March trip - what do I need to get in advance?

[bear882]

Posted: 2/7/26 at 4:25pm

My spouse and I are headed to New York City next month to see our daughter and some shows. I’m not really seeking recommendations as much as trying to get an idea of which shows we should buy tickets in advance and what can wait. My wife likes having a little flexibility about deciding while we are there, as opposed to having every ticket purchased in advance. We will be around for a week, arriving Sunday night, March 15 and leaving 8 days later.

We have bought tickets already for Giant (Monday) and Just in Time (Tuesday).

Other shows on our list, subject to change, include Ragtime, Death of a Salesman, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Heathers, Oh, Mary! Other options include Chess and Two Strangers (though our daughter has already seen the latter). We haven’t seen The Outsiders either.

It seems wise to get tickets to Ragtime in advance (and not on Sunday, because Joshua Henry has that day off). I have had trouble finding discount tickets (even when they exist, they don’t save money, like Giant). 

If we decide to see Death of a Salesman, is that another one to buy in advance, given the star power involved? (If we see that play at the Winter Garden, I don’t want to get distant seats but also don’t want to spend a fortune.) Other shows on the list seem like we can wait to get tickets. Are there any shows mentioned that we should see mid-week instead of on the weekend, due to prices or ticket availability? Are there shows that are always available? It seems like Spelling Bee, Heathers, and even Oh, Mary! are always available. The latter surprised me a little, but maybe that will change in a few weeks when it isn’t so brutally cold.

Any suggestions, both about what to get in advance and what shows can wait until the weekend?

 

[JT2030]

Posted: 2/7/26 at 5:29pm

IMO - you don't need to book much in advance (though everything on your list is outstanding.)

For Spelling Bee and Heathers --- the digital rush on Telecharge's Lottery site is a great deal and I've seen both from excellent seats, if you end up having a free night. (Frankly, do try to keep a night or afternoon open for something you can snag a deal on via lottery / TodayTix rush / TDF.)

Keep an eye on Oh, Mary! as they dynamically price their tickets up and down --- there are many Orchestra seats for $159.00 online ($142.50 without fees) and there's really not a bad seat in the house, even the partial view ones.

Depending when you're here - I might suggest buying Cats: The Jellicle Ball in advance as I'd imagine their previews will be well sold and it rolls right into Tony Voter season where they'll be holding back seats.

And if you end up with space / it aligns with your trip, Proof is a marvelous play - a stellar cast - and a small house (as it should be in). So keep an eye on that.

However it works out - HAVE FUN! and do post your thoughts. It's a weird season to be sure but there's a *lot* coming this spring that should be great. 

Updated On: 2/7/26 at 05:29 PM

[bear882]

Posted: 2/7/26 at 6:35pm

JT2030 said: "IMO - you don't need to book much in advance (though everything on your list is outstanding.)

ForSpelling BeeandHeathers--- the digital rush on Telecharge's Lottery site is a great deal and I've seen both from excellent seats, if you end up having a free night. (Frankly, do try to keep a night or afternoon open for something you can snag a deal on via lottery / TodayTix rush / TDF.)

Keep an eye onOh, Mary!as they dynamically price their tickets up and down --- there are many Orchestra seats for $159.00 online ($142.50 without fees) and there's really not a bad seat in the house, even the partial view ones.

Depending when you're here - I might suggest buyingCats: The Jellicle Ballin advance as I'd imagine their previews will be well sold and it rolls right into Tony Voter season where they'll be holding back seats.

And if you end up with space / it aligns with your trip,Proofis a marvelous play - a stellar cast - and a small house (as it should be in). So keep an eye on that.

However it works out - HAVE FUN! and do post your thoughts. It's a weird season to be sure but there's a *lot* coming this spring that should be great."

OP here. You raise a good point about shows where cheaper seats are fine. Your example is Oh, Mary! Are there shows where it’s definitely worth paying more for better seats? Others where cheap seats are fine? And as a person we are visiting lives in NYC, we can always get tickets in person and in advance if that makes sense. 

I guess we will have to decide soon on Cats: The Jellicle Ball since our trip coincides with the first days of previews. 

We definitely want to keep a few slots open.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 2/7/26 at 6:38pm

I’m sure you could easily swing rush for DEATH OF A SALESMAN, bear882, since neither Lane nor Metcalf have proven to be box-office draws in recent years. 

