[Talk Host]

Time was that a standing ovation was resevered for performances that were so far above the expected that people had no other way to show their approval. Here in the Villages, I have wondered why people are so ready to give a standing ovation for performances that are good, but not exceptional. It finally dawned on me the other night at the Irish Soprano's concernt.

When people here give a standing ovation, it puts them at an advantage to head for the door before the performers are off the stage. From the standing position, you don't have to waste time getting up to make a break for it.

Sadly, though, the wonderful Irish singers had to tell the audience that they weren't through yet, that they had a few more songs to sing. :redface: Kind of embarrassing though, don't you think.

[redwitch]

Standing ovations seem to be the norm today, not just in TV but everywhere. I can still remember seeing the ballet where a dancer literally fell. Because he was a big name and the rest of his performance was okay (but certainly not great), he still got a standing ovation and three curtain calls. Now, this was not some podunk town. It was San Francisco. It was not even all that recent but more like 15-20 years ago. I was honestly ashamed to be part of the audience.

I wish people would go back to awarding a performer according to the performance. Applaud if it is good; stand up if it is wonderful; stand up and cheer if it is superb. Be polite and don't insult a performer -- especially if they are volunteering their time and talent or you are getting it at a discount rate. Enjoy the show (quietly!), applaud when it is over, thank the performer personally if you can, but don't go hog wild. A performer knows when they've earned a standing ovation. Don't insult them.

(Okay, I'm off my high horse.)

[bamafan]

Red Kind of like tipping a waiter.

[Donna]

Helloooooo Bama,

What are ya drinkin???

[bamafan]

Martini, Shaken not stirred

[Talk Host]

Has my post been hijacked? I think we need TSA security screeners. ;D

[Donna]

Jan,
I'll get right on it..

[nONIE]

Sometimes, altho the performer is not really worthy of a standing O one or two people stand up and then others follow for whatever reason. Its sort of a contagious thing so as not to appear rude. Have ya ever noticed that?

[swrinfla]

Jan, and others:

There's a strange phenomenon in TV. Folks stand just as soon as they suspect that a show is over. It isn't necessarily a sign that they've truly enjoyed a show, or that they've decided the performance was exceptional - it's usually a sign that they've got to get on home!

I wonder how come? We're retired, for the most part. Where are we going in such a rush?

On the other hand, sometimes a show is worthy of a true "standing O!" I think the Irish Sopranos was one of those shows! Not only beautiful women, but splendiferous voices and gorgeous music. I hope they'll come again, and again!

[jbladybnugg]

I agree the singers deserve a standing O...have seen them on public television & heard from people who saw a live performance. By the way, how much do you pay for these show performances at TV? How far in advance do you have to buy/reserve tickets for shows?