I had almost the same experience. They sent an email that it had opened on 1/10. I lost the first time for the Tuesday evening performance and won the second time for the Wednesday matinee. My seat was Mezzanine Row A Seat 16. Great view!
I noticed that too. When I saw it during previews there was no laughter from the audience at that point - there was silence and some gasps and murmurs. The reaction felt very strange last night in comparison. Interesting to hear that the laughter is common.