Enjoy your trip!

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 2/7/26 at 10:18pm

I generally avoid the 100s and 500s at the Beaumont. They’re cheaper, but in the past I’ve found that’s a “you get what you pay for” situation, though it can vary by production. 
 

if you opt for DoaS, the Winter Garden is wide rather than deep. I would focus more on being closer to the center rather than how far back you are. I saw The Music Man from the last row center, and it was perfectly fine (if still overpriced). 

Updated On: 2/7/26 at 10:18 PM

[bear882]

Posted: 2/8/26 at 1:31pm

carolinaguy said: "I generally avoid the 100s and 500s at the Beaumont. They’re cheaper, but in the past I’ve found that’s a “you get what you pay for” situation, though it can vary by production.


if you opt for DoaS, the Winter Garden is wide rather than deep. I would focus more on being closer to the center rather than how far back you are. I saw The Music Man from the last row center, and it was perfectly fine (if still overpriced)."

OP here. Floyd Collins was probably an exception to that rule. For those who have seen Ragtime, should we stick to the center? But also, do we need to buy in advance? It seems like it shows up at the TKTS booth all the time.

Re: Death of a Salesman. I am a little suspicious of those available orchestra seats on the side. Putting that play in the Winter Garden feels dumb to me. Seeing a big musical like The Music Man there seems different than a play. I don’t want to sit too far away. 

I sometimes overrate the marketability of shows and would rather not buy tickets in advance unless there are good deals and/or it feels necessary. But I have to consider when I will be there too (March 16 to March 22). 

This is a strange season. I am interested in a lot of shows but not desperate to see many of them. And I always wonder how many tickets are being held back.

[JT2030]

Posted: 2/8/26 at 2:30pm

Personal opinion, but I really don't see there being a bad seat in the Beaumont for Ragtime - the set pieces are wide and minimalist to a degree (without spoiling one or two surprising moments) and from my spot in the Orchestra 400s on the far side, I didn't miss a thing. The performers / staging certainly plays to the whole house. 

Also IMO - if all you can find are extreme sides in the Orch, I actually sorta prefer the Front Loge for many LCT shows. 

If there's good availability, do go for it in advance - while they hold seats back like every show, March will hopefully be warm here (I don't want to imagine the possibility of it getting colder.....) and that's a peak time for groups visiting NY / Ragtime is one of the few new shows of the season I'd see as being very appealing to tour groups.

[bear882]

Posted: 2/8/26 at 2:48pm

I am probably going to get tickets in advance for Ragtime, just wondering about it’s TKTS availability now.

But here is a question for those of you who saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball off-Broadway last year. Any seating suggestions? I realize the staging might be different on Broadway. (I never saw the original version of Cats, but this revival sounds very intriguing. This will be its first days of previews, which start the Wednesday we are there. I am inclined to see it on Friday night.)

Center orchestra towards the back? Side orchestra (a little closer to the stage)? Mezzanine (center or sides)?

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 2/8/26 at 3:36pm

For Ragtime, I'd buy in advance. I've seen it from both the last row of the loge and the side of the orchestra. Both views are great, but I personally preferred being more centered in the loge.

The Winter Garden is a WIDE house, but it's not very deep. The far sides of either the orchestra or the mezzanine aren't ideal. I definitely recommend being more centered for either section even if it means being a bit further back. The rake in the orchestra is also pretty shallow/bad.

Cats... I have no idea what the show will look like in the Broadhurst, but anywhere in the mezzanine at the Broadhurst is usually pretty good IMO. Avoid the rear orchestra, though as the mezzanine overhang does block the upper part of the stage creating a "letterboxed" view.

[bear882]

Posted: 2/8/26 at 4:07pm

bwayphreak234 said: "For Ragtime, I'd buy in advance. I've seen it from both the last row of the loge and the side of the orchestra. Both views aregreat, but I personally preferred being more centered in the loge.

The Winter Garden is a WIDE house, but it's not very deep. The far sides of either the orchestra or the mezzanine aren't ideal. I definitely recommendbeing more centered for either section even if it means being a bit further back. The rake in the orchestra is also pretty shallow/bad.

