A Statement from the Audience Member Who Shouted ‘The Pitt’ References at Isa Briones During ‘Just in Time’

Photo Credit: Bruce Glikas

A quick heads-up before anyone starts drafting an angry email: the following is satire.

I would like to formally address the controversy surrounding my behavior at Just in Time, where I allegedly “shouted disruptive references” to The Pitt at Isa Briones during the performance.

First of all, I don’t love the word “disruptive.” I prefer “immersive.” Some people sit in the audience silently like furniture. I choose to participate in the arts.

Yes, I recognized Isa Briones from The Pitt, and yes, I shouted about “finishing her charts” while she was onstage doing a completely different show. But I think we need to ask a bigger question here: what was I supposed to do with that information? Just keep it inside my body? That seems unhealthy.

I paid for my ticket, and nowhere on that ticket did it say, “Please do not loudly connect actors to their other roles in real time.” If Broadway has rules, maybe they should print them somewhere. Perhaps on the Playbill. Or maybe the actors could announce before the show, “Good evening, please enjoy the performance, but do not remind us of other employment opportunities we have had.”

Also, I was not yelling. I was projecting.

I truly believed I was helping. When I shouted references to The Pitt, I was giving Isa Briones valuable audience feedback. I was saying, “I see you. I know your work. I have watched television.”

And frankly, I thought the cast might enjoy a little crossover energy. Broadway can be so close-minded sometimes. One minute, everyone is saying theatre needs younger audiences, and the next minute, they’re mad because someone from the audience is loudly explaining streaming television during a musical. Which is it?

People around me kept turning around and glaring, but I assumed they were impressed. One woman whispered, “Please stop,” which I took as theatrical banter. I whispered back, “The Pitt!” because I wanted her to feel included.

In hindsight, perhaps I could have waited until intermission to discuss Isa Briones’ television work. But intermission is for bathrooms and wine.

So no, I will not apologize for being passionate, observant, and several steps ahead of basic theatre etiquette. I went to Just in Time and brought my whole self, including my inability to understand setting, timing, volume, or social cues.