Exploring the Theatre before you take your seat (unique things)

What are some unique things to explore inside certain theatres before the show starts?

For example, at the New Amsterdam, you can stand on the sweet spot by the steps that lead up to the mezzanine and whisper to your friend standing on the stairwell.

At the Gershwin you can visit the Theater Hall of Fame exhibits as well as some set pieces cut from WICKED'S tryout.

At the American Airlines there is a unique lounge on the mezzanine level with a patio that faces 43rd street. There are also plaques and a Tony Award on display.

Not Broadway, but outside Stage 1 at New World Stages there is a wall of fan signatures from the RENT production.

I always look at the architecture especially all the little decorations that most theatergoers do not even notice.

A couple others I like are the gallery of Hirschfeld's work at the Hirschfeld and the Louis Comfort Tiffany panels and fixtures and the Everett Shinn murals that adorn the Belasco.

I remember seeing Wicked at age 13 and being mesmerized by the fact that Billie Burke's picture was on the wall and she was the original Glinda.

The York Theatre has a wall of posters from almost every show they've ever done. It is fascinating to look at and spot big name stars, especially when a lot of them were just starting their careers.

As far as architecture goes, I can't stop staring at the ceiling of NY City Center whenever I go there...Lol.

Agreed abt. the Belasco. In SF, next door to ACT's Geary Theatre, the Curran supposedly has a ghost who sometimes appears in the large lobby mirror. Unfortunately, I noticed last year that it was covered by a lighted promotional poster.  The theatre is closed right now with promised remodeling. I hope they restore the mirror (and do something about the bathrooms).

Updated On: 7/14/15 at 12:44 AM

Capn, the CREATE wall at New World Stages is gone. It was painted over about a month ago.

I like the gallery in the mezz of the Hirschfeld theater with sketches he did of some of the show's that have played there.

Updated On: 7/14/15 at 01:49 AM

"I love seeing all the little details. Wasn't it the Belasco where they have the little door where he use to wave to his wife performing below? Or something? "

David Belasco's office and private apartment was at the top of the theatre. I'm not sure precisely how it's situated within the architecture up there, but I would assume that at least his office, if not his apartment, had a window into the auditorium so he could keep an eye on what was happening down there.

The apartment is still there, and though officially closed and off-limits (and with a huge chunk taken up the HVAC system), most cast and crew members working on shows at the Belasco have reportedly made their way into it at least once.

"I love seeing all the little details. Wasn't it the Belasco where they have the little door where he use to wave to his wife performing below? Or something? "

 RippedMan- Maybe it's at the Belasco as well, but I think there is also a little door at the Lyceum. 

For here in Chicago I just like to walk around the theatre and just take in the gorgeous architecture. Especially for the auditorium and oriental Theatres.

I was in the Oriental a few times. The Avalon is great as is the Uptown.Ditto for the Chicago theater as well. I visited Chicago many times when I was with THS.

When I saw The Realistic Joneses last year  I came across a small cabin-looking lounge in the lower lobby of the Lyceum near the restrooms. It was very cool. Anyone have any other information about this?