Memphis, Promises, Promises or Billy Elliot?

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 8:49pm

Only have time for one show. Which one would you see? Memphis, Promises, Promises or Billy Elliot?

[Ryan4]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 8:56pm

Billy Elliot no contest.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 8:58pm

If I go with Billy Elliot, is row B, seat 10 in the orchestra too close?

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 8:59pm

No, the theater is not too big. Do Billy.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 9:01pm

Will I miss anything on stage sitting on the extreme right side?

[shrekster224]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 9:05pm

Billy Elliot. Hands down.

Sorry to say, but yes. On the far right, you miss part of the set sometimes because there is a wall on the right side during many scenes. U won't miss any action, really, though. I've sat many places all over the theater, and even when I sat partial view mezz row B, that wall is what I missed, but all of the acting and dance is visible.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 9:11pm

The only other choice I would have for a seat for Billy Elliot is the very last row in the orchestra dead center. Is this too far back? Would the overhang of the mezzanine interfere with the full view of the stage? Which seat would you go with?

[shrekster224]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 9:17pm

Well it depends. Would you rather see clear faces and make up and miss a little, or get a bigger picture but not as close of an experience? I personally would go with the Row B, get a feel for the show, and if u like it, come back and sit somewhere in the front-mid center orchestra or mezzanine

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/17/10 at 9:33pm

Billy Elliot for sure

[Mamie]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 11:26am

Definitely Billy. I'd go with the closer seat. Even missing a tiny bit of the extreme sides (where I don't recall much happening anyway) the show is still light years ahead of the other two.

[Bwaynerd]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 12:23pm

billy elliot

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 12:41pm

The right sides are great seats at Billy.

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 12:46pm

Billy by far.

I just sat in the very seat you are referring to the other night - B 10. You miss no main action and you have a wonderful view.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 1:03pm

Billy Elliot, no contest.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 1:31pm

I'd see either Memphis or Promises if you live in a USA city, because Billy is currently on tour(if I'm not mistaken), so you can see the show in several other cities. The other 2 shows are new, so they won't be on the road for awhile.
I'd rather see a new show, I haven't seen Promises yet, though.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 1:35pm

That's a good point muscle23ftl. I live in Boston so the chances of Billy Elliot coming here soon are pretty good.

[garyl]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 9:40pm

Frankly I would have no desire to see a show with an Elton John Score. I guess I am old school, but I just saw Sean and Kirsten in Promises Promises and they were terrific..and the show too!

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 5/18/10 at 11:28pm

garyl, I think that's pretty closed minded of you. Yes, people have preferences and all, but I think Elton John has completely legitimized his claim as a theatre composer with his score for Billy Elliot. It's a perfectly respectable piece that fits the story and the show very well.

The score for Promises, Promises (for me at least) has always been enjoyable, but a bit strange and wonky. But it's pop music meets Broadway, which can be said about an Elton John musical, so I don't see much of a difference.

~Steven

[BobRandomGuyMan]

Posted: 5/19/10 at 11:50am

Another vote for Billy Elliott.

[actionjaxson91]

Posted: 5/19/10 at 5:14pm

"I'd see either Memphis or Promises if you live in a USA city, because Billy is currently on tour(if I'm not mistaken), so you can see the show in several other cities. The other 2 shows are new, so they won't be on the road for awhile.
I'd rather see a new show, I haven't seen Promises yet, though."

"That's a good point muscle23ftl. I live in Boston so the chances of Billy Elliot coming here soon are pretty good."

pushdabutton, keep in mind that muscle is an idiot and thinks Montego Glover has a chance at winning Best Actress this year.

Oh, and BTW, see Billy. It's the only good show out of those three.

[sgv123]

Posted: 5/19/10 at 5:24pm

Billy

I have been far back and to the far right in row B. I think both are great. Up close b/c the expressions and everything are great, but if it is your first seeing the show..I would suggest farther back. It is a huge show with so much going on..big choreography, dance numbers, and big sets. I think in order to get the big picture, you should sit farther back.

[jpbran]

Posted: 5/20/10 at 12:41pm

All-the-way-back rear orchestra? I'd skip a show if that's the only option...

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 5/20/10 at 1:40pm

jpbran - have you seen Billy? If you've ever stood in the back of the orchestra and looked at the stage from there, you'd realize they're actually not bad seats. I'm pretty sure I'd choose rear orchestra over rear mezz.

My vote is still for close up in the orchestra. The partial view seats in the front mezz aren't bad either.

And, for the record, I agree with actionjaxson91 wholeheartedly. Billy is really the only good option of the 3. The other 2 are okay, but if you want to see a great performance and a great show ... go to Billy. Even if you don't like Elton John. Also, just because Billy is currently "on tour" in Chicago doesn't mean that it'll make it's way to you in whatever city (Boston, did you say?) before Promises or Memphis might. Promises or Memphis might come to you in a tour soon... or none of them might come to you... you never know. Go for Billy.

[jpbran]

Posted: 5/20/10 at 1:49pm

For ANY show... It's the distance for me. You can't make out subtle facial expressions or see much of anything aside from broader