Lea Salonga speaks out against ‘rude’ theater behavior

MANILA, Philippines – Broadway star Lea Salonga took to Twitter to remind theater audiences to behave properly when watching a play or musical.

Lea made the statement after her friends had told her about witnessing instances of rude behavior during performances of Les Misérables at the Solaire Theater.

In a series of tweets, Lea spoke about theater etiquette. “Friends that saw Les Miz had people around them talking and burping. I guess some that could buy premium seats couldn’t afford class. #SMH [shake my head],” she tweeted.

Friends that saw Les Miz had people around them talking and burping. I guess some that could buy premium seats couldn’t afford class. #SMH

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016

She also reminded people about turning off their phones during ongoing performances.

So, how does one teach a theater audience to turn off their phones, not sing along with the cast and not give loud commentary? #LotsToLearn

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016

If you’re just going to glue your eyes to your phone instead of watching that play/musical, then stay home. No one likes a rude audience.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016

Also, the theater isn’t a karaoke bar. Try not to sing along. The rest of the audience paid to hear THE CAST sing. Not you.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016

Lea ended with a tweet to remind people that respect is not only given to “the cast working hard on stage,” but also to “your fellow audience members and yourself.”

This isn’t only about respecting the cast working hard on stage, but also respecting your fellow audience members and yourself.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016

Producer Cameron Mackintosh announced that the Manila run of Les Misérables was extended until May 1. Singer-actress Rachelle Ann Go plays Fantine in the local production. – Rappler.com