by Veronica Shine

Created on: November 03, 2007   Last Updated: September 02, 2010

As a former performer in the chorus, commonly know as a gypsy in show biz, and a viewer of numerous Broadway shows, today audience's seem to think it is mandatory to give a standing ovation even when the show does not "razzle- dazzle" you.

Extraordinary performances deserve standing ovations and there is great theater out there. Only giving out a few ovations in my lifetime, the shows that warranted one in my opinion, included "Les Miserables", Zero Mostel in "Fiddler on the Roof" and Richard Kiley in "Man of La Mancha." These performances went way beyond the call of duty. Of course the great score and writing helps many shows to reach that pinnacle.

One Off-Broadway show on Sullivan Street that played for over forty years, "The Fantastics", always warranted one as it had the hardest working casts that I have ever seen with one of the most simplistic stories. This show gave a break to many up and comers as showcase to gain entrance on to Broadway and Hollywood.

One the first objectives drummed into an acting student in drama class was to project and perform for the person in the last row in the balcony. How can one give a standing ovation to a performance enhanced by artificial means? Ethel Merman never needed to use any mikes.

When attending a show today, I find it appalling that the implementation of technical use is being used rather than allowing the actor's talent to shine through. Many good shows tend to lose their appeal because of these artificial enhancements when the leads and/or chorus members have wireless mics on. It certainly takes away from the illusion that you are in France, the South Pacific or Willie Loman's kitchen. What ever happened to Mama Rose screaming, "Sing Out Louise"?

Don't get me wrong; there is nothing that compares to a live performance and not only for the audience but the performers themselves. Stage performances depend on the type of audience you have. From my personal experience, some nights, the energy level could be so high from the audience, that you could come out of the theater and think; I want this show to run forever; while other times it was not unusual to think, maybe I can sneak out of the stage entrance. If latter was the case, then it would be time to pick up a copy of Backstage (the weekly periodical for listing of auditions) and see if any new auditions were coming up.

Grant you, there is much hard work, love and sacrifice that the cast and creative process behind the scenes do within the theater. Competition is stiff just to get in show, much less than to hope for the show's longevity. Actors do appreciate the applause and in fact thrive on it. Standing ovations, however, should only be given out to exceptional performances, similar to a Tony Award for outstanding achievement.

The one or more performances that wil be implanted in your mind for rest of you life are the ones that warranted a standing ovation. The past performances that I have viewed, bring a total recall, as I can close my eyes and relive the shows again by those unforgettable performances.

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