"In some European theaters, it's still not uncommon to have a late start and three LONG intermissions, because people actually eat and drink and converse during the intermissions"

This quote by Joe Bob Briggs is describing the cultural distinctions between European and American theater-going experiences. In Europe, it is still typical for theaters to have a late start and 3 long intermissions. This is since Europeans make the effort to delight in the theater experience, and use the intermissions to mingle and have a meal or a beverage. This is in contrast to American theaters, which typically have a timely start time and much shorter intermissions. This quote highlights the value of the theater experience in Europe, and how it is viewed as a gathering rather than simply an efficiency. It also demonstrates how Europeans make the effort to delight in the theater experience, and how it is a part of their culture.