陈豪在北京的ABC美国公司工作,他到办公室去找美国同事Amy。

(Office ambience)

C:Amy, 今天晚上的表演你去吗?

A:Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Our new boss, Mr. Brown, is being kind to take us all to celebrate the success on our last project. Are you going?

C:去。可我从来没去过剧院。你给我讲讲要注意些什么。我可不想在老板面前丢人。

A:The first thing you should know is to be on time. Mr. Brown is picking up our
tickets and will meet us in front of the theater at 7 o’clock.

C:我本来约好了跟朋友吃饭,然后再去。既然老板已经买了票,我们为什么还要提前到呢?

A:First of all, you do as the boss requests. Secondly, it is inconsiderate to arrive just as the curtain goes up.

C:反正已经有票了,表演开始前到不就行了吗?

A:That is exactly the point. If your seat happens to be in the middle of the row, you will have to climb over everyone else.

C:如果我坐在边上,里面的人后到,我该怎么做呢?

A:You might want to remain standing until those people turn up. Once the lights go down to signal that the show is beginning, take your seat.

C:如果表演开始后,坐在里面的人才到呢?

A:Ushers generally will not seat people after the performance has begun until there is an appropriate break. Be courteous and stand to make it easier for them to get by.

C:谢谢你,Amy, 我们晚上见。

******

晚上表演中场休息。

C:Amy, 你觉得今天的表演怎么样?

A:The play is excellent, but I am having trouble seeing and hearing.

C:为什么?

A:Well, the woman in front of me has on a big hat. I am having trouble seeing. She wasn’t being thoughtful when she decided to wear that monstrosity.

C: 什么叫monstrosity?

A:The word relates to monster. I suppose she wanted to dress up, but she overdid it. And by the way, what were you thinking when you decided to dress casually?

C:去剧院看表演还要穿西装打领带吗?

A:Absolutely, the theater is a special event and people should dress up for the occasion. You should at least have worn a coat and tie.

C:可我去看电影的时候,从来都穿得很随便的呀!

A:This isn’t the movies. It is a sign of respect to the actors and the other theater goers to look your best.

C:其实,我去之前也犹豫了一下。

A:I wish you had asked me. Since you didn’t, keep in mind that it is always better to dress up rather than dress down.