Expanding "Premium" Seat Sections

[Lot666]

Posted: 9/29/21 at 10:45am

I've noticed recently that the number of seats designated as "Premium" (blue on Telecharge.com) for Phantom has increased significantly. The first I saw of this was blue seats extending further back than row F in the center orchestra, but then they started adding blue seats in the side orchestra sections as well. This morning there was a blue/premium seat available in the center mezzanine for the 10/22/21 performance. I'm not 100% certain, but I believe some of these seats were previously sold at regular price, and as people make exchanges or cancellations, the seats are being added back at premium prices.

Does anyone know if this is a general re-opening trend at Broadway theatres, or is it just at The Majestic?

Updated On: 9/29/21 at 10:45 AM

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 9/29/21 at 11:37am

I noticed this for Company as well. On the night I was looking most of the orchestra was "premium." I think many shows are trying to get those chomping at the bit and can afford to, to pay top dollar. I am hoping the prices drop. 

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 9/29/21 at 12:43pm

Bettyboy72 said: "I noticed this for Company as well. On the night I was looking most of the orchestra was "premium." I think many shows are trying to get those chomping at the bit and can afford to, to pay top dollar. I am hoping the prices drop."

Me too. At this rate, almost half of the theatre will be premium priced.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/29/21 at 12:45pm

Every show is doing this, slowly expanding itself. They were doing it before the shut down, but now they need to make as much money as possible, so this is just reality for Broadway now. 

[saxpower]

Posted: 9/29/21 at 1:41pm

I'm seeing Phantom in November.  (Already have ticket).   I've been keeping an eye on how tickets are selling for the performance just out of curiosity and  noticed the same thing.    My seat (K1, orchestra) would have been premium if  I bought it today, and the 3 seats next to me are now premium.  

I understand the need for the shows to make money, but this might backfire people not wanting to/able to pay for premium and tix end up unsold or sold for less than they were originally going for. 

[Wick3]

Posted: 9/29/21 at 2:12pm

I agree with you saxpower. I think this will backfire and those seats will end up on TKTS on the day of performance. 

While looking for tickets for Phantom at Telecharge, I saw this:

"Buy tickets now for any performance through January 17, 2022, and you can either refund or exchange your tickets into any other date until 48 hours before the performance. You may exchange an order up to three times and refund once per show per month. Terms are subject to change."

 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 9/29/21 at 2:41pm

With limited offerings, producers are taking advantage of the higher demand. As more shows open, prices will likely normalize. There isn't enough walk-up/same-day sales to justify the increase for the long-run.