How to Dress for a Broadway Show.

Hey Ask Debonair,

I just bought tickets to a Broadway show.  I was wondering what was appropriate to wear?

I ask you simply to consider this when deciding on your attire.  Long before the age of IMAX movie houses, HD televisions, satellite radio, MP3 players and computers, there was the theater.  And although modernity has supplied us with these expansive and almost limitless opportunities of entertainment, the theater remains. It remains for tradition, for the continuous and unrelenting pursuit of live perfection (or perhaps purposeful imperfection).  It remains on the backs of hundreds and thousands or actors, directors, writers, stagehands and musicians.  The great drama depicted, the great comedy experienced.  And while the epoch of black tie attendees has past, this is the office one must continue to respect when dressing for the theater.

There is, of cource, no official dress code for the theater. Because of this, you may see those in jeans, t-shirts, shorts, sneakers and even sandals.  But you know better – it is evidenced by the question and your reading of this response. By no means and I implying that you must wear a tuxedo and patent leather shoes, but shoes nonetheless.  No sneakers or sandals but shoes.  Your pants should be long (no jeans) and your shirt should have a collar.  A suit would not be out-of-line, in fact, it would be encouraged.  But, if you decide against the suit, strongly consider the sports jacket. I assure you that your attire will assist in your overall enjoyment of the show, because you know why you dressed as you did.

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