NEW YORK, 2025-06-20 22:11:00

Anthony Ramos recalls Madonna’s distracting behavior at a “Hamilton” performance, sparking a fresh wave of criticism.

During a “Watch What Happens Live” appearance, actor Anthony Ramos shared his experience of Madonna’s behavior at a performance of “hamilton,” describing her as glued to her iPad. This recollection has reignited conversations about celebrity etiquette and the impact of distractions during live theater.

When host Andy Cohen asked ramos who was the most “terrifying celebrity” he saw in the audience, Ramos responded, “The most terrifying was Madonna with her iPad in her face.” He mimicked her posture, adding, “She was like this the whole time.”

Reader question:-Do you think celebrities should be held to a higher standard of behavior at public events like Broadway shows? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Ramos starred in the original 2015 musical, taking on two roles including the part of Alexander Hamilton’s son, Philip. His candid assessment of Madonna’s behavior echoes sentiments from other members of the cast and crew.

The actor isn’t the first to speak about Madonna’s appearance at the Richard Rodgers Theater. In fact, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created “Hamilton,” tweeted about a celebrity’s disruptive texting during the show. He wrote, “Tonight was the first time I asked stage management NOT to allow a celebrity (who was texting all through Act 2) backstage. #noselfieforyou.”

Did you know?-Lin-Manuel Miranda’s tweet sparked a debate about audience etiquette in theaters. Many Broadway theaters now include a reminder before performances to turn off electronic devices.

Despite no names being revealed,rumors circulated that Madonna was the culprit. Her publicist denied the accusations, stating that she was invited backstage four times and texted after the show during a fundraising pitch, and had already donated generously.

Jonathan Groff, who played King George III, also confirmed the rumors, stating she wasn’t invited backstage “because that b-ch was on her phone.” The “Spring Awakening” star, 40, added, “You couldn’t miss it from the stage. It was a black void of the audience in front of us and her face there perfectly lit by the light of her iPhone through three-quarters of the show.”

The “Vogue” artist has experience on Broadway, starring in “Speed-the-Plow” in 1988. In 1996, Madonna portrayed Eva Perón in the film adaptation of “Evita,” winning a Golden Globe. Despite her success, the icon has also received criticism, notably in relation to her acting.

Patti LuPone, who won a Tony Award for her role as Eva on Broadway in 1979, was critical of Madonna’s performance in “Evita.” In 2017, LuPone stated, “Madonna is a movie killer. She’s dead behind the eyes. She cannot act her way out of a paper bag. She should not be in film or on stage. She’s a splendid performer for what she does, but she’s not an actress. bing!”

Pro tip:-When attending live performances, be mindful of your surroundings. Turn off or silence electronic devices, and avoid any behavior that could distract the performers or other audience members.

When Andy Cohen asked LuPone about “Evita,” LuPone replied, “I saw, I believe it was ‘Buenos Aires,’ and I thought it was a piece of s-t.”

the recent revelations about Madonna’s iPad use at “hamilton” have ignited a larger conversation about audience etiquette, especially when it comes to high-profile attendees. While the incident drew direct criticism from cast members like Anthony Ramos,the issue is rooted in the broader impact of distractions on the theater experience. After all, the theater is a shared experience, and it’s reasonable to expect a certain level of consideration from everyone in attendance.

What are the unwritten rules here? Primarily, it comes down to respect. Respect for the performers, the story being told, and the other audience members. As the existing article notes, the audience at a Broadway show, and indeed any live performance, is a collaborative entity.It’s only through a shared sense of focus that the actors can thrive.

This brings up the question: Are celebrities held to a higher standard? The short answer is yes, even though, it isn’t codified. Stars often garner more attention, and their actions, especially in public settings, are amplified by the media. But the essential rules of engagement-turning off your phone, minimizing noise, and staying engaged with the performance-apply to everyone.

What’s the practical effect of distractions on the actors onstage? When people are on their phones, it creates a visual divide, literally a black void as noted by Jonathan Groff. Consequently, it is hard to interpret the audience response. This can affect the actors’ ability to connect with the audience and to properly gauge and adjust their performances. Beyond this, distracting lights and sounds affect artistic integrity. Performing is a shared experience between the audience and the cast; disruptions break that fundamental dynamic.

According to the Broadway League, it’s very significant to note that the vast majority of Broadway theaters now request that audience members silence and stow away their phones during a show, highlighting the theatre community’s shared commitment to uninterrupted storytelling. But even more important,is taking the time to turn your devices off so as to be present in the moment.

Why is it so important to avoid distractions during a live performance? Engaging with the show is critical for both performers and other audience members. It’s a display of respect.

Are ther consequences for disruptive behavior in a theater? Yes, theaters can remove disruptive audience members to maintain a positive experience for everyone.

Why do some people feel entitled to use their phones? It often stems from a lack of understanding of the impact on others,or a belief their status gives them special privileges.

How can theaters help to improve audience behavior? Theaters can continue to issue reminders and promote policies regarding devices to enhance the experience.