Posted: 10/18/24 at 9:27am
This may be a stupid question, but why do so many "seriously undersold" shows now not use discount codes? Compared to when I first started making regular trips to NYC and following all of this closely in the late 2000's, discount codes seem far less common.
Posted: 10/18/24 at 10:43am
dwwst12 said: "This may be a stupid question, but why do so many "seriously undersold" shows now not use discount codes? Compared to when I first started making regular trips to NYC and following all of this closely in the late 2000's, discount codes seem far less common."
2 things;
1. Someone who works in ticketing on here can comment, but I believe some new fine print rules implemented earlier this year made discount codes essentially void for most shows on Telecharge.
2. Producers are extremely averse to the concept of "discounting" early on, worried that it will devalue the brand out of the gate. It is why post-pandemic most productions play Russian roulette with TDF (waiting until the last minute to post, then only releasing a small batch of tickets).
TodayTix has also severely impacted the way Broadway prices tickets. That would be a great story for a news outlet to look into as Broadway continues to move forward in this post-covid world.
Posted: 10/18/24 at 10:52am
dwwst12 said: "This may be a stupid question, but why do so many "seriously undersold" shows now not use discount codes? Compared to when I first started making regular trips to NYC and following all of this closely in the late 2000's, discount codes seem far less common."
Because even with discount codes and then potentially positive word of mouth, it means squat if people don't actually then spread the word to people who buy full priced tickets. Why would they go out of the gate with that?
Posted: 10/18/24 at 11:24am
witchoftheeast2 said: "Because even with discount codes and then potentially positive word of mouth, it means squat if people don't actually then spread the word to people who buy full priced tickets. Why would they go out of the gate with that?"
Sure. I just figure there's no word of mouth without people in the seats. And I'm mostly noting the change over time - as I specifically recall buying a discounted seat to Book of Mormon prior to previews in 2011.
There used to be much more of a default of "discount-and-then-stop-quickly-if-selling."
Posted: 10/18/24 at 11:36am
You aren't wrong, while they still exist they are more difficult to come by and the discount isn't as cost defying as they once were.
I used to be able to do a google search and find codes for most shows (not the hot sell outs, but the average to low performing sales) Now, I find it harder to locate them and end up relying on the generosity of those here willing to share codes from mailers and such.
I haven't heard anything like what VotePeron mentioned about telecharge - and while I think it sounds unllikely as the production sets the price not the service - I'd like to hear more.
Posted: 10/18/24 at 1:54pm
Seeing the production photos just posted made me remember one really important detail -- OBSTRUCTED VIEWS.
I was on the inside aisle of Orchestra left and couldn't see half of Darren's room and only part of Helen's. Basically, unless you are in the center orchestra or front center mezzanine, you will miss something.
Interested to see how the team handles 60% of the house having obstructed views of some kind. The reasons the photos reminded me to say something is because I see half of Darren's room... and I thought the design was cool, but definitely couldn't see a thing in pretty nice seats IMO.
Updated On: 10/18/24 at 01:54 PM
Posted: 10/18/24 at 4:36pm
GottaGetAGimmick420 said: "Seeing the production photos just posted made me remember one really important detail -- OBSTRUCTED VIEWS.
I was on the inside aisle of Orchestra left and couldn't see half of Darren's room and only part of Helen's. Basically, unless you are in the center orchestra or front center mezzanine, you will miss something."
Do you think an aisle seat in center orchestra/mezz is good enough, or would I need to be even farther toward the center to see everything? (I'm going to have to hustle out right after the show to catch a train.)
Posted: 10/18/24 at 4:55pm
dwwst12 said: "This may be a stupid question, but why do so many "seriously undersold" shows now not use discount codes? Compared to when I first started making regular trips to NYC and following all of this closely in the late 2000's, discount codes seem far less common."
I found this discount code on Reddit: MHEOFF. It only works for performances through Nov. 10, even though those were already discounted.
Posted: 10/18/24 at 4:58pm
laaa la la la la la laaa said: "GottaGetAGimmick420 said: "Seeing the production photos just posted made me remember one really important detail -- OBSTRUCTED VIEWS.
I was on the inside aisle of Orchestra left and couldn't see half of Darren's room and only part of Helen's. Basically, unless you are in the center orchestra or front center mezzanine, you will miss something."
Do you think an aisle seat in center orchestra/mezz is good enough, or would I need to be even farther toward the center to see everything? (I'm going to have to hustle out right after the show to catch a train.)"
You should be okay in the center, but the sides of the orchestra at least weren’t forgiving to me! I was somewhere in Orchestra Left Row L
Posted: 10/18/24 at 6:37pm
They also sent a new code out today via email "MHEFAN" and it's good until at least through December, but you have to buy your tickets by Nov 15th. You can get centre orchestra for $124.
