How To Propose at the Theater
The long-running off-Broadway musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change has become synonymous with the romantic idea of proposing at the theater. Thinking of popping the question in front of an audience? Star Anne Bobby has witnessed more proposals than Zsa Zsa Gabor and Elizabeth Taylor combined, and she knows how to create a perfectly theatrical engagement that deserves an ovation.
Prepare
"Call the management office in advance, and they will walk you through the process," advises Bobby. "Or send a letter to the stage manager of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and he will forward it on." The cast is told a few days in advance that there will be a proposal, and the actors help to facilitate the experience. "It basically works like this," Bobby notes. "At the next to the last scene, just before the finale, the guy excuses himself to go to the bathroom. Then he goes downstairs, and our assistant stage manager meets him at the stage door and takes him upstairs. After our finale, we stop the music in the middle of our bows and say something to the tune of, 'We've met so many wonderful people while doing this show, it's in its tenth year, and we just might have met someone new tonight. I'd like to introduce him to you now.' Then he comes out. It's always, always wonderful."
Play It Cool
OK, you got yourself up on stage with a ring in your pocket. Now what? "My feeling is just to be sincere. Don't try and make jokes," warns Bobby. "Propose from the heart." Bobby notes that what always does the audience not to mention the sweetheart in question in is something simple. "They're at a show that's all about love," she says. "What never fails is something like: 'I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You're my best friend.' The audience will definitely be in tears. Don't try to be entertaining just because you are in front of 300 people. It's about the love."
Go for the Drama
We hate to say it, but audiences and proposees alike have certain expectations. "Get down on one knee," Bobby urges. "That's what you're there for! You're in a theater—that's your permission. It's your time to be dramatic. You're in New York City—on stage! Do it!"