In a recent Instagram Story, Isa Briones, the talented actress currently starring in the Broadway musical *Just in Time*, voiced her frustration with audience behaviour during performances. Briones, who portrays legendary singer Connie Francis in the production, has been vocal about her desire for theatregoers to adhere to proper decorum while enjoying the show.
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During a recent performance, Briones encountered disruptive shouting from the audience, prompting her to express her discontent online. “HEY HEY HEY,” she started her post, pointing out that Broadway should not be treated like a circus. Her sentiments were directed towards individuals who shouted inappropriate remarks during her performance, highlighting one instance where a patron yelled, “When are you going to finish your charts?” before she was set to sing “Who’s Sorry Now?”. Her response, marked with frustration, emphasised that such behaviour is disrespectful to both the performers and other audience members.
Briones’ criticism is not entirely new. In an earlier Instagram Story posted on 11 April, she had already addressed similar occurrences, asking her fans to refrain from addressing her by her on-screen character’s name during live performances. “Do not talk to the performers while they are performing on stage (unless you have been asked to),” she advised. Further underscoring her identity as an actress, she noted, “I’m not Dr. Santos. I’m not even Connie Francis. I am Isa Briones, one of the actors in the show you have paid to enjoy, so watch it respectfully.”
The 27-year-old actress joined the cast of *Just in Time* on 1 April and performs at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City. This role follows her acclaimed performance in the HBO Max series *The Pitt*, where she portrays Dr. Santos, a second-year resident with a strong personality. Briones shared the stage in the musical with acclaimed actor Jeremy Jordan, who plays the lead role of Bobby Darin.
Briones comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts. Her mother, Megan Briones, and younger brother, Teo Briones, are also actors, while her father, Jon Jon Briones, has a prominent theatre background. He played the Engineer in the 2014 West End revival of *Miss Saigon*, receiving an Olivier Award nomination for his performance. He later brought his talent to Broadway, reprising his role and later starring as Hermes in *Hadestown*, opposite his daughter.
The actress’s dedication to her craft is reflected in her impressive resumé. She made her Broadway debut in 2024 as Eurydice in the award-winning musical *Hadestown*, and has accumulated extensive theatre credits. Her previous work includes performances in the Off-Broadway hit *All Night*, the national tour of *Hamilton*, as well as productions like *Grease* and *Next to Normal*, which earned her an L.A. Ovation Award.
In addition to Briones, members of *The Pitt* cast have also continued their forays into Broadway. Patrick Ball, who portrays Dr. Santos’ rival Dr. Frank Langdon, is making his Broadway debut in the dark comedy *Becky Shaw*, which is currently nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play.
Briones’ call for respectful behaviour in theatre settings has resonated with many, underlining the importance of mutual respect between performers and audiences during live performances. Her passion for her craft and her desire for a positive audience experience is helping to foster a more respectful theatre culture.
As Briones continues her run in *Just in Time*, tickets remain available, giving audiences the opportunity to engage with her performance, provided that they adhere to the etiquette expected in such artistic settings. The growing discourse around theatre etiquette is now more relevant than ever, reminding both audiences and performers alike of the shared space they occupy during live shows.