Broadway at Barnes & Noble

[karissa3]

Posted: 6/20/17 at 2:11pm

Hi everyone, 

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience attending any of these events at Barnes & Noble? I was interesting in going to Bandstand this Friday or Anastasia next week (both at B&N on 86th). I recently attended a B&N event with Sherman Alexie so I think I kind of understand how it works. But just to confirm, do you have to buy the CD in order to get a wristband? Also, if I'm not able to spend money on the CD, would it be worth just showing up at the bookstore to be able to at least hear them or stand in the back? I guess I'm wondering if they let people stand around and listen at all even without wristbands. Thanks!

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 6/20/17 at 2:55pm

I haven't been to one of these in awhile, but they do make you purchase the CD to obtain the wristband. When I went to the Bring It On signing, people started forming the line before the doors opened and the only way into the event is with a wristband. Also, the performance is held in a little room and they do close the doors, so I'm not sure how much you could hear from outside of it. As far as I know, they don't usually let people into the event without a wristband. 

Updated On: 6/20/17 at 02:55 PM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 6/20/17 at 3:23pm

ClumsyDude is correct. You need to purchase the CD (and obtain a wristband) in order to get into the room to hear the performances and get your CD signed. I recently went to the events for Come From Away, A Bronx Tale and Groundhog Day. All were excellent. B&N really does a great job with these CD launches.

[Malka2]

Posted: 6/20/17 at 7:15pm

Oh, that's a bummer!! I was planning to go to the Bandstand event on Friday but I don't want to spend money on a CD, all my music is digital these days. 

So there's no point going if I'm not buying a CD...? Are these things usually full, I wasn't sure if Bandstand would pull a big crowd.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 6/20/17 at 7:49pm

I remember Hamilton was a madhouse. And I also went for The Visit but that was a while ago. My recollection is the people with wristbands get priority. You get to go in the room. If I remember right, people who didn't make the cut off but bought CDs or people who hadn't bought CDs could still stand in line. And if the people at the signing were so inclined, they might let you into the room after. But if you're just going for the performances, I don't think it's worth it as they'll probably close the door. 

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 6/23/17 at 11:42am

Anyone have an idea of how crowded this will be today based on past events? Like if I was to get there 3-4pm and bought a CD would I still get in to the room or should I not bother? I am going to buy the recording either way, but can't get up there until then. Thanks, all!

[HSky]

Posted: 6/23/17 at 12:01pm

The Something Rotten one had a good crowd before doors opened and I think there might have been standing room at the rear. Come From Away's line wasn't as long from what I could tell and people were able to walk in not long before the event started. There's a monitor mounted outside the room with a video feed and for CFA I think they kept the doors open and let people stand in the back or just outside the event space.

Updated On: 6/23/17 at 12:01 PM

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 6/23/17 at 12:03pm

I went with my daughter a bunch of years ago when it was the cast of "Catch Me If You Can". My daughter bought the CD and got a seat and I did not buy the CD so I did not have a seat. I was right at the door entrance with a good view and heard everything very well. I actually took video of the entire performance and they did not mind. I don't know if people can get as lucky as I did without a seat now. Anyway, my daughter got her CD signed by Aaron Tveit which made her day - lol.

[BroadwayBaby4]

Posted: 6/23/17 at 7:33pm

The only one I ever went to was for She Loves Me. I'm not sure if it was just an odd case, but I went at around 11/12 to purchase the cd and didn't even get the wristband that guaranteed a seat. They did leave the doors open so I could hear and kind of see what was happening, but I didn't get into the room. I did still get my CD signed. 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 6/24/17 at 2:46am

Whoever is in charge of doing this, especially at the B&N on the upper west side should truly be shot and quartered.