Japan.
you has come to see a stage adaptation of a 2.5D manga.
They arrived at the venue far too early.
While waiting at a crosswalk to go get lunch, a taxi stops, and a man getting out says to them, "Thanks for your hard work" ...Why?

The show begins, and when they look at the VIP seats, they see the man from earlier.

After the performance ends, on the way back, while wandering around planning to have dinner nearby before heading home, they encounter the man from earlier again. This time, he speaks to them.
Looking at him closely... he seems familiar somehow.