Mayor Issued Summons For Cell Phone Violation

At last night's performance of A Little Night Music, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg became the first person ever issued a summons for violating the city's ban on cell phone use during public performances, a law he has openly opposed since its introduction in 2002.

Though Bloomberg originally vetoed the bill, which imposes a $50 fine for allowing a cell phone to ring in New York City's live theatres, movie theatres, concert halls, libraries and museums, calling it "unenforceable," his decision was overturned by the City Council and the ban has been in effect since April of 2003.

Last night's incident occurred while Broadway legend Angela Lansbury was alone on stage, singing her character's solo, "Liaisons." The quiet moment was interrupted when the mayor's phone loudly played the chorus of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" three times. Witnesses saw the mayor, at his aisle seat, searching his suit pockets for the phone and checking the number of the incoming call before turning it off.

One of the witnesses was Police Officer Christopher Darden, a self-described "musical theatre geek," who was watching from the back of the theatre as part of the extra security accompanying the mayor. As the audience applauded Ms. Lansbury at the end of her song, Officer Darden quickly headed to the mayor's seat and presented him with a summons.

"I don't care if you're the Mayor of New York, the President of the United States or Patti LuPone," stated Officer Darden. "When Angela Lansbury is singing Stephen Sondheim, you make sure your cell phone is off."

BroadwayWorld wishes its readers a very happy April Fools Day.