Insane prices for The Seagull — Page 2

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.

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

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

All My Children - Saw last revival

Is that a stage version of the soap opera?

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

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

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

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

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.

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bump

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.

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.

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.

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