A viral video capturing a heated confrontation during intermission at a recent performance of “Mamma Mia!” on Broadway has ignited a widespread discussion about theater etiquette. The incident took place at the Winter Garden Theatre, where a patron confronted a group of audience members for their disruptive behavior during the show.
The video, recorded by theatergoer Derek Kahle from Kips Bay, has amassed millions of views since being posted on social media. In the footage, a man can be seen calling security to address the disruptive actions of women seated behind him. Kahle described the moment, stating, “I’ve never heard a whole theater get silenced like that, that quickly.”
During the clip, the man expresses his frustration, saying, “Because this whole section knows they’ve been loud and obnoxious. Now they want to use profanity in front of my nieces.” An individual who appears to be a security guard then approaches, prompting the man to clarify, “I’m so sorry. Once you start messing with my teenage nieces, then I got an issue with that.”
The situation escalated when one of the women claimed they were merely enjoying the performance by singing along. Another audience member, Amy Cannella, seated nearby, noted that the women’s behavior was indeed distracting. “They were singing along rather loudly, getting a little rambunctious,” Cannella explained.
Actress Carly Sakolove, who plays “Rosie” in the musical, even chimed in on social media, stating, “I could hear these women singing during ‘Money, Money’ while I was onstage. Unreal!”
The tension had been building before Kahle began recording. Cannella mentioned that the man initially asked the women to stop their disruptive behavior politely, but they responded with expletives. Following the man’s decision to call security, one of the women was observed waving her hands over the heads of his nieces.
Security later spoke with the group of women, leading to their departure before the second act commenced. After this interaction, the man returned to his seat, appearing apologetic about the situation.
The incident has prompted a complex discussion regarding the appropriateness of the man’s reaction. Kahle even conducted a survey on social media to gauge public opinion, which garnered nearly 19,000 responses. The results showed that 55% of participants felt the man was justified in his actions, while 45% believed he should have remained calmer.
Reactions from theatergoers in New York’s Theater District reflect the divided opinions on the matter. Gabe Max, a tourist from Australia, remarked, “Just be a decent human being. There’s no reason to ever yell at somebody for being too loud. Just take it in stride.” Conversely, Daniela Valazquez from Galloway, New Jersey, pointed out that audiences pay to see a show, not to engage in a singalong, stating, “Have fun, but if you’re overdoing it, then I guess that’s reasonable.”
The production company behind “Mamma Mia!” has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident. As discussions about proper theater etiquette continue, the confrontation serves as a vivid reminder of the expectations audiences have when attending live performances.
