Best/Worst Balcony/Mezzanine Seats

[VonTrappFamilySinger]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:31pm

So I saw spring awakening yesterday from the back of the mezz and was pleasantly surprised that the seats were good. I was wondering how the cheap seats are at the other theaters? I would of course say the Brooks mezz is great, while I found the balcony at the Belasco a nightmare since I was leaning over the whole time. 

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 01:31 PM

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:33pm

I mean, you're comparing apples to oranges. The balcony in three level theaters like the Belasco, Lyceum, and St. James is usually bad. The rear mezz in smaller theaters like the Brooks that don't have a third level is usally fine. (The rear mezz at the Gershwin is also terrible, because of the size.)

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:34pm

The mezzanine at BAM Harvey is the 10th circle of Hell.  There may be truth to the reports that it was designed by Dick Cheney. 

[The Josh]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:34pm

I can't stand the rear mezz at Studio 54.  The view is fine, but I'm six feet tall, so my legs don't fit!  

[bandit964]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:37pm

I agree that rear mezz at Studio 54 is awful.

 

Also, the 2-row balcony at the Walter Kerr is this worst place to see a show from.

 

Best:

-Friedman (so comfy)

-Booth

-Hayes

Updated On: 1/5/16 at 01:37 PM

[VonTrappFamilySinger]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:40pm

neonlightsxo said: "I mean, you're comparing apples to oranges. The balcony in three level theaters like the Belasco, Lyceum, and St. James is usually bad. The rear mezz in smaller theaters like the Brooks that don't have a third level is usally fine. (The rear mezz at the Gershwin is also terrible, because of the size.)

This is true! However, I found that I didn't mind the St. James balcony while I loathed the Belasco, which is why I'm asking. (I have only been to those three theaters) 

"

 

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 01:40 PM

[LarryD2]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:41pm

Second BAM Harvey as worst. Vertigo-inducing view and the most uncomfortable seats known to humankind. The Belasco balcony gets hated on a lot around here, but I sat up their for the Rylance Shakespeares and for Hedwig and found it perfectly fine.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 1:48pm

I don't personally agree that the OP is comparing apples to oranges. The way I interpret the OP's question is "which theatres have the best views from their farthest/highest seats," which is definitely affected by the size of the theatre and the number of levels, but I think it's a fair question. 

 

My favorites are:

American Airlines (rear-mezz) 

Broadhurst (rear-mezz)

Cort (balcony)

Music Box (Rear-Mezz)

Winter Garden (Rear-Mezz)

 

Least-Favorite:

Broadway (rear-balcony)

Golden (Rear-Mezz)

Lunt-Fontanne (Rear-Mezz)

Neil Simon (Rear-Mezz)

Palace (Balcony)

Studio 54 (Rear-Mezz)

 

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 3:01pm

I'll second that the rear mezz is the best at the American Airlines. Tiny theater and the rear mezz starts in the fourth row. If you are a HIPTIX member, those seats are a steal. The rear mezz at Studio 54 is just awful. I had bruises on my knees for about a week. Awful.

[serene_embers]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 4:19pm

I don't have much to go on (as I'm from CA and just had my first experience seeing shows on Broadway in November!) but I sat in the Rear Mezz at both the Richard Rodgers and the Brooks Atkinson.  I didn't feel uncomfortable or that I missed parts of the show at either venue.

[CurtainsUpat8]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 4:44pm

What about the Helen Hayes? And leg room too. I am 6 ft tall. I  am thinking of going to see Dames at Sea before it closes.

 

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 04:44 PM

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 4:56pm

Row H in the balcony at the Cort theatre are the worst seats I've ever sat in for a Broadway show. It's on the same level as row g so you literally can't see anything if someone is sitting in front of you. I ended up just standing up and watching the show, this was for fish in the dark. I'm 5'9 so it's not even like I'm short and the person sitting in front of me wasn't tall either.  They should have been labeled partial view to me. 

I had sat in row g of the balcony on the sides before for other shows and the view was fantastic. 

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 04:56 PM

[mc1227]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 6:53pm

I think the Marquis theater has very good leg room and great stage views in the Mezz.

[mamaleh]

Posted: 12/31/15 at 11:28am

Highest-up seats at the Walter Kerr and Studio 54 not only gave me bruises but tears from pain in my knees.  And I'm only 5'6".  I will never, ever sit in either of those locations again.