Definitely bring flowers. Better to give after than before.
Thanks. Do I just sit on them during the performance?
Talk to your florist and tell him/her that you want a durable bouquet. In fact, tell the florist why you're buying the flowers - often this gets you a nicer bouquet than you might get otherwise. Good florists get involved in the transaction because it drives repeat business.
What baa said. Flowers, post-curtain, are traditional.
I think you should give her a doll with a cast on one leg...........
I think "break a leg" is just for actors; she wrote the play. Maybe a doll with a little RSI brace, then?
Seriously, thanks, folks. I was clueless, and now at least I have people to blame.
Oooh, oooh, something I know about. I hope I'm not too late. I've been hanging around theatres for over 30 years.
There will be a table backstage, probably in the green room. Flowers after the show are nice, but before the show is even better. All the cast comes in and sees the flowers already there and wonders if they will get some too. It is like having posies delivered to your girlfriend's workplace. Double bling, because she gets to parade them in front of her co-workers.
Either have them delivered to the theatre (they will know what to do) or bring them early to the box office. They will get in the right place.
Oh, also, after the show, gush!
Pretend you are seeing a friend's baby. This is NOT the time to point out any defects.
Not too late, Tripp. Does the same apply when the flowers are for the playwright?
I direct plays, and have been doing theatre for about a decade. You should definitely have a bouquet of flowers for your friend. Either deliver it to the box office, or have it delivered. I'd do it before the show. An offer to buyher a drink after the show should be sufficient in meeting your obligation to your friend's successful play.
-neal
Neal,
You last name isn't Simon, is it? :)
My last name is Davenport.