Neil Simon Theatre

[SaraBeth302]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 10:54am

Is it better to sit in the back/side of the Neil Simon Theatre or in the front of the Mezzanine?

[zepka102]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 11:03am

Anywhere is actually good in that theater, but the front of the mezz is never a bad option!

[bjh2114]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 12:21pm

"Anywhere is actually good in that theater"

Anywhere except the front of the orchestra that is. Don't sit in the first 3 rows of the orchestra because the stage is high. Otherwise, anywhere in the theatre is good.

[zepka102]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 12:23pm

I actually enjoyed the front row. I really felt like I was a part of the show. Although it was kind of scary when the guys jump over the pit onto the platform. They land VERY close.

[willact4food]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 12:42pm

The front row is AWESOME! I've set there a few times.

But back to the subject at hand, there really isn't a bad seat in the Neil Simon. If you can stand for a while, I would even opt for standing room only. Great view and cheap!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 12:48pm

I've sat in the front row center orchestra (lottery), front row center front mezzanine (amazing) and the very last row. All offered excellent vantage points. As much as I loved being up close, I'd have to say my favorite area to sit is the front mezzanine, as you can take in the entire production.

[G_Schlozinski2]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 2:11pm

What the ever less legitimate theatre really needs is a John Simon Playhouse. (How do you say 'playhouse' in Schtokavian?) Perhaps Mr. S could do the interiors. (and i know some of you boys know exactly which Mr. S i'm talking about.)

[allofmylife]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 2:24pm

Look up the history of this theatre. It's amazing. Fred Astaire OPENED the theatre when it was called The Alvin inthe 20's with "Funny Face". Imagine paying 75 cents to go in and see him perform LIVE.

Updated On: 7/13/07 at 02:24 PM

[SaraBeth302]

Posted: 7/13/07 at 11:34pm

Row H(right side)of orchestra or Row K(center) mezzanine. Any insight?

[G_Schlozinski2]

Posted: 7/14/07 at 11:07am

insight: 'sit back and enjoy the show.'

[NY_Broadway2]

Posted: 7/14/07 at 12:01pm

I sat front row mezzanine when I saw Hairspray and I think they were the best seats in the house. Perfect view of everything and you don't seem very far away at all.

[alfgiotir]

Posted: 8/9/08 at 11:53pm

i am lookn gat row H right orch seats 16-18. good view? thanks.

[nydirector2]

Posted: 8/10/08 at 12:08am

A good rule of thumb for most Broadway theatres is center is ALWAYS better than side, despite distance. The sightlines for some of the theatres is awful, so even if you're in the back of the balcony in the center, you'll still see more of the show than the side of the orchestra.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/10/08 at 12:31am

Yup. The Neil Simon Theatre was originally named the Alvin Theatre, and many classic shows played there... from Liza Minnelli in FLORA, THE RED MENACE, Lucille Ball in WILDCAT and Ethel Merman in ANYTHING GOES to the original productions of LADY IN THE DARK, COMPANY, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG and ANNIE.

[winston89]

Posted: 8/10/08 at 2:13am

I like how they changed the black sign on the side of the theatre from saying "Alvin" to "Annie" during Annie's run.