“The Stage,” a British publication devoted to…well, obviously…the theatre (with an ‘re’), has a rather interesting story of a marketing outfit that used focus groups to determine why London’s West End theaters are having such a hard time attracting and keeping audiences. The essential reason is: pain. It seems that tushes – both foreign and domestic – are decidedly uncomfortable in London’s antiquated facilities.
Lousy, uncomfortable seats…terrible legroom…interminable lines for the ladies room…Sound familiar?
While our move into the phenomenal Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts should end those complaints once and for all, I’m still curious to know: just how important is physical comfort to your overall opera experience? Can a cramped seat overwhelm an otherwise terrific performance?
I’d love to hear your anecdotes.
(Image from sixthstreetmelodrama.com)
Suzanne Calvin, Assoc. Dir. of Marketing, The Dallas Opera