For Those of You Who Have Seen 'Billy Elliot' at the Imperial Theatre...

[actor2be]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 5:18pm

For those of you who have seen 'Billy Elliot' at the Imperial Theatre, how would you say the seating arrangement is? I'm hoping to see this show soon and I'm trying to decide where I want my seats. I've heard that the orchestra seats aren't very enjoyable due to the onstage smoking, how high the stage is, etc.

So for those of you have seen it: Where did you sit, How did you like your seats, Are there any other seats you would recommend?

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 5:27pm

I actually sat partial view Orchestra Right. Great seats. The stag looked like eye level for those in the front row and the smoking wasn't bad. At least from where I was ti wasn't bad and I hate smoke.

I have also heard that the Mezzanine is good cause you can see the dancing from above. And the rear mezz isn't bad either. Not really a bad seat in the house.

[shiz_student94]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 5:34pm

It appeared to be a small theatre to me, so I can't imagine any seat would be too bad.
I saw on the right side, all the way to the side I believe in...5th row? The smoke bothered me, but any second-hand smoke bugs me big time.
The stage was VERY low- I can't say I've ever seen a lower stage if my memory serves me correctly. I agree it appeared to be about eye level with the 1st row. Before the show there was a rather rude lady who was actually sitting on the edge of the stage, just to give you an idea.
My seats were good, but I think it'd be better to be a bit further back. Even elevated. When I see the show again, if I were to have my choice of any prime seat the house, I would probably select front row Mezz. I think the show would be a good one elevated.
Hope this helped! Enjoy the show, it's really great.

[wicked_beast4]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 5:43pm

There really isn't a bad seat in the house. The mezz is great for all the dancing.

However, IMO, the show seems to be directed more for the orchestra. Or at least, certain moments (the end of 'Once Were Kings", end of 'Shine') seem to have more of an effect in the orchestra.

But you'll be able to enjoy this phenomenal show at full potential from any seat in the house.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 6:00pm

I sat Row A, Centre mezz and it was great for (like people have said) the dancing but also for the sets such as Billy's bedroom. The front mezzanine isn't that high at all.

The only thing I was annoyed about...
***POTENTIAL SPOILER***
When Billy exits, he walks up the aisle, and I couldn't see that. It wasn't a big thing at all but I'm the kind of person who kept wondering if he totally left and went into the lobby or stopped towards one of the farther aisles.
***END SPOILER***

Updated On: 12/28/08 at 06:00 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 6:36pm

I sat in the very rear of the Mezz...the 41.50 seats. Could see fabulously. Would I like to see again somewhat closer? Yes....but not because I missed anything...just for a different perspective.

An advantage to sitting further away is you see all the choreography and the effect of it.

The choreography is by far the star of this show! (Not to mean I didn't like the performances...I just found the choreography to be so very moving and meaningful.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 6:48pm

Um, it's definitely not a small theatre. It is actually one of the bigger theatres.

I sat in the rear mezz and it was fine. A little high - you couldn't see faces that well, but it was great to see the dancing like that.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 7:02pm

I think the theater is more wide than far. So you will be closer to the stage but there are still a lot of seats, it's pretty big. 1443 seats.

[actor2be]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 8:24pm

So would you guys say that it would be a good idea for me to get Front Mezz seats? As of right now, that is what sounds best to me.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 8:30pm

Yes, that would be your best bet.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 8:36pm

Yes. Front mezzanine is phenomenal for the show.

[jagfkb]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 8:45pm

I sat both in Rear Mezzanine as well as in the Right box seats. Both of them were un obstructed, but strangely enough made the show very different each time. In the Rear Mezzanine, the show feels like a large epic ala Wicked or Phantom. However, in the box seats, it felt much more intimate, like a Sondhiem show. Both were great experiences, but i would recomend the box over the mezzanine any day. However, they are tricky to get, not being sold online, but at the box office.

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 9:02pm

Remember, size is relative. When I first started seeing shows in New York I was amazed at how small the theatres seemed, having grown up seeing tours in the Palace and State Theatres in Cleveland which seat 2700 and 3300 respectively. So if this was somebody's first trip to Broadway it would not be unusual or out of place for them to think that the Imperial is on the small side.

[lindatnyc2]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 9:52pm

I sat almost all over except box seats and front orch (closer than row M) so far:

- Front Mezz PV Row B
- Front Mezz Sect 3 Row F
- Ctr Orch Row R
- Ctr Orch Row M
- Rear Mezz Sect 5 Row D (aisle towards center)

Jan & Feb tickets for: Orch PV Row P and Ctr Orch Row K

I was worried about Rear Mezz seating at first but it was fine. As a matter of fact, I'd sit there again!

My friends are going tomorrow night and have fourth row seats in Front Orch PV -will update you on what they think as well -so look for another update.

Act2Be, no matter where you end up sitting and no matter who you get as Billy, you'll have a great time! :)

Cheers,
Linda




Updated On: 12/28/08 at 09:52 PM

[Mamie]

Posted: 12/28/08 at 11:00pm

I've sat in the orchestra and the front mezz and I believe the mezz seats are FAR superior to the orchestra. (Especially the close side orchestra seats). I have to disagree about the boxes though. I think the view from there is terrible. You really miss a lot going on upstage on the side you're sitting on. Also sitting on the far sides distorts the full view of the dances and (I think) diminishes their effect.

(btw - that low stage supports a few entrances and exits by the children during the course of the show. One of my seats was in the 3rd row on the far house left and I saw ballet girls, Michael, and the small boy enter from that side at different times. This is in addition to Billy's exit on that side at the end. There are a few steps extending from stage right for these entrances and exits.)

[Hiram]

Posted: 12/29/08 at 9:57am

I sat in the rear mezzanine $41.50 seats both times I saw it and it was absolutely fine. There isn't a bad seat in the Imperial. I actually sat in the same seat both times! Total fluke. On the side - Row H, Seat 2.