In praise of cheaper seats (they are often fine).

Having just paid $59 for "War Paint" -- last row center of the mezz, terrific view for an intimate show in an intimate house -- after enjoying both "Evan Hansen" and "Great Comet..." for $69, I'm here to advise: train yourself for cheaper seats, if that's all you can afford, and make peace with sitting higher and farther back. Took me decades to get over my preferences, but now I don't have to feel I'm breaking my own bank just to show up on B'way. And I like walking up and buying the tix at the box office. I'm seeing "Sunday in the Park" next week in terrific balcony seats for $79, and "Dolly" for close to the same price. I'm not suggesting any of those sums are "cheap." Only more affordable. I like to go often, to see much, and I'm not as flush as I once was. I don't mind admitting it. I would just like to start a support group for people who aren't ashamed to admit they can tolerate these less expensive, and less traditionally perfect seats. "War Paint" was actually quite powerful from that row.

I saw "Hamilton" from those very seats, $79 per, in October 2015, because the box office told me I'd get in 4-6 months earlier if I was willing to sit there. Perhaps enough said. Let that also be factored in: cheaper are often more readily available. I walked up to "War Paint" at 12:45 yesterday and secured those respectable matinee seats.

Updated On: 4/13/17 at 10:30 AM

Sat in second from last at the Music Box, and experienced"Evan Hansen" fully. I do believe, in part, it's about training yourself to view these shows from farther back. I can tell you this: designers and directors will agree, as their work is more often than not structured to appeal most to those who take in the entire stage as a fluid image. Though we may savor close seats for a particular intimate drama, plays are staged and designed for the house as a whole. Musicals, in particular, are aesthetically pleasing from angles and distance. Talk to a lightening designer -- we often see their work more fully than those who are close -- this crossed my mind at "War Paint." Hal Prince has argued this for years, and I finally take his point. And see a lot more, with a lot less angst. It's made theatergoing feel more like it was in the 90s. Not a bad thing.

At "War Paint," three rows in front of me: $99 ($109 at some performances, with my seats raised to $79). The sight line difference between my row and those paying almost double is minute. It helps make my case.

Updated On: 4/13/17 at 10:41 AM

I will say that while views are usually fine, some balconies are downright uncomfortable- the Cort comes to mind.

The Golden and the St. James are decidedly uncomfortable, no argument. But so are the front mezz seats, and they are costly.

I'm also a "cheaper seats" guy (Am I kidding myself when I tell myself I like getting the full stage picture?). But I'd add to the chorus of uncomfortable seats that the balcony at Studio 54 is a nightmare.

(Having purchased the $75 seats for "Pacific Overtures," I'm intrigued to see how different they can be from the $125 seats, given that there are only four rows on either side of the stage. I suspect I'll be fine.)

I've sat in the last row of almost every Broadway theater since I almost always would choose more shows over better views. And I echo the sentiment that they're usually still pretty good. I would make exceptions for the Walter Kerr balcony which feels terrifying and the last rows of the Broadway where you really do feel like you're watching the show from across the street. And then there's Studio 54 where the whole mezz is torture if you're above what...5'2"? Those are houses where I'll try to spring for better seats. I think the balcony of the St. James is actually more comfortable than the mezzanine.



One thing that makes me a little sad is that with the addition of more and more lotto and rush policies, those last rows seem to be getting more expensive very quickly. It makes it tough for those of us who are pre-planners AND on a budget.

I'm totally ok sitting at the back of the house if it's at rush prices or heavily discounted (less than $50.) I live in nyc and I almost always I do rush or lottery first without a care in the world where I sit. To me, I can't justify paying $100 to sit in rear balcony.

if I love the show, then I'll buy a discounted or full price ticket a few months later at the section I think I'd most enjoy the show in.

@Auggie.. Of course. I think with a little patience and persistence one could see lots of Broadways offerings at cheaper prices. The problem is that for many of us we don't live in the area and our days in the city are numbered and time and chance are precious.

This board has been really helpful in determining which cheap seats are good values and which are not worth it. Yesterday I paid $69 to see Sunday in the Park from the balcony and $38 to see Come from Away in an obstructed view box. I was THRILLED with both seats and would have just had to pick one or the other - or neither - if I had tried to get a center orchestra seat. But both cheaper seats came at the endorsement of others - an usher and others on that thread recommended the balcony over the rear orchestra, and people who rushed Come from Away said their seats were fine. I also paid $60-something to see Great Comet after hearing many saying they'd actually prefer to be in the mezz over the stage, and I was very happy there too.

But I was glad I paid to see Sunset Boulevard from the orchestra because -- as a few people on this board warned -- the balcony at the Palace is quite high and steep and gave me awful vertigo when I hiked up to look at it.

@Dame's point is well taken. Buying a cheaper seat on short notice is something only those in the NYC area do regularly, and I get the particular challenges of visiting the city, and wanting to maximize all theatrical experiences. Did it myself prior to 1980. Without a heavy handed treatise, I'm trying to slightly counter some of the discussions that focus on huge distinctions in seating. Yes, comfort and sightlines play a role in enjoyment, to be sure. And I hate 54's upstairs, just about all of it. I make concessions because with prices rising, I must be creative. Sometimes, though I belong to TDF and use the TKTS booth regularly, I just want to purchase seats at the box office. At least the seats I've bought in the $59 - $79 range in the last 12 months have all provided me with accessible, enjoyable theatergoing. I used to live for the flyers and codes, and now have a little more spontaneity in my ticket-buying, sitting in seats that I will fully admit I eschewed for decades. I stand by my statement that it takes a little getting used to. But then, everything does.