Recapping my April trip

My spouse and I headed to New York City for a week in April, from the 6th to the 13th, and I am trying to figure out a plan to get the best value for the shows we see. We’re going to visit our adult daughter, who lives there now, and she will come to most (but not all) of the shows we see. (She has to work, saw Operation Mincemeat in London, et cetera).

My spouse likes to keep the schedule more open and grab tickets at rush or the TKTS booth. And she’s not a big fan of two-show days. Plus, we want to do some non-theater things. 

Thus far, we bought tickets in advance for two shows: Gypsy on Tuesday night and Maybe Happy Ending on Friday night. After those purchases, we may only have 3 open slots, 4 at most.

I want to see Dead Outlaw, but the only choice is the opening night of previews, Saturday night, and the producers haven’t dropped prices yet. So I’m waiting for better prices (because $186 seems like a lot) but don’t want to be too stubborn. There are plenty of seats in the mezzanine but I haven’t sat there at the Longacre. There aren’t as many seats in the orchestra. Any suggestions, given my limitations?

Operation Mincemeat: The $59 seats are tempting but are those seats (and even the $99 ones in the rear mezzanine) cheap for reason? But then prices jump to $169. I know seats are selling fast for the next week but this isn’t a show that screams box office smash, no discounts, out of the gate. I could be wrong, though.

Just in Time: This is a Monday night option, and our family all agree on Jonathan Groff’s talents. But prices are $159 now and it’s a biomusical and we could do something else that night. Leaning against, but we will probably have to decide quickly if we change our minds. I have no idea if the show is any good.

Oh, Mary!: I have heard plenty of good things but the timing is tricky with those odd 5 pm evening starts on Thursdays and Saturdays. I guess you can make two shows, even on Thursdays, but that’s a lot.

It feels like we can wait on Sunset Blvd. and Death Becomes Her. My daughter wants to see The Last Five Years but she will probably see that before we arrive.

The spring shows: Who knows? That’s one reason to wait. I got sticker shock looking to the prices for The Picture of Dorian Gray and I didn’t even bother looking at the plays with bigger names. I’ll wait on the musicals.

If our trip was longer, or the season weaker, I would probably try to catch Old Friends.

Is there anything obvious I’m missing? Any suggestions on strategy for when to buy tickets and where? Something we really shouldn’t miss?

 

Updated On: 4/15/25 at 05:08 PM

Take advantage of the 5pm curtain of "Mary."  It's 90 minutes, and fits in perfectly when trying to see as many shows as possible.  When I was in NYC in November, I was able to make it a 3 show day - "Tammy Faye," "Oh, Mary" and "Sunset" all in 1 day.  With a 5pm curtain, it's great to be able to make it either a 2 show, or 3 show day.  

Don't miss out on "Sunset Blvd."  It's fantastic.  

Updated On: 2/17/25 at 05:49 PM

OP here - Just in Time and Smash, of the Broadway shows I’ve seen. I might be missing something.

Updated On: 2/17/25 at 10:02 PM

From my experience in November, if you can wait for a bit more until you are closer to April you will probably see more shows offering discounts.  Especially for shows just entering previews, they really seem to be holding out before offering codes. 

Oh Mary! is a 90 minute improv sketch with costumes.. Was the SNL 50th show yesterday essential viewing in your home?  Oh Mary! Is a bit raunchier than what they can put on TV.  But I find it difficult to reccommend to anyone looking for a deeper theatrical experience. (Also hard to call call it essential without the original star.)  I had fun, but it isn't deep.  I can't remember your reaction to Gutenberg?  It's from that same vein of comedy.

I’d wait on Dead Outlaw. Chances are there will be a code later or just do TKTS. I sat in Left Mezz D14 and F4 for Swept Away and thought the sightline was good. Right Mezz C19 was not good for Lempicka so I’d stay away from far right Mezz.

I am waiting for lower prices on Just in Time. 

I’d see Death Becomes Her. We had a lot of fun at this show. The ensemble is on fire.

