five minutes Laura! Five minutes Max! Laura's heart is pounding as she leaves her dressing room and makes her way to the backstage area to wait on her cue. Max is wiping his sweaty palms on his Danny Zuko like costume. He is going over the lines in his head and willing himself to remember everything. The moment arrives cue Laura, cue Max and they step out in front of their very first Broadway audience. Things go well, better than they expected. All the awkwardness of the final act is gone and they now stand taking their first bows. The audience is applauding wildly! What's this? Unheardof! The audience is rising to their feet to give Max and Laura and the rest of the cast a standing ovation. At least that's how it plays out in my head!
smile

MrE1111 · Guru

To answer the original question, take a right as you exit the theater (in the direction of 8th Avenue)...it's about 3 steps and you can't miss the stage door (I'm sure there will be barricades).

Regarding "Extra" stage doors, every theater is required to have multiple exits. Some actors choose to go exit through the stage door, others don't. They can use the myriad of entrances and exits the theater has.

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

Well I staged doored with my kids tonight. It was major fun. There were a few hundred fans at the stage door of the theatre, which actuallly says Stage Door on it. I saw Everidge and Restrepo come out. They stayed, signed and photographed for just about everyone. They were gracious and thankful. i thought that was pretty good because the show they just finished has to be exhausting with all that dancing and singing, most of it at the same time. The actress playing Frenchy did the same. Max and Laura came out late. Both were extremely generous with their time. They even brought their own sharpies to sign with which made things go more quickly. Nate was at Laura's side for a little while but fans were very respectful. There was a gentleman there that kept asking people to move back. He did not realize there was a barricade, and a line of garbage bags in back of us, not to mention the cars going down West 47 th street that made that impossible. Even so everything went well. People moved on when they got their autograph etc. to make room for throngs behind them. Both Max and Laura took photos with all that asked. One of the fans was evidently someone Max knew and liked. When he saw this woman they hugged and he looked like...well I guess how you look when you need hug, and get one.

AZN Danny · Veteran Member

How long you had to wait after the show?

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

I was so excited it is hard to say for sure. But some actors came out right away. I just didn't know who they were except Jenny Powers who came out right away it seemed. Everridge and Restrepo came out failry quickly, maybe 20 minutes or so but I can't be positive. I really can't overemphasize how nice they both were. Laura and Max maybe 30 minutes or so.

AZN Danny · Veteran Member

I waited at the stage door with a mob of people. They had barricades up. Half the leads came out and signed autographs. Max and Laura were very gracious and accomodating to everyone. I got a pic with Max and both their signatures. They even signed the exact places on the Playbill where their images were!

Laura's hubby kept a watchful eye on her and I saw Kathleen Marshall up close too.

kay89fluff · Newbie

I stage doored and got everyone's picture and autograph except laura and max :(.
They took too long. IT was insane though cuz the bar wouldnt let them put the barracades up and max and laura took a really long time to come out.

phillyeagle111 · Member

how long did you wait for them to come out kay89fluff?
laura and max i mean.

Laura4Broadway · Veteran Member

I just "stage doored" and got both autographs... and right when we were gonna take pics, my camera dies. Right then, can you believe it?!?! We got pictures of the rest of the cast, but not Max and Laura. Terrible timing! But this wonderful gentleman offered to use his camera to take a picture of me and Laura together and mail it to me. I was SOOOOO grateful! If anyone knows this man tell him I owe him my life! lol I means sooo much. I was crushed when I couldn't get any pictures. They were RIGHT there.. sooo close. We had great spots infront of the stage door too. But the show totally makes up for it... well almost ... lol

AZN Danny · Veteran Member

Pics of Max and Laura at the Stage Door.

-- Edited by AZN Danny at 07:23, 2007-07-27

-- Edited by AZN Danny at 07:24, 2007-07-27

reniefran · Senior Member

Great pictures! Thanks so much! I especially love the one of the little girl with Max.His hair is a lot longer. It really looks like a DA complete with curl in the middle of the forehead. My dad wore the same style in the fifties smile

Laura4Broadway · Veteran Member

AWW Thanks for posting. I didn't get any pictures. My camera died right then and there and I was way up front in the mob, too. cry

-- Edited by Laura4Broadway at 19:14, 2007-07-28

gomaxgo · Member

Laura4Broadway -

It's been a long time since I've posted. I'm so sorry your camera died. Gosh!! I know you were so excited about it. It's so great that person helped you out, though. Someone must be looking out for you. I'm glad you enjoyed the show. I'm flying out tomorrow to see Tuesday's show.

Thanks for all your postings. :o)

MaxFan · Veteran Member

We are going tomorrow.I am hoping to have pics to post but thunderstorms are in the forecast. Yikes! I am hoping that it is clear enough to make stage dooring possible. My kids can't wait.

Laura4Broadway · Veteran Member

gomaxgo wrote:

Laura4Broadway -

It's been a long time since I've posted. I'm so sorry your camera died. Gosh!! I know you were so excited about it. It's so great that person helped you out, though. Someone must be looking out for you. I'm glad you enjoyed the show. I'm flying out tomorrow to see Tuesday's show.

Thanks for all your postings. :o)

Aw, Thanks lol WOO! I'm sure you will have the best time. Make sure to take lots of pics

MaxFan wrote:

We are going tomorrow.I am hoping to have pics to post but thunderstorms are in the forecast. Yikes! I am hoping that it is clear enough to make stage dooring possible. My kids can't wait.

Rain? Oh no, I didn't even think of that... I hope it rains during the show or something so you will have fun stage dooring biggrin

and not get all soggy.

-- Edited by Laura4Broadway at 05:55, 2007-07-29

gomaxgo · Member

I didn't think about the weather either. I checked the forecast and it looks like it'll be okay on Tuesday. You never know with weather reports. Unless it's a complete downpour and the cast doesn't come out, I plan on hanging around until they come out.

My husband is taking time off work to watch the kids so I can do this NY trip. Four days without my kids. This will be the first time I'll be away from them for more than a weekend. I hope they'll be okay.

DogsandBirds · Guru

The cast has to come out, but the rain is not conducive to the actors staying for a while to sign autographs, take pictures, etc.

The stage door has been mobbed for every performance.

gomaxgo · Member

That's good to know.

I am worried about the mob scene. I don't really like them.

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

It is not a mob scene. It is 2-3 hundred, very happy well-behaved people who just had the time of their lives and are very eager to see the actors who provided it. Go anticipating a great time, it is so much fun, don't waste anther second of your time on a needless worry.

gomaxgo · Member

I know that I'll have fun. I'm not terribly worried. I'm sure Grease fans are wonderful and well behaved.

Well, I'm off to the airport. smile

DogsandBirds · Guru

Mobbed is NOT a mob scene! There are quite a few fans at the stage door. No, there are no incidents, people are well behaved, just a lot of people.

MrE1111 · Guru

You can "stage door" before the show, you know.

BroadwayDream101 · Veteran Member

Yah, you can, but I found that the cast can be in a rush. I don't like doing it before, but on one occasion I had to meet a cast member before a show, although she knew I was coming. But she was in a rush because she was late...but yes, you do get to avoid the large crowd afterward.

Laura4Broadway · Veteran Member

That wonderful man who took pictures for me while I was camera-less just sent them today. I'll post them biggrin

BTW this is from the July 26 8pm performance.

First is the theater..... and mob

Max....

Laura...

Me and Laura... (not the best pic of me though... hmm

)