So I'm doing Jesus Christ Superstar, with the band on one side of the stage, and at the end of the crucifixion scene, everything is quiet. All eyes are on Jesus and the cross.
Suddenly, I'm aware of an unmistakable watering sound coming through the sound system: a steady stream of liquid is running from a moderate height and landing in a larger pool of liquid. Next, we hear the sound of a toilet flushing. All the while, one of the most poignant and tragic events in the history of mankind is being acted out on stage.
It turns out some unknown noodnik in the cast who had left the stage before this scene didn't turn off his body mic, and proceeded directly to the bathroom. No one ever came forward to accept responsibility. A female crew member determined the sound to be male, based on the splash ratio.
Naturally, I was livid after the show. Where were the sound people??? But it turned out that you could only hear the sound through the on-stage monitors. Being that nobody in the audience was reacting, it seems that it was inaudible there. The director, who was in the house, confirmed this. Whew!
Just imagine if the sound had made it into the house--Jesus on the cross and people are laughing!
Suddenly, I'm aware of an unmistakable watering sound coming through the sound system: a steady stream of liquid is running from a moderate height and landing in a larger pool of liquid. Next, we hear the sound of a toilet flushing. All the while, one of the most poignant and tragic events in the history of mankind is being acted out on stage.
It turns out some unknown noodnik in the cast who had left the stage before this scene didn't turn off his body mic, and proceeded directly to the bathroom. No one ever came forward to accept responsibility. A female crew member determined the sound to be male, based on the splash ratio.
Naturally, I was livid after the show. Where were the sound people??? But it turned out that you could only hear the sound through the on-stage monitors. Being that nobody in the audience was reacting, it seems that it was inaudible there. The director, who was in the house, confirmed this. Whew!
Just imagine if the sound had made it into the house--Jesus on the cross and people are laughing!