> At a Glance
> – A patron shouted at fellow theatergoers during the January 3 performance of Mamma Mia! on Broadway
> – The man claimed the audience was “loud and obnoxious” and asked security to intervene
> – He returned for Act 2 after escort; the women he accused left before Act 2 began
> – Why it matters: Viral clip reignites debate on proper etiquette at Broadway shows
Midway through intermission at Broadway’s Mamma Mia! on January 3, a man’s tirade disrupted the crowd, demanding security because he felt patrons were ruining the show for his teenage nieces.
The Confrontation
In a 45-second clip shared on Reddit, the patron stands in his seat, shouting: “You want to make a scene? I’m going to make a scene!” He accuses nearby audience members of:
- Excessive talking
- Using profanity in front of minors
- Allegedly touching one of his nieces
The man repeatedly calls for a security guard:
> “I need security over here now, ’cause these ladies and this whole section are going to vouch for it.”
Security Response
A staff member arrives, escorts the man out, and later allows him back into the auditorium. The women he accused exit before Act 2 starts; it is unclear whether they moved seats or left the theater.
Online Reaction
Top Reddit comments side with the patron, criticizing audience sing-alongs:
- “Broadway shows are not sing-along shows unless explicitly advertised as such.”
- “I don’t pay to hear amateur audiences sing along.”
The production’s run at the Winter Garden Theatre continues through February 1, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The January 3 uproar went viral on Reddit’s Broadway forum
- Most commenters favor stricter audience etiquette
- Mamma Mia! management has not publicly commented
- The incident spotlights ongoing tension between traditional theater etiquette and newer, more casual audience behaviors
