Front row orchestra for Gypsy?

[sparklingtonic2]

Posted: 3/7/25 at 8:43pm

Hi there,

I'm just wondering if anyone has thoughts about the front row Orchestra Center seating for Gypsy. As a general rule, I like being close to the stage so I can see the actors' expressions. For context, I did this twice at the August Wilson Theatre for Funny Girl and was happy both times. However, in this case, I'm slightly hesitant, because for Phantom I sat perhaps three or four rows back and, while my memory isn't perfect, I *think* the stage seemed a bit high. (The August Wilson was perfect in this regard -- Lea Michele was right in front of me.) I know they replaced the stage floor during the Majestic renovation, but I didn't see anything to indicate that the stage height had changed. However, obviously Phantom has action taking place on higher levels, so that might be way I came away feeling that the stage was high. However, another thing that makes me hesitant: while looking at the available seats for Gypsy for our dates, I don't see other people buying orchestra Row A. I don't mind looking up a bit, but I do wonder how bad it is.

I saw a few positive comments in other forums https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/comments/1hpcun9/gypsy_seating_hows_the_front_row/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/broadwayremembered/posts/1795873231264619/), but I wondered if anyone here has experienced it this way.

I'd appreciate any insights! Thanks!!

Updated On: 3/7/25 at 08:43 PM

[akhoya87]

Posted: 3/7/25 at 11:10pm

The front row of center orch is fine.  Because the stage extends out with the passerelle, you really only have to crane your neck slightly when the actors are on the passerelle.  Otherwise, the stage is set back a bit, and you have a nice view of the whole stage.  (Note, however, Rose's Turn is done on the passerelle for most (?) of the song, which means you will be looking up at Audra.  I actually liked it better this way, but YMMV.)

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 3/9/25 at 8:38pm

akhoya87 said: "The front row of center orchis fine. Because the stage extends out with the passerelle, you really only have to crane your neck slightly when the actors are on the passerelle. Otherwise, the stage is set back a bit, and you have a nice view of the whole stage. (Note, however, Rose's Turn is done on the passerelle for most (?) of the song, which means you will be looking up at Audra. I actually liked it better this way, but YMMV.)"

Front row is fine for most of the production but you really can’t get the full effect of Rose’s Turn looking up Audra’s nostrils ( and if you’re dead center you may very well experience a drizzle of saliva).

 

 

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 3/10/25 at 10:01am

I can only tell you that the 4th row orchestra was magnificent. Especially because I was supposed to be in the rear mezzanine.

I'd arrived about 15 minutes before curtain and gone to the box office to pick up a paper ticket. A wonderful woman there prints it out, slides it to me, then looks at her screen, and scribbles something on the back of the ticket — upgrading me to an available seat in the front center orchestra! 

It was such a treat. Once upon a time I used to sit in what are now sold as "premium" orchestra seats somewhat regularly, back when it rarely cost more than $100 to do so. And also when there was an abundance of discount codes that applied to ANY seat in the theater. Those were the days.....

Updated On: 3/11/25 at 10:01 AM

[Ensemble1665759202]

Posted: 3/10/25 at 10:26am

Agree with the other responses here - I saw front row orch a couple of weeks ago and it didn't destroy my neck like other front row seats have in the past. Definitely might have missed a couple nuances throughout but on the whole it was fine.

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 3/10/25 at 11:38am

I got a front row ticket for the last seat house right from the ticket lottery and I thought that was an incredible seat.  Some of the staging for things like Uncle Jocko and right before the strip was a bit obstructed but it didn't hamper any storytelling and I missed nothing crucial.  I never really thought the stage was that high, but it could also be due to the curvature of where the stage/my seat was, though you'll be directing your gaze upwards (not to the extent that I felt like I was craning though).  It was really great to see the actors up close (I think Joy Woods is a better close up actor) and being able to see Audra that clearly for Rose's Turn was tremendous. 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 3/10/25 at 12:20pm

I sat in front row center- fabulous seat- none or two numbers- you do look up the dresses of some of the performers- but overall- I highly recommend sitting there- thrilling, actually!