Posted: 10/19/24 at 10:53am
Posted: 10/19/24 at 2:04pm
I thought it was a sweet show, and loved the production. I was orch right row K, towards the middle, and definitely missed some of both of their bedrooms, but nothing detrimental to the show. When I go back, I’ll aim for center front mezz — some things happen on an upper level that could be missed if you’re too front and center in the orchestra.
Unfortunately, Darren’s voice was not in great shape. Not sure if he’s ill or maybe just tired, but he was noticeably not full voiced the entire time and completely cracked/gave up during the final note of a duet midway through. He turned and gave a little shrug to the audience while Helen finished her note. I’m hoping we’ll get a cast recording because I’d love to hear him sing these songs in full voice.
I also thought the show was ending several times before it actually did. I liked the final ending but feel like I’d have left just as satisfied if we’d ended 15 minutes sooner.
Darren and Helen are hilarious in their roles and have great chemistry. I’d love to see this show do well!
Updated On: 10/19/24 at 02:04 PM
Posted: 10/19/24 at 5:57pm
Here’s something that just dawned on me:
When was the last time we had a musical with no credited Choreographer or Movement Director? Because this show doesn’t appear to have one.
Posted: 10/22/24 at 8:43am
After it is disclosed that Criss didn't erase his memories, I thought it should've ended with Claire slightly smiling to imply to the audience that neither did she.
I loved this show, but...
Posted: 10/23/24 at 9:39am
This is such a warm, sweet show, and I'm so happy I saw it on Sunday. It's heartfelt and sentimental, but not cloying, and while it's a funny robot com-com it doesn't feel slight. They've captured the right tone. As advertised, the lighting, sets, and projections are marvelous—yes, very similar to Company, but with additional bells and whistles and it's more constantly in motion. This must've been a beast to tech with all the moving parts the cast has to navigate on time. Technically, the performance went off without a hitch and I was impressed by how fluidly everything clipped along. Michael Arden's done excellent work here and there's one moment in particular that's breathtaking and that I can't wait for more people to experience. While there aren't really standout songs or lyrics in the score, there are memorable themes and it's pleasing to listen to. The orchestrations have this stringy/piano, sweeping, nostalgic sound that kind of has the feel of a film score that gets you sentimental and you like to return to, if that makes sense. When they do a cast recording, they'd better record the incidental music. Casting's solid across the board but I came away especially impressed with Darren Criss, who's so endearing in this. The audience was with it—open and engaged with lots of genuine laughs, and applause at some of the jokes that landed most.
There's dialogue they can refine and moments where they can find additional laughs over previews. And I think that they more successfully handled Oliver's relationship with his human than Claire's. While I didn't get that false ending feeling others have gotten, it did feel like it was in the process of winding down for longer than it probably should have. Unfortunately the set is rather noisy during transitions, including transitions that occur during songs, and I hope they're able to dampen the sound. It wasn't enough to take me out of the action (and I sat close) but it is a bit distracting and was loud enough to make me think "gee, I hope that they do something about this during previews."
I'll echo previous posts about sightlines being an issue. My rush seat was front row side and not marked partial view, and while I saw probably 85–90% of the action, pretty much any scene in their rooms had some degree of obstruction. At least whenever two of them were in the same room I could focus on whoever was visible. I can't imagine what it was like for the multiple people further over in the actual partial view seats. For anyone trying digital rush, I'd caution against taking any marked partial view seat in the first couple rows and suggest trying again another day if possible because it would be a shame to miss that much. I'd gladly sit in my "non-partial view" seat again, but too far over when you're in the first few rows is pushing it.
It'll be a tough road for an original show like this, but it's got a lot of heart. FIngers crossed it can build the positive word of mouth it needs.
Posted: 10/25/24 at 1:29am
Really enjoyed this tonight as well. It's not perfect but it's definitely in the top tier for shows this season. The show is as sweet as everyone has described it to be, and both Helen J. Shen and Darren Criss are fantastic both in acting and vocally (also the sound design was great!).
The show to me feels kind of split into two sections, with the "main" story taking place and then winding down over the course of the last 20-30 minutes, but because it took so long, it almost seemed like there was a second story there waiting to be explored and the first part of the show was just setup for that. For me, I thought the second part introduced a lot more interesting concepts that I wish were given more time, but I still enjoyed the first part perfectly fine before that. The transition between the two (starting with When You're in Love) felt a bit abrupt and I wonder if there's a way to smooth that out, which I think would help it not feel like it was ending 20 minutes before it actually does.
