Massell tweeted, "To the gentleman in the third row BLATANTLY filming our whole show on his iPhone. Shame on you! Where鈥檚 when you need her?"
To the gentleman in the third row BLATANTLY filming our whole show on his iPhone. Shame on you! Where's Patti LuPone when you need her?
鈥� Samantha Massell (@smassellsings)
Massell was referring to LuPone's snatching a cellphone out of the hands of an audience member during the run of her Off-Broadway play, Shows for Days, this past July.
Massell's fellow Anatevkan (Fruma Sarah) chimed in agreement:
So apparently there was a dude filming our show tonight. It would be appropriate if I choked him instead of Tevye with my pearls yes?
鈥� Jessica Vosk (@JessicaVosk)
When one audience member protested that YouTube videos of shows are often the only way some people can afford or access live theatre, Massell defended her statement on the grounds that it's illegal appropriation of her professional work.
the thing is, I'm too poor to see the play IRL. I live for those people who record the shows.
鈥� Mary Foley (@VeryVeryMary__)
I DEEPLY appreciate that, but live theatre is LIVE for a reason. I'm NOT paid extra when my work appears on youtube.
鈥� Samantha Massell (@smassellsings)
When another reader suggested that finding a way to minimize the annoyance of the interruption might help, Massell responded, "The distraction, while annoying is NOT the issue. The issue is that filming a live show is THEFT."
The distraction, while annoying is NOT the issue. The issue is that filming a live show is THEFT.
鈥� Samantha Massell (@smassellsings)
Fiddler on the Roof is playing at the Broadway Theatre in New York.
