Insane prices for The Seagull- Page 2

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 3:42pm

Let me tell you a little story that proved to be a good lesson for me. Some years back, there was a revival of Uncle Vanya with a pretty impressive English cast -- Derek Jacobi and Roger Rees, I think -- if not them, someone of the same ilk. Anyway, tickets were announced for sale several months before it opened. I RUSHED to get a preview ticket from Telecharge or Ticketmaster, figuring I would be SOOO lucky to get even a single. The "only" seat available was in the mezzanine, so I jumped at it, paying the service and shipping/mailing charges as well. Well, I was in the mezzanine all right -- the next to last row. However, there were ACRES of mezzanine seats that were unoccupied -- and all much better seats, by the way. Similarly, scads of Orchestra seats were vacant. During intermission, I spoke with one of my immediate neighbors, who advised that they also had gotten the same deal. Afterwards, I noticed that seats were available on the half-price line. Now, keep in mind that the selling point of the show was the stellar cast. Then, it opened to mediocre-to-negative reviews. Needless to say, there was NO problem getting a decent seat then at a cut-rate price.

My point in all of this is, DON'T spend a lot of money unnecessarily on what is an iffy proposition to start with. Brantley has raved about a lot of things while they were in London that didn't make a dent over here -- remember Democracy? The fall season is loaded with new stuff and prices, as always, continue to skyrocket. Take a deep breath and hold on there.

As a final point, if you're resigned to paying full price, no matter what the reviews, if you go to the box office the day of the show and are paying up front, full price, believe me, you'll get in. The Seagull was done last season with "names" and no one was stampeding to the box office.

[ChristopherDurangFan]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 5:01pm

So basically if you had waited, you would have gotten better seats for a discounted price?

[BillyE]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 5:38pm

The balcony of The Kerr is not only high up, it's obstructed by safety rails.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:10pm

I remember someone on this board recently saying a show raising prices was a good thing

As long as people continue to pay it, they will keeep going up. Mrs R wanted to see Equus as she is a big potter fan. When she saw the prices she said don't bother.

We now have an evergrowing list of new shows coming in that are not worth the price

Title Of Show - Too slight for the price they are asking
Equus
The Seagull
All My Sons - Saw last revival

Updated On: 8/15/08 at 06:10 PM

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:17pm

Updated On: 5/2/09 at 06:17 PM

[Smaxie]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:24pm

The thing is... unlike the RSC Seagull, the CSC Seagull, the National Actor's Theatre Seagull, THIS one is actually good. And it wasn't just Brantley who raved. It got raves across the board. Still... suit yourselves. Go see Xanadu for the 20th time instead.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:36pm

All My Children - Saw last revival

Is that a stage version of the soap opera?

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:37pm

aren't they free by the shore?

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:40pm

Updated On: 5/2/09 at 06:40 PM

Posted: 7/25/08 at 6:50pm

thats what i thought......

[Someday]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 7:06pm

Wow. $40 for standing room is almost insulting – in a Mel Brooks/Young Frankenstein–pricing kind of way.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 7:15pm

Can someone tell me why NY needs yet another production of the SEAGULL? Just last year NY saw the RSC production of the Seagull at BAM (with Ian McKellen alternating as Sorin) and then there was the Off-Broadway production with Dianne Wiest and Alan Cummings.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 7/25/08 at 7:21pm

Maybe this answers your question?

