LETTERS

Thank you, David Ng, for your insightful article about our continuing fickle L.A. theatergoing public [“Bravos and No-Nos,” May 23]. I recently attended a wonderful performance (except for some odd casting choices) of “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” at the Ahmanson Theatre. On every point of your article, my audience followed with great relish. They talked, fidgeted, unwrapped candy, jumped to a standing ovation and -- my personal favorite -- arrived late!

I must admit I have yet to experience texting at the theater, but beware the theater patron who does -- because I will personally confiscate his or her BlackBerry from them for the performance.

Kevin Chard

Irvine

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David Ng must be unlucky or dishonest, because L.A. theater audiences are much more well-behaved than he portrays. I attend more than 50 plays a year here and have very rarely encountered any talking, texting, late arrivals or early departures. And to suggest that these things are tolerated or allowed by theaters and their patrons is not only completely false, but discourages some from attending and encourages others to misbehave.

Ryan Stevens

Los Angeles

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I am not sure what theaters David Ng has been attending, but I have been going to the theater in this town for decades and have certainly not commonly experienced the rude and unacceptable behavior he describes.

I do agree, however, that Los Angeles audiences seem to think that a standing ovation is earned so long as nobody falls off the stage.

John Hamilton Scott

Sherman Oaks

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I have an etiquette update for David Ng and L.A. theatergoers. If you arrive late at the theater and are quiet about taking your seat, no one will complain (much). And while cellphone lights can be annoying, people will be tolerant if the ringers are kept off.

But talking during a performance? That’s a mortal sin everywhere. Talkers should expect to be scowled at, shushed, bopped on the head with a rolled-up program or, in extreme cases, silenced with a bullet. You have been warned.

Bonnie Sloane

Los Angeles