Lucky Guy Stage Door

[musicals2]

Does anyone know if they are signing playbills? Is Tom Hanks coming out the stage door? Are they giving those who bought tickets priority?

[drewmangroup]

I'm curious about this as well. I don't see any signed Playbills on eBay (not that I would buy one), which makes me wonder. There are a reasonable amount of items allegedly signed by him that have been newly listed in the last few days, but I have no idea what the norm is for that.

[lachlanw88]

I stage doored twice, on the first night which I went to and it was a very good first preview! no faults at all it is already for opening night!
The stage door was crazy on the first night! maybe 250 people! I got to the front of barricade and got my playbill signed by Tom ! which was so lucky as he only signed for about 15, and also got it signed by Christopher Macdonald.
Also tried again on Monday night after coming out of Matilda, but again it was packed maybe 150 people got fairly close but not close enough for another autograph or a photo, as it is only playing with Tom for 3 months I imagine it is going to be this busy most nights so if you want a good chance of getting close to Tom I suggest you get there at least 20 mins before end of performance or try to get out straight away after the performance, he is a great guy though and a very good show.

[FishermanBob]

If you already got your playbill signed by Tom the first night, why did you feel the need to go back again the next night to "try" again? Exactly how many of his autographs do you need and why clog it up for people who hadn't gotten his autograph at all yet. And yet we get annoyed when the major film stars don't stage door or only sign for a few. And you are really suggesting people miss seeing how the show ends just to have a better position against the barricade to try to get an autograph? Really?

[mikem]

Maybe he went back to try to get the other actors' signatures. It sounds like he wasn't able to get much of the cast the first time.

And I don't think he was implying that people should miss part of the show to get an autograph. I think he was saying that if you didn't see the show that night, you should line up earlier.

[quizking101]

"I think he was saying that if you didn't see the show that night, you should line up earlier."

...which still clogs it up for those who did, and why I endorse the idea of checking tickets at the stage door (when possible).

[lachlanw88]

Because I was on holiday from Australia and only had two chances to do so and wanted to get an autograph for my friend who is a big fan! but can't complain I got my autograph and paid full price ticket to see the show.

[Jordan Catalano]

"...which still clogs it up for those who did, and why I endorse the idea of checking tickets at the stage door (when possible)."


Sounds like part of a speech to be 10th grade class president.

[givesmevoice]

Do you think he would sign "avoid the clap, Jimmy Dugan" if someone asked?

[Jordan Catalano]

I swear to GOD I'm bringing a baseball and asking him to do that!!

[lenstersf]

A ticket only grants you access into the theater for the show. It shouldn't give you priority at the stage door, which is not part of the performance or an expectation of the actor or audience member.

[tylano8453]

yes it should.

[dramamama611]

Well it SHOULD give priority to the chance to see the star/get an autograph.

Why should someone that hasn't even patronized the show get to be near the door. Especially since so very many of them are just looking to sell signed stuff on ebay.

[lenstersf]

Well, that's what happens when you get a really famous actor in a show, and that person just happens to exit a building at the same place and same time everyday. If buying a ticket implicitly allows you to get an autograph, which it doesn't, this access should be inside the theatre.

[dramamama611]

No one said buying a ticket guarantees anything -- but they should have a better chance than those that don't bother to go to the show.

A number of shows have created a ticket holders v non ticket holders line. Which, I think, is at least fair.

[Tink2]

I think stage door is definitely for those who have patronized the show at that theater. The patron is there to catch a glimpse of the actors they just saw perform and, hopefully, congratulate them on a job well done. Many patrons are hoping for an autograph or picture. The actors give autographs and take pictures as a thank you for coming to see their show. I have been at stage doors where some actors would only sign a Playbill or ticket from the show. JMO

[FishermanBob]

There are never any guarantees but people who saw the show certainly should get priority. It's not a public appearance. If no one bought tickets to the show, they wouldn't be there to sign autographs in the first place. I fully support the folks who will only sign items related to the show. It only seems fair.

[lenstersf]

Stage doors are public appearances. If they weren't, this discussion wouldn't be happening at all. Actors probably do it as a sign of gratitude to their fans, and unfortunately people take advantage of that. What about patrons who revisit a stage door after another performance that they didn't watch to get a better chance at meeting the actor? Are they given priority? Famous people attract crowds. Most stage doors aren't that crowded, usually only when there's a big celebrity involved. In that case, our expectations of getting an autograph should be lowered, unless that actor is particularly gracious. I agree that limiting autographs to only playbills or window cards would help weed out some other fans. Unless an actor requests a line only for patrons, I don't think priority lines should be the rule.

[bobs3]

While I don't do stage doors because I am not a star f**ker, I don't have a problem with those who want their Playbill's signed. It's the ones who don't see the play but bring their TOY STORY action figures (and other non-Lucky Guy paraphernalia) and expect Mr. Hanks to sign them -- you people are abominations.

[Jordan Catalano]

And you are an ass.

[FindingNamo]

Can't wait for the priority line access fee attached to ticket prices... it's the American way!

[broadwaydevil]

I fully support the folks who will only sign items related to the show.

This. At extremely popular stage doors this seems to be the fairest rule. Sure, anyone could acquire a show's merchandise or playbill without going to a show but if they're willing to put in the effort, more than likely they either saw the show or really care about seeing an individual so much that I don't care to have the time or energy to regulate it. Checking tickets is completely impractical and perhaps even illegal. I don't think there's any way a theatre would have the authority to regulate who can stand where on a public sidewalk or compel someone to leave who refuses.

[Jordan Catalano]

People should sign or not sign whatever the hell they want or do not want to sign. I really love everyone who gets their underoos in a bunch over the stage door like they're entitled to it for whatever reason. You guys are worse than anyone you bitch about getting there early to try to get a playbill or a dvd signed.