Broadway star Lea Salonga has lambasted fans who could not keep their cellphones off and have converted the theater into karaoke joints.
Salonga made the reaction on Twitter after some of her friends narrated about rude theater goers who recently went to see “Les Miserables” which began its tour in Manila on March 11 until May 1, 2016.
The Australian production that plays at The Theater of the Solaire Resort and Casino Entertainment in Parañaque City also stars internationally acclaimed Filipino talent Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine and eight-year-old child star “The Voice Kids” runner-up Esang de Torres as Little Cosette.
“Friends that saw Les Miz had people around them talking and burping. I guess some that could buy premium seats couldn’t afford class.
“So how does one teach a theater audience to turn off their phones, not sing along with the cast and not give loud commentary?
“If you’re just going to glue your eyes to your phone instead of watching that play/musical, then stay home. No one likes a rude audience.
“Also, the theater isn’t a karaoke bar. Try not to sing along. The rest of the audience paid to hear THE CAST sing. Not you.
“This isn’t only about respecting the cast working hard on stage, but also respecting your fellow audience members and yourself.”
Fans of Salonga, who is scheduled to perform in the Philippine theater production “Fun Home” in December, supported her in taking a swipe at rude theater goers.
Salonga, 45, has just appeared in the musical “Allegiance” on Broadway.
She will also guest-star in the US television musical-comedy series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” season finale. It stars Rachel Bloom and Filipino-American actor Vincent Rodriguez III.