I did get advance tickets for Old Friends and now there is a promo code (FROGMAN). If you’re a Sondheim fan, how can you miss it?

Buena Vista Social Club is a must if you liked that album. Hearing it played live was so good that I went back a second time when it was Off Broadway. And the dancing was super hot.  

I have no idea how Boop! The Musical will be but it looks like it will be fun with a big dancing cast. I got tickets ahead because the promo BOOPMANIA was excellent and they have Thursday matinee’s.

I am also very much looking forward to a jazzy-bluesy Pirates! The Penzance Musical sizzling with Caribbean rhythms and French Quarter flair.  It’s giving me Edwin Drood vibes and I loved that show when Roundabout did it. And I’d see anything with David Hyde Pierce.  There are inexpensive mezzanine seats available now for this, better seats best probably through TKTS later.

Have a great trip!

 

 

I don't believe the first preview is any indication at how well a show is selling.  that said I did spot check on telecharge and seems about 75% full for the first two weeks of previews. Looking a bit head to May/June  it's selling okay but again still in that 50-60% sold so far. I hardly call this a huge hit.

My opinion still stands. It's a topic/musician that people don't know and it's a pretty sad story to tell.

As with all (ok most) shows I wish them well and I will see it. But I would not recommend this show to someone trying to prioritize theater based on what I know now.

I think you can definitely wait on Outlaw.  That price will come down or you can get better at the box office day of.  

I would say to see Death Becomes Her for sure.  A blast of a show and Megan Hilty is incredible and having a blast up there.

Sunset is only a must if you like the pared down Ivo Van Hove aesthetic that seems to be recycled from London once every three years.  The fans on this board are loud (they will all bitch and moan to this), but there are just as many people who hated it.  It's one of the worst things I've ever seen, a fundamental misunderstanding of the show with baffling and terrible direction. Nicole will not win the Tony, she is giving an odd, stilted performance (not necessarily her fault - the direction leaves no room for acting of any kind) and her voice sounds strained and tired by now.  I think your money is better spent elsewhere unless you want to see the Emporer's New Clothes. 

Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center should be on your radar as well.  That production will most likely be stunning and substantial.  

OH MARY is actually 70-75 minutes now with the replacement cast. I'm not sure who is performing the title role after Tituss Burgess.

Also check out Pirates! That's one of the musicals this season I'm most looking forward to.

 

consider going off-Broadway for DRAG The Musical 

Now you know you have tickets, so you can stop worrying about it.  Peace of mind is worth paying for.

I changed my mind about Old Friends, especially after I spotted second row seats for less than $200 each with the discount. It’s not the bargain that some of you early deciders got, or that others can get a couple of weeks later, but I have never seen Lea Salonga or Bernadette Peters in person, much less at a Sondheim revue in New York City, so it’s worth it to me. That’s our Wednesday night show.

Four shows booked:

Tuesday night: Gypsy

Wednesday night: Old Friends

Friday night: Maybe Happy Ending 

Saturday night: Dead Outlaw

My spouse and daughter want to see Sunset Blvd., so we’re seeing that (not sure when but feel like I can wait to buy tickets; the old discount code seems to have expired). I’m waiting to see the reaction to Floyd Collins. I would like to see Operation Mincemeat but may have to skip it on this trip even if that means I don’t see the original cast. My family likes theater but we want to do other things too. 

Updated On: 3/14/25 at 04:24 PM

A few queries (in addition to the one above, which might not apply depending on what my family chooses):

- For a three-person party on a Thursday night, or possibly a Wednesday afternoon, is the TKTS booth the best way to go for Sunset Blvd.? Is the mezzanine the best place to sit for this particular show?

- What would those who have seen Operation Mincemeat ​​​​​​ recommend between the first row of the orchestra (too close?), rear orchestra, or the first row of the rear mezzanine? 

Updated On: 3/29/25 at 04:20 AM

Mezz for Sunset is good for the view, but the legroom is horrible.