Cats... I have no idea what the show will look like in the Broadhurst, but anywhere in the mezzanine at the Broadhurst is usually pretty good IMO. Avoid the rear orchestra, though as the mezzanine overhang does block the upper part of the stage creating a "letterboxed" view."

Oddly, I have never seen a show at the Broadhurst or the Winter Garden. Would center mezzanine, Row E, be a safe choice for the Broadhurst? I can save $20 per tickets on side mezzanines. I don’t know if that’s a good deal or a ‘get what you pay for’ situation.

I have seen several shows over the years at Lincoln Center and like orchestra seats there (never been in Loge). But it sounds like staying close to the center is the best choice for Ragtime.

I am starting to think I am better off waiting on Death of a Salesman. Maybe there will be discounts later. And my family will survive if we don’t see it.

Updated On: 2/8/26 at 04:07 PM

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 2/8/26 at 7:25pm

For RAGTIME, highly recommend avoiding the front row at Vivian Beaumont.  I had the piano in front of me for start and end of act one

[bear882]

Posted: 2/10/26 at 11:05pm

OP here. An update for all of you who care deeply (and who have offered helpful suggestions)…

We bought tickets for Ragtime (Thursday) and Cats: The Jellicle Ball (Friday). Stuck to the center for both shows, rear orchestra for Ragtime, fifth row mezzanine for Cats. I’m not sure what else we will buy in advance of next month’s trip. It seems like plenty of shows that interest us have been available at the TKTS booth and maybe we will get a lottery win or rush tickets. Plus, the family has non-theater plans. Here’s where things stand:

Monday, March 16 - Giant

Tuesday - Just in Time

Wednesday - open 

Thursday - Ragtime

Friday - Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Saturday - open

Sunday - open

Does anything else that I have mentioned on my original list feel like something we ought to buy in advance? Unless there’s a change of heart, we are not that interested in Chess. My spouse prefers keeping our options open unless there’s something we have to buy beforehand. 

Updated On: 2/10/26 at 11:05 PM

[Merkin2]

Posted: 2/11/26 at 7:07am

The wild party will be at city center if you’re interested in that.  Dog Day Afternoon is highly anticipated and turning out to be a hot ticket.  If you’d like to go to the opera, I’d recommend Tristan und Isolde which you could do the Saturday matinee.   My understanding is something is coming into the Shubert this spring, hasn’t been announced yet. 

[inception]

Posted: 2/11/26 at 9:19am

Can't offer much advice, but I think you made a wise choice for Ragtime, center orch is where I sat, but maybe middle, and it was very good for view & sound.  Even if I only go to NYC once a year, having a LCT membership is totally worth it.

[bear882]

Posted: 2/21/26 at 12:31am

OP here. I haven’t bought anything more, but I am intrigued by The Wild Party if only because of the cast. It does seem like a revival I would need to buy in advance (and I do know the discount code), yes? The other shows I have mentioned are still on the list of possibles.

[Merkin2]

Posted: 2/21/26 at 7:19am

I think you should definitely go ahead and book The Outsiders, it’s worth seeing, it’s a pretty intimate theater, I think any seat is good, don’t let “partial view” tickets stop you.  They also do Thursday matinees. 
 

I don’t know what The Wild Party is going to be like but City Center shows are usually high quality and I think it’s worth going to have the city center experience.  Front mezz are the best seats in my opinion.  They have Sunday evening performances and a good deal on TodayTix right now, $77 for the mezz, not sure where they seat you cause it just says best available.  There’s also a discount code PARTY

As for the last slot, id wait to hear word of mouth on Death of a Salesman, previews begin March 6. Discount code DOAS

[bear882]

Posted: 2/21/26 at 7:54pm

While I fear that I would dislike it, the midweek discount tickets for Chess have me reconsidering. Spouse and daughter might enjoy it more anyway. Any suggestions in terms of seat locations for this show (side orchestra but close, middle orchestra (also side but closer to the center), mezzanine? Do any of the leads regularly miss Wednesday matinees?

I haven’t seen anything at New York City Center so I don’t have a good feel for the best locations, whether side orchestra is better than mezzanine. Obviously, I don’t know how The Wild Party will be staged, though I assume it won’t be too elaborate. The original production looks pretty straightforward, with performers at the center of the stage based on YouTube clips.

