Another Seating Advice Question - Wicked

[skylost]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 10:55am

Hello

Ive seen that this question gets asked a lot, but we are visiting from the UK in December, and I want to get tickets for Wicked. The best choices in our range that we have available on the day we want seem to be Orchestra Row Q Seats 115-116 or Front Mezz Row B Seats 101 and 102. Both are centre sections but aisle seats (which we need). I've seen these areas hotly debated so any advice would be great, i'd like to book the seats ASAP.

Thanks

[EMeraldNYC2]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 11:13am

I saw Wicked at the Gershwin last summer from Row M of the orchestra and it was a fantastic seat. That being said, I've seen Wicked on tour from the Mezz and it was also a good view. I'd give the one-up to the orchestra because I could see facial expressions and all the intricate set details while still getting the full experience of everything happening on the stage. Great seats that I would buy again!

[skylost]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 11:14am

Thanks for your message. Do you think the extra 3 rows back to Q would make much difference, especially as from looking, row Q and back appear in a different section, like the rear of the Orchestra.

Thanks

[EMeraldNYC2]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 11:27am

M was one row from the back of the front section, so I don't think it would be that much of a difference. The Gershwin's seats are also at a bit of a stadium-style angle, especially in the rear orchestra, so that should help. Since you're looking at the Front Mezz as well, I'd say you can't really go wrong. I'd still probably choose the orchestra, but if you're worried about being towards the rear section and slightly under the overhang then the Mezz should offer a great view as well!

[skylost]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 11:48am

The way ive worked it out is that row A of front Mezz seems to be in line roughly with row O of Orchestra, so row B of Mezz would be roughly in line with row P or Orchestra, so i'd actually be further back with Q in Orch than B in Mezz, but as ive never been to a theatre and sat on the floor, I don't know what the view is like. As you say, the stadium seating will help. Plus the pictures i've seen from the front mezz seem to indicate that the stage is miles away! Im sure its not that bad in person but the pictures dont indicate this to me

[EMeraldNYC2]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 12:27pm

I think in terms of distance from the stage, those two locations will be pretty similar, just a major difference of an eye-level view vs. looking from above. Like I said, I haven't been in the Gershwin's mezz so I can't really say anything positive or negative about the view. However I also saw Wicked from the middle of a balcony in a theater much, much bigger than the Gershwin and I enjoyed the view even then, so I'm sure that the front Mezz of the Gershwin would provide an excellent view. If you're concerned about distance from the stage, having people in front of you, etc., I'd say take the mezz. From my own experience I thoroughly enjoyed the orchestra, but it comes down to personal preference and what you personally are concerned about. Either way you're going to enjoy a spectacular show! :)

[skylost]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 12:30pm

Thanks for all your help. I think in order to be in with more of a chance of a less obstructed view, we might go with the Mezz unless anyone else gives me a compelling reason not to, only worried about watching from above at this distance, but like I say, we've done it before, just in a smaller theatre.

And yes, it should be great, we've seen it before in London where we live so looking forward to seeing a different production.

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 12:31pm

Both are great seats, but I would go with the orchestra seats just because during Defying Gravity, you feel the effect of Elphaba flying better when you can look up at her rather than looking down on her. Just a preference of mine, I always try to sit orch. for this show because of that. If that doesn't make a difference to you, either seat should be fine.

[skylost]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 12:33pm

That would be good to see, but does the overhang prevent looking up much or is that less of a problem here?

[skylost]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 12:34pm

Also, this might not be possible, but there are some aisle seats in Orch M Centre, are these worth the extra over the row Q?

[EMeraldNYC2]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 12:45pm

I doubt the overhang would prevent looking up. If there was any difficulty in seeing due to the overhang, the tickets would be advertised as partial view. (I've only experienced mild difficulty from the overhang in Jersey Boys, and I was fully aware that I was buying partial view tickets). I definitely agree that I really enjoyed sitting in the orchestra during Defying Gravity because it felt like Elphaba was actually flying above us. I can't specifically give insight for switching from Q though since I've never sat anywhere besides M. I doubt that it would really be worth paying extra though. I wish I could give you advice for both sets of seats, but this is just from my experience.

[skylost]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 12:47pm

Well, for better or worse, I paid the extra and got seats 101/102 in Row M.

We are visiting NY for our Honeymoon, so why not?! Hopefully they will be slightly better than the Q and that we won't have to look upwards all through the show and hurt our necks!

[EMeraldNYC2]

Posted: 4/29/14 at 1:46pm

Well I hope you enjoy the seats and have a great time at the show! I know for me it was definitely the best show I've ever seen and well worth the long trip up to NYC. Enjoy!