There's a lot of great direction (Darren Criss's mannerisms/movements especially are incredible) and some really fun comedic bits too. The music is really pleasant to listen to and tugs on your heartstrings in a somewhat nostalgic yet poignant way, even if they aren't immediately catchy. It's not a big belting score to see who can sing to the rafters, but there's a few great crooner songs, and the score overall is very melodic and does a great job developing the characters. There's a playlist from a month ago with a few more songs that I must've missed (which is exciting because I thought When You're in Love was one of the weaker songs): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_5xqKnIAlA6nOFL0RRdDWIin5noH5voX
One kind of minor inconsistency that was bothering me a bit (a small spoiler):
When they go on the trip both Oliver and Claire pack suitcases, which makes for a nice song, but why does Claire pack one? Oliver's the only one planning on leaving the facility for good and there's multiple references to Claire's return trip (and it seems like they weren't planning on stopping).
Also, why did she keep the jar when it was his originally?
I went for in person rush (though I went right before noon) and got balcony row E on the left side. I didn't have any problems seeing the rooms that people mentioned and was able to see the characters inside the boxes pretty much the whole time. The issue for me was that there's a little bit of staging that takes place on the lip of the stage and that was barely visible from my seat unless I was leaning forward a lot.
I'm really excited to bring other people to see this show because I know multiple people that would absolutely love it.
Posted: 10/26/24 at 11:04pm
Thoughts:
1) Sweet
2) Too long (see below for my fix)
3) Really liked the melodic songs (prettiest songs in a while), but I think one or two need to go. The show is supposed to be an hour and a half, and I was on the sidewalk by 9:53. As it winds down, the songs start to sound the same (mid-tempo and cutesy) and they accomplish less story-wise.
4) Leads are good. Nobody has a powerhouse voice, which is what modern audiences now expect, but they sounded nice. I liked Duron’s crooner vibe, but I don’t think the man can dance. He’s supposed to glide around stage and it felt more robotic than the robots. Criss’ vocals have never been strong, but he gets by on charm. Helen’s vocals were less shakey and very pretty. Their harmonies were beautiful.
5) My biggest takeaway is that this show belongs Off Broadway. It feels too small for Broadway (I don’t think all the set stuff is necessary) and I don’t know how long it’s going to last. Makes me think of Alan Menken saying Little Shop never should’ve gone to Broadway. This would’ve been perfectly wonderful and even more intimate in a smaller house. I wish them luck.
Posted: 10/27/24 at 1:02am
Saw the matinee today and really liked it! It felt like the first "complete package" new musical in quite a while. Just about every new musical last season felt like a stool with three legs. There was always some component that was a weak link. I definitely didn't feel that about this show. It had a good book with a lovely score, solid performances, great direction, and a phenomenal physical production.
I will say that I did feel the winding down. I doubt they'll make any major changes at this point. But, I do think the show would stronger if they moved the scenes of them "breaking their promise" to before they leave the island to push back the big climactic moment. That moment, by the way, was so stunning. Totally unexpected and so effective.
I was seated in Mezzanine Row F, Seat 2, which I thought was a great view. Really not anything I couldn't see.
Finally, Hwaboon is a star. Go see it for Hwaboon.
Posted: 10/28/24 at 8:29pm
How high is the stage? Are they using the pit? In other words, any advice about seating in the center of the front row orch?
Posted: 10/28/24 at 9:06pm
The orchestra is not in the pit. If I recall, the front of the stage is a normal height, but then there's a raised platform of about 8 inches. The entire front row appeared to be empty when I saw it but idk what letter row that was. Maybe they're going to remove the row, or sell it as super-partial view if they get lucky? (As opposed to the side sections, which are a different type of partial view. This design is attractive but so poorly thought out from an audience standpoint. Inexcusable for a show that played out of town and is being led by people who should know better.)
Posted: 10/28/24 at 9:58pm
Posted: 10/29/24 at 8:52pm
Those who have seen the show: how screwed am I if my curiosity got the best of me and I read the first line or so of the spoiler Anshel posted on the first page? The “I loved the show but…” one. Can’t stop kicking myself for clicking the spoiler tag for some reason…
Posted: 10/29/24 at 9:06pm
You’re not screwed. Just go and enjoy it. That’s a great moment if you didn’t know it’s coming but there’s many many more great moments throughout it.
Posted: 10/29/24 at 9:12pm
Jordan Catalano said: "You’re not screwed. Just go and enjoy it. That’s a great moment if you didn’t know it’s coming but there’s many many more great moments throughout it."
Good to know. Have tix for April for my mom's bday but I know full well that I may have to make a quick trip and see it much sooner. I ADORE all the music I've heard from the show so far!!
Posted: 10/29/24 at 11:31pm
Saw this tonight and found it utterly enchanting. Cross may not have the strongest vocals, but he’s incredibly amusing and well-suited to the stylized acting needed to portray this charming robot.
And the set and projection design is lovely and impressive. I was in the side orchestra (M17), and there were some obstructed moments, but nothing that took away from the show’s impact or my enjoyment. I know this piece is having a tough time finding its audience, but it’s enchanting, and I hope the right people find it.
