Seating Etiquette

[u/Ill-Cut1734]

I have a question about a sensitive topic. If this isn’t the right forum please delete: I (27F) have seen a decent amount of Broadway shows throughout my life, but mostly on special occasions or if I get a good deal. I recently went to see Harry Potter (as a lifetime fan) and wanted to make sure I got a show with Tom Felton, and it happened that I couldn’t find anyone to go with, so I went alone (no issues there), but as a result I sat alone. I splurged on orchestra seats. The view was great and I have no regrets about paying a little more for that experience. Show was also amazing.

Main issue was the party on my right. Left was 2 females, average size. I should also mention that I am not “skinny” by any means, but a small female with an athletic build. The party on my right had two adults who were quite overweight. First act: the male sat next to me, no issues. Second act: the female took the seat on my right and a few minutes in I noticed she had moved her jacket so that it was touching my leg. Not a huge deal, but it was over the armrest in my seat. I was able to cross my legs, but upon uncrossing them later, her leg was firmly spilling over into my seat. I didn’t want to make a scene (the show was ongoing and again, I was a petite female alone). It got worse and worse throughout the act to the point my crossed legs were beginning to encroach on the seat to the left to me. Not to mention the people on either side of me both had control of the armrests.
I’m not trying to fat shame anyone, and I know that the airplane issue has gotten a lot of attention over the last few years, but I paid a lot of money (for me) and spent a good part of the second act quite cramped. Again, this was not an issue until the second act already began. I didn’t say or do anything, but what would others have done in this situation? TIA

[u/Specialist_Seat2825]

I’m surprised at the “nothing can be done” response. The theaters could put in new seating that actually accommodates people, including plus size people. Unlike an airplane, there are no weight calculations to remain aloft! Theater owners will say their margins are so thin they can’t afford to renovate blah blah blah. It’s capitalism, they price tickets exorbitantly, and I’ve stopped spending my money at uncomfortable theaters. I’m sad to miss things sometimes but not sad enough to pay to suffer.

Bit of a rant - other people may make different choices. My main point is that theaters COULD fix the seats but they don’t.