Audience gets refund after underwhelming 'Conversation with Steve Martin'

Every person in attendance for a dialogue with actor Steve Martin will receive a $50 refund and an apology from the 92nd Street Y in New York City after what event organizers have called a "disappointing" evening, according to The New York Times.  The Y sent an apology to attendees Tuesday after audience members reacted negatively to an interview between Martin and Deborah Solomon, a columnist for The New York Times Magazine.

Martin and Solomon were having a conversation Monday night, which focused on the art world.  It's a topic that is the subject of Martin's new novel, "An Object of Beauty."  Midway through the interview, a representative from the Y handed Solomon a piece of paper, asking her to focus on Martin's career.  The audience cheered when Solomon read the note aloud.

Martin and Solomon both said they thought the conversation was going very well at the time, and both seemed somewhat offended.  Solomon said she was "appalled" to have her interview criticized and deserving of a refund.  Martin called the reaction "discourteous."  Each said they were not given guidelines for the interview.

Nine hundred people purchased $50 tickets.  The refund can be used toward future events at the Y.

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Thumbnail by Jason Anfinsen