Advice on what shows to rush/buy in advance

Hi all! I know I don't post a ton, but I could really use some advice. I'm a college student, never been to New York, finally may get the chance to go this October. Naturally, I want to see a few shows while I'm there, having only ever been around touring productions. I think I've narrowed it down to three shows I want to see: Gentleman's Guide, Les Mis, and If/Then.

Here's the thing: Being a college student (who's also saving for grad school next year!), I don't exactly have a ton of money to spend on tickets. I simply can't afford to go to three shows full price. I'm going with my family (my mom would probably come to shows along with me), so that helps, but it's still going to be expensive. I'd like to take advantage of rush for one or two of these shows, but I don't know which I ought to buy in advance and which to rush. Neither my mom nor I are particularly good with heights, so we tend to prefer sitting in the orchestra, maybe the mezzanine.

Can anyone give me advice about a) which shows I ought to purchase which way, and b) what the rushes are like for each show (i.e. what time should I get in line)? Much appreciated!

Updated On: 7/19/14 at 04:18 PM

Honestly, October is too far away to predict. Better to ask in Mid Sept, once things settle from the summer.

It also depends on which days of the week you will be there. Weekends will be more difficult by far in the fall than now.

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Try checking rush report, they're usually pretty accurate on how early you should show up for rush. Right now you're looking at lining up around 5 am for both Les Mis and Gentleman's Guide. http://www.broadwayspotted.com/rush-report-july-13-2014/

Updated On: 7/19/14 at 05:20 PM

Les Miserables is doable if you get there early. It's best to go on a two show day since they have more tickets then. Somehow I got in line on a Wednesday about two weeks ago around 9:20 and was able to get a ticket for the matinee.

If/Then has lottery, but they've been known to offer "lotto loser" seats which are $40 and usually located in the back of the orchestra, but I'd imagine they are based on availability.

I'm not sure about Gentlemen's Guide, but I know they have rush.

I'd recommend you join tixforstudents (it's $5 a year, but worth it) they offer tickets to many shows at a similar price to what rush usually is. I also recommend checking out playbill.com's discount section, but they usually release some nice deals in the fall/winter.

October would be after the summer tourist season so rush might be a bit easier. TKTS had good tickets for all 3 shows last week. I got 6th row orchestra for Les Miz, 10th row orchestra for Gentleman;s Guide, and I saw others get front orchestra for If/Then. I wouldn't buy any of the shows in advance. I would get in line at TKTS early enough to be at the front of their line (usually about an hour or so before they open.)

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I'll keep it all in mind. Definitely installing the TKTS app on my phone! If I do end up getting to see anything, I'll be sure to let you all know :)

@brdway411 Thanks! Yeah, I know rushes are the best discounts, but I figured I want to have as many discount options as possible- 30% off is still more manageable than full price :)

While I'm getting advice from all you lovely folks, a little off-topic but still related to my potential trip: any suggestions as to hotels? Again, would be traveling with family (me and my parents) but looking for a decent price in a respectable/convenient location, if that's possible.

I stayed at the Best Western President on 48th St between Broadway and 8th this month and a number of times in the past. Large rooms (by NY standards) located across the street from Gentleman's Guide and a block and a half from TKTS. Just left them a 5 star rating on trip advisor. Another favorite of mine is the Mayfair on 49th St. Normal NY size rooms (small.) I have found that room rates change often, both up and down. On my recent trip I started checking about 6 weeks out and bought about 3 weeks out. The price had gone down from $240 to about $170. The Mayfair had gone from $115 to over $200 during the same time-but my dates weren't firm when I saw the cheap rate.

Search your favorite travel site (use Times Square as the search criteria) Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. and read a bunch of reviews. You will quickly get a feel for the various hotels. I much prefer the ones within a few blocks of TKTS and most theatres-no cab fare. Weather can be blustery and showery in October (I was there for Super Storm Sandy.)

Thanks all! A little update: it looks like, if we do end up going, it'll be around the middle of October, and we've found a hotel with excellent reviews on all the travel sites that also happens to be very close to the Walter Kerr (so I can get up early one morning to wait for Gentleman's Guide rush). I was wondering if I could bother you all for one more set of recommendations: dining. We're not super picky eaters, but we do have to be careful when trying new places, since all three of us have a history of occasional digestive health issues. So nothing super rich or excessively spicy or off-the-wall. I also have a sweet tooth I'd like to indulge :) Anyone have any suggestions for restaurants in midtown? I really appreciate everyone's help for this would-be newbie to NYC :)

Updated On: 8/9/14 at 05:52 PM

Since you said you like sweets, be sure to hit up Schmackary's! Their cookies are delicious. It's on the same block as the Hirschfeld.