"Productions like this one are such rarities that it hardly seems fair to measure others against them.”
Ben Brantley, The New York Times

“The finest British production of Chekhov in recent memory with a pitch-perfect cast, elegant staging, and the clarity and cunning of Christopher Hampton’s adaptation.”
John Lahr, The New Yorker

“Kristin Scott Thomas is mesmerizing in this bold, supremely truthful production.”
David Benedict, Variety

“***** One of the great productions of this masterpiece—such a deeply thoughtful and sympathetic version that you can almost sense Chekhov’s dark kindly eyes watching over it. The acting is, without exception, outstanding. Kristin Scott Thomas makes a quite ghastly Arkadina, which I mean as the highest compliment.”
The Sunday Times

“***** A historic production. I felt that I was seeing this tragic-comedy for the first time.”
Evening Standard

“In this tremendous production of Chekhov’s The Seagull, Ian Rickson reminds us of what a superb director he is. Even the smallest roles are played with freshness, while the leading actors bring an extraordinary depth to their performances. Kristin Scott Thomas nails Arkadina, and is hilarious to watch.”
The Telegraph

“**** Sharp, fresh and comic.”
The Guardian

“***** A stunning cast in a superb production.”
Sunday Express

“***** Ian Rickson’s production is mint-fresh and marvelous.”
Financial Times

“A cast to die for. Kristin Scott Thomas produces a memorable performance, delivering her lines with brilliant comic timing.”
Daily Express

“***** An impeccable production.”
Time Out London

“The cast is glorious.”
The Observer

“Kristin Scott Thomas gives a wonderfully nimble and funny performance. She is magnificent.”
The Independent

“***** This superb production is practically perfect. Kristin Scott Thomas is almost too good.”
Metro

Updated On: 7/25/08 at 07:21 PM

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 8/1/08 at 8:37am

Discount code is up:

http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/the_seagull_nyc_tickets.aspx

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 8/1/08 at 8:47am

I told 'ya. And dollars to doughnuts, it's going to be on the TKS half-price line, which is nice because the play line is MUCH shorter than the one for musicals.

[ChristopherDurangFan]

Posted: 8/14/08 at 2:39am

Now should I buy my tickets now, or wait until the day of the performance? Someone reccommended doing that here, and I don't really understand how that works. Is it because people return their tickets the day-of? Isn't that very unreliable?

[ChristopherDurangFan]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 2:08pm

bump

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 3:56pm

Prices for everything in the theater is getting out of control. If my memory is correct, the on-stage seats for the original EQUUS production were $10.00. In the new production those same seats are $110.00.

Do the producers feel that they can do this because there are lots of teenaged girls who would pay that money for a close look at Daniel Radcliff's wee-wee?

[StageFan2]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 4:43pm

Sometimes one must make adjustments. I will gladly cross off Equus, Shrek, and few others from my 'would like to see list' so I can see this production. Ditto for White Christmas, which I understand is also going to be a pricy ticket. IMO, there are times when big prices are worth the entertainment, for me - this is definitely one of those times.

That's not to say I won't be on the lookout for a discount or two.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 9:40pm

Telecharge has some updated information on pricing. Standing room will be $25, instead of the $41 as first believed, and student rush will be available also for $25 on the day of the performance.

[LI Larry]

Posted: 8/22/08 at 1:00am

I object to the extra charge for aisle seats. Not to mention that they will always sell them in pairs. (they are doing the same thing at Gypsy and Spring Awakening). I always ask for an aisle seat and if I have to sit a little farther back so be it. It's more comfortable and easier to get to the bathroom if you have to go. The idea of only selling them in pairs is ridiculous. Linda Winer of Newsday had a whole column on it saying how bad it was. I rarely agree with her but this time I did.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 8/22/08 at 7:27am

The aisle seat pricing is Jujamcyn's policy. The producers of The Seagull, as well as Gypsy, Spring Awakening and Tale of Two Cities (which also has the policy) have nothing to do with it. It will got into effect at the August Wilson too at a certain point.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/22/08 at 7:50am

Unless very RECENTLY changed: on stage for Equus once previews are over: 116.50 same as Orchestra. (And no one under 17) I was going to risk lesser seats (sight wise) in order to save some $....but wasn't willing to pay full price for obstructed view...and then was able to get front row for the same price.

I will NOT be seeing Billy Elliot at full price: 127 BUCKS? (137 for Sat Night) I don't think so. If I can't get a discount for a year....so be it.