I still feel like I can wait on Death of a Salesman for feedback (a Wednesday evening candidate), Spelling Bee and Heathers seem like shows that can wait for rush or lottery or TKTS, even on the weekend.

Oh, Mary! is a tempting Sunday evening candidate unless we see The Wild Party then.

[Merkin2]

Posted: 2/22/26 at 8:35am

Are you crossing The Outsiders off your list?  Cause that’s something you would need to buy in advance.  Unless you wanted to line up in the morning and get rush tickets, they also have standing room in the back orchestra.   I think you should actually book Death of a Salesman in advance. I was looking at telecharge, and it’s actually selling well. The prices aren’t that outrageous.  It’s a great play with Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf how bad can it be?  I haven’t seen Chess yet so I really can’t speak on that one.  I’d choose Wild Party at city center over Oh Mary, people aren’t that into John Cameron Mitchell and it will still probably be running for a while longer.  

[bear882]

Posted: 2/25/26 at 10:50pm

A question for everyone about New York City Center: Can you avoid the fees by buying tickets in person (with the discount code)? Or does that $10 fee get charged regardless of whether the purchase is in person or online?

Same question about Becky Shaw, in case we opt for that. It has a $13 fee. Is that avoidable if tickets are purchased in person?

Updated On: 2/25/26 at 10:50 PM

[kdogg36]

Posted: 2/26/26 at 11:12am

bear882 said: "A question for everyone about New York City Center: Can you avoid the fees by buying tickets in person (with the discount code)? Or does that $10 fee get charged regardless of whether the purchase is in person or online? Same question aboutBecky Shaw, in case we opt for that. It has a $13 fee. Is that avoidable if tickets are purchased in person?"

Yes, you can avoid the fees by buying at the box office, at any Broadway theater as well as City Center.

Updated On: 2/26/26 at 11:12 AM

[TarHeelAlan]

Posted: 2/26/26 at 11:47am

As the OP seems (justifiably) concerned about quality of seats as well as price, I recommend exploring the following two websites that have seating charts for theaters as well as crowd-sourced photos from the particular seat you might be considering. Not every seat in every theatre has photos, but there are enough to give you a good idea of what you're considering for purchase:

https://seatplan.com

https://aviewfrommyseat.com

[bear882]

Posted: 2/26/26 at 2:38pm

OP here. Thanks. Seatplan is my first choice for Broadway theaters. I also check out A View From My Seat.

And yes, while price is definitely a consideration, I am always trying to get the best seats possible (for a reasonable cost). In some cases, it’s harder to guess for shows that haven’t opened yet. But there are also quirks in theaters where I have never been.

On my original question, I am still trying to get a good idea - given when we will be there - of what shows we should get in advance to get good seats and/or save money. It’s looking like the ones we don’t have yet that appear to be well-sold in mid-March, unless tickets are being held back, are Death of a Salesman (on Wednesday night only due to prices and ticket availability), The Wild Party (large theater, don’t want to sit too far away), and Becky Shaw. The wild card is Chess, which is an option for both Wednesday performances with the discount but too pricey on the weekend. 

The ones that can probably wait are Spelling Bee, Heathers, and Oh, Mary!

I don’t have enough open slots remaining to see all of these shows, of course.

[Merkin2]

Posted: 2/26/26 at 8:07pm

I would steer you away from Chess.  I finally saw it law night, it’s not good, it’s a hot mess.  If you want to spend as little as possible, Heathers and Spelling Bee are good choices, good shows.  The Outsiders is worth seeing but that would be full price expensive tickets.  I’d definitely choose Salesman over Becky Shaw just based on the play itself.  No idea what these productions will be like.  And Wild Party is something i’m looking forward to.  Do you have TDF?  Wild Party will probably show up there

[Merkin2]

Posted: 2/26/26 at 8:07pm

Also, you don’t pay the fees at Broadway Theaters.  I’m not so sure if this is the case at city center, you can email them and ask

[bear882]

Posted: 3/5/26 at 3:51am

OP here. I am done with advance purchases. Here’s where I stand:

Monday, March 16 - Giant

Tuesday - Just in Time

Wednesday matinee - Death of a Salesman

Wednesday night - open

Thursday - Ragtime

Friday - Cats: The Jellice Ball

Saturday night - The Wild Party

Sunday - open