A few questions about Billy Elliot

[Grief]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 9:34am

I already saw the show from the last row of the rear mezzanine and found the view surprisingly good. However, I want to purchase closer tickets. Are the front row seats of the front and rear mezzanine good? I remember I was in the front row of the mezzanine for Gypsy, and I had a very hard time seeing over the rail without leaning forward (which made the people behind hate me). I am not a tall person - would I be better off avoiding front row and going a few rows back to avoid the rail? Also, how is the view from the orchestra seats? This seems like a show that is better seen from above, but I would like to see it up close and get expressions, etc.

Second question, just out of curiosity: which boy is the strongest singer? I saw Kiril and I hope to see the other two as well. People keep saying that David is the strongest dancer, so I was just wondering about their singing.

Thanks!

[jess20882]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 10:43am

i've seen the show twice - once from orchestra row n, and one from front row center. while front row really made you feel like you're in the middle of the action, it's a little *too* close, especially during the swan lake scene when the smoke from the stage is billowing into your face!

i'd recommend anywhere in the orchestra, other than the first couple of rows...

as for the boys, i've only seen trent and kiril, and i think i like trent better. he seems more natural, and his dancing is amazing.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 10:45am

From what I've heard you will NOT be able to get a definitive answer as to which boy is "better". They are all a little different and therefore their strengths will resonate differently with all that see them.

Besides....unless it's changed recently, you can't really plan ahead to see a specific boy...their rotation is not a consistant one.

[mwill]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 11:49am

David Alvarez for me has the whole package with regards to singing, dancing, acting and sheer talent.

[Mamie]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 12:06pm

I saw it first from the first row of the front mezz and it was perfection. I could sit back comfortably and see the whole stage - with nothing blocked out. (I'm not real tall either - 5'4"). The second time I was all the way in front on the far left side - C11. It was great because I was away from the stage smoke but I felt like I was almost ON the stage with the performers. The dance sequence with the older Billy was not as impressive from this seat. To get the full "WOW" factor, you need to be further back.

[Billy Whiz]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 12:51pm

I saw the first preview from the front mezz, section 2 seat A7. Perfect seat.

[Grief]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 7:07pm

Thanks, everyone. I'm also wondering if the orchestra seats are "too low" -- are you looking up at the stage or missing stuff that's upstage / in the back? If I was choosing between far side orchestra and far side of front mezzanine, which is preferable? Thanks again.
Also, I know that I can't figure out which boy is going on when, I'm just hoping I'll be able to see all three coincidentally.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 7:24pm

Personally, I HATE the extreme far side of the orchestra. If I can't be near the aisle or center, I'd prefer to go anywhere in the front mezz.

[Mamie]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 8:56pm

The stage is real low and you'll have no problem seeing the full stage from your orchestra seat. I still would go for a seat in the mezz if I were you. They're comfortable and you stand less chance of having an Amazon in front of you blocking your view!