BassDad...you crack me up!!!! I totally agree and have noticed the trend and have tried to fight it but just like thumper1, I would really like to see what's happening on stage (no matter how tall you are you can't see in this situation) and sometimes I will stand just for that reason. I will try and fight that impulse now
I'm debating whether it's the progression of my D's voice which comes with heightened expectations of singers, or just the singing quality in general, but I have been very disappointed in most of the Broadway shows I've seen lately (Audra MacDonald in 110 In The Shade being the only exception!). Opera wise we usually stick to the Met starring beloved singers and I have enthusiastically jumped to my feet during bows. I am suprised at the amount of hooting and yelling at opera - it used to be such a reserved (and well dressed!) audience! Are you seeing that at instrumental events as well?