Posted: 1/8/16 at 10:10pm
Could someone tell me if seating in Orchestra 500 seats at the Vivian Beamont is too far to the side?
I own a tour company, and we have a group of seniors booked their for King & I in October. Had requested Loge, but they "upgraded" us to Orchestra 500 (far right side) seats (rows E-J).
Thank you in advance.
Posted: 1/8/16 at 10:21pm
The first few rows of Loge (besides extreme sides) are definitely better than the 500s. You should look into that.
Posted: 1/8/16 at 10:39pm
Just my opinion but I was in either the 100's or 500's in the Orch-don't remember now but it was the undesirable "sides", I was disappointed when I saw my ticket but when I was seated- 3rd or 4th row- it was fine. When the show started, it was great! The boat was on top of me almost when it entered! And the show is so directed that there were very few "backs". I might have missed some backdrops in the set way upstage but it was so cool to look down on the Orchestra and be that close to the show.
The Loge in the Beaumont always felt very high and back to me. Even if you're in the first few rows.
Updated On: 1/8/16 at 10:39 PM
Posted: 1/9/16 at 8:37pm
Those seats should be great. The theater seating is done in a horseshoe shape. I sat in the 500s in row F when I saw it and the view was incredible. The seating is well-raked, too. The actors were what felt like 3 to 5 yards away from me at all times. Really immersive. The right side is better because during the ship scene, Kelli O'Hara spends time on stage left (audience's right). Some scenes have actors that face their backs to the audience, while others are performing toward the audience in the same scene. Really interesting setup. Awesome show.
Posted: 1/10/16 at 1:54am
I was seated in L 513 and it was on the extreme right side. My friend was next to me on the aisle. We felt that we missed a lot from the right side and the back. We could see everything when the stage came out and covered the orchestra pit, but we would have preferred to be closer to the center. We bought the tickets from TKTS for $103.50 each, so maybe that was a good price? The show is wonderful, though, so that is what we remember. I would pay more to be closer to the center so that we could see the right side and back if I were to go again. We had never been to that venue before so didn't really know where the seats were located when they were offered to us at the TKTS window. As others have indicated, being closer (row F, E, etc.) might be better.
Posted: 1/10/16 at 7:59am
I was on the far left, first row. Did not see Kelly at all during the her first number. However, the view of the orchestra was great during the overture. When that photo came our recently showing the ship/sunset -- I was stunned, since I did not see it at all. All I saw was the side of the ship like a wall. Once the ship receded, it was fine -- I think. Can't really be sure what else I may have missed.
Posted: 1/10/16 at 8:30am
Front row left center at the corner of the stage. Bow of ship almost in my lap. Didn't see Kelli till she leaned over right above me. Hard to follow first scene. Otherwise felt like part of show. Kelli sat 5 feet from me during 'Small House". Awesome seat.
Posted: 1/10/16 at 8:36am
yknot said: "The first few rows of Loge (besides extreme sides) are definitely better than the 500s. You should look into that....
Totally agree here...i sat first row LODGE off the center center isle and found these seats to be perfect for seeing everything...
"
Posted: 1/10/16 at 10:32am
Thanks, all, for the responses. I've printed out and will review with my operations coordinator, and make a decision. Sounds like there's pluses/minuses to each, but in any case, sounds like the show will be a tremendous experience for the group.
Appreciate the input--have posted here before for advice, and always value the feedback given. Thank you.
Posted: 1/11/16 at 7:08pm
I don't think you can go wrong with any seat in the theater. Theater is small and there will be pros/cons on every seat. When I saw it back in July, we sat 3rd row in the 500s and at first glance I was disappointed with the seat.... but once the show started I was completely blown away! I watched the movie back when I was a kid and I absolutely loved my seat during the "Getting to Know You" song with the kids and "Shall we Dance". The actors were right in front of you. No need for binoculars! The orchestra is in the inside of the U part underneath the boat/front stage and I didn't have any issues with hearing (which might be an issue for seniors?)
Anyway, good luck and enjoy!
Posted: 1/11/16 at 9:16pm
The unique thrust stage at the Beaumont can make for a unique theater experience. The third time I saw the show it was from orchestra left side, row 1 on the aisle. During the ballet at the beginning of the second act Kelli watches while sitting on a little stool in the aisle next to me. Her gown brushed my knee as she turned to sit. I stole glances at her, but sadly she never turned around so we did not get to chat.
I saw the show from the loge with a group and I and the person next to me thought the seats were fine, taking in the whole spectacle. The whole loge is only six rows deep. However I have to report that the two ladies sitting next to me at intermission complained loudly that the seats were too high?
You are in rows 3 to 8 of the 14 row orchestra, and all will have a great view of the thrust stage and close behind it. Ruthie Ann steps out to near the front of the thrust when she sings "Something Wonderful," she doesn't head to the right rear of the stage. Some of your group in the half of the row nearest the wall may not be able to see everything that goes on in the right rear corner. But nothing really goes on there.
If you are able, put the complainers in the half of the row nearest the aisle, and put the non-complainers and the people that didn't really even want to go, but were made to by their wives, in the half of the row nearest the wall.
Posted: 1/20/16 at 10:22am
Bump - I have a question about seating too!
I'm looking way out in dates and trying to decide between front row center 300s orchestra and front row center 300s loge. I've been in each location but for different productions. For King and I, thus far, I've sat 2nd row 100s orchestra and front row 500s loge and front row 400s loge.
I love the loge view since you get such a nice overview, but I'm curious about front row center. Is it a lot to take in (especially for scenes with lots of cast members, like the ballet, or classroom, or act 1 finale)? Can you really see the choreography so well? Would love to hear anyone's opinion and thank you!
