For me, it depends on the theatre. For a smaller theatre like the Nederlander or the Golden, since the theatre's so small, I much prefer dead center of the orchestra, like row M, as it gives you the whole effect and you still feel really close. For larger theatres, like the Gershwin or the Majestic, I prefer being close. However, I can probably agree that it's better to do that like the second time. I loved the front row in DRS, even though I was all the way on the right, a lot of action took place there.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli