Advice for shows in Nov: was Rear Mezzanine for Wicked vs Orchestra Row V

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:25pm

Hello,

I was hoping that I could get some advice from those of you who have seen Wicked at the Gershwin.

I am going to be in New York in November and will be seeing the show and am curious about the better seat.

I could get a Rear Mezzanine seat for $55 or an Orchestra Row U for $100.

The money isn't really a huge concern for me. Is the Orchestra U seat a no brainer then?

Thanks in advance.
Updated On: 7/24/05 at 05:25 PM

[FrontRowFirst]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:33pm

I would definitely say orch V. I think the rear mezz at the Gershwin is just to high and far back. Others will disagree, but if money is no issue - go with orchestra.

[neocomposer]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:36pm

yeah if money is no issue definitley orchestra.

i have actually never seen the show from farther back than row O, so I hope the view is fine.

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:40pm

Thanks for the fast replies!

Typically, I don't like sitting any further back than row M or so in any theatre event, so I am a little hesitant to pull the trigger on the Row U at that price.

Although, I suppose it's better than not seeing the show at all.

And Murphy's Law for me has always been - if I buy tickets, I win lotto. If I don't buy tickets, I never win lotto.

I will been in town Nov 20-Nov 24, so I have to find a few other things to see as well.

[ILoveWicked330]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:40pm

With Row U, you can't see the Dragon (which really isn't a big deal). I have sat row F of the mezzanine and Idina looked like a pebble. If money is not a problem, go for the Row U. Why not try front mezzanine? It's $100 also (I think row A-E) and you can see everything and you're alittle closer than row U but higher up...

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:45pm

There aren't any front mezz tickets available unfortunatley.

[ElphabaRose]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 5:49pm

I have sat in the last row of the mezz and it was fine, you can see evrything perfectly, even most of the actor's expressions. The Gershwin is a terrific venue because everywhere that you sit is fantastic.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:00pm

The Gershwin is a huge barn. I saw Grand Hotel ( for the 2 nd time) & could not tell it was Cyd Charisse ( I believe)from way up there. It is far up

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:01pm

Hmmm, I really appreciate everyone's responses. Although, I am just as torn as ever.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:02pm

Mezz is far, but great full view of the lighting.

If there are two of you, do cancellation line.

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:06pm

I thought about doing something like that, but I am really hesitant to go into NY without having tickets.

I figure that I'll see 3 or 4 shows (depends on how tired I am after a cross country flight for the Sunday evening show) while I am there. Wicked is my #1 choice, so I want to make sure I see it.

I'll likely try the lotto for Rent on Sunday. I am an old school Renthead. I've seen it over 50 times, but not since 1998 here in LA, so I think I am ready to go again.

[RustyJusty830]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:50pm

I would personally go for the orchestra seats...I have sat in the FRONT mezz for Wicked twice and the overhang is incredibly far back causing even my excellent seats to be slightly distant. I think any orchestra seat is a good one because you feel as if you are a part of the action, even if it is further back- The mezzanine always seems to make me feel as if I'm watching a movie or viewing the performance from ABOVE the stage in the Gershwin.

By the way Patronus, LOVE your avatar!

P.S. Enjoy RENT, It should be interesting to see such a fresh new cast!

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:58pm

Thanks very much for the advice and the compliment, Rusty!

So, you think Row V is definatley NOT under the overhang then, right?

I am having the toughest time trying to decide what shows I am going to see while I am there and almost got scared off by the "Row V" but I think I am going to move forward and get the tickets.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:59pm

I have sat mid orchestra, rear orchestra (row V), and rear mez for WICKED! TAKE THE ORCHESTRA SEATS...in the Gershwin it should be a no-brainer. The rear mez seats ARENT that great...acceptable yes, but NOT great...rear orchestra, while missing the flying dragon (which ISNT that big of a deal AT ALL) - are MUCH better seats!

[RustyJusty830]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:02pm

I'm pretty sure row V IS under the overhang, but the overhang is SO HIGH and SO FAR BACK (hence my advice to take the orchestra seats in the first place) that you won't have a problem.

[PJ]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:07pm

Orchestra, definitely.

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:18pm

Just ordered my seats from ticketmaster.com!

I'll be at Wicked on Wednesday, 11-23 at the matinee.

Now, I have just have to figure out my possibilities for:

Sunday night (incoming flight and hotel check in will make it be close)
Monday night (considering paying out the wazoo for U2 tickets at MSG)
Tuesday night
Wednesday night

Any suggestions?

I am thinking Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will fill one of the night slots. I'd like to see The Odd Couple as well, but that seems highly unlikely.

Pretty much everything is dark on Mondays other than Rent, right?
Updated On: 7/24/05 at 07:18 PM

[PJ]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:21pm

Sweeney Todd!

As for Mondays: I know Chicago has a Monday evening show.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:22pm

Orchestra always, no matter what. I totally agree that regardless of how far back you are, you feel as though you're part of the action. The Gershwin is a big open space, every seat in the orchestra is great.

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:24pm

Of course, I can't believe Sweeney Todd! Although, that one is probably going to be a REALLY tough ticket.

On a side note - Wanna Be A Foster, great name and avatar. Sutton is just too cute.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:27pm

Defitintly one of those nights NEEDS to be DRS - imho it was the best new musical of last year. And WICKED my favorite of the previous season. SWEENY should be great if you can grab a ticket. If not, I can also highly reccomend SPELLING BEE, THE PRODUCERS, or if a play peeks your interest...DOUBT!

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:30pm

I will definatley see DRS if Nobert is still in the show. I made another post asking if anyone knows when his run is up. If he is contracted through Novemeber, I think I am there.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:31pm

How about The Light in the Piazza? They extended til January, right?

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:38pm

Spelling Bee just added Monday nights! Go for it! It rocks. :)

[Patronus]

Posted: 7/26/05 at 10:43am

Spelling Bee is an interesting choice. I bought the cast recording yesterday so I will listen to it and make a decision pretty soon. If you end up getting tickets on the side of the stage, is that a problem?

I am just not sure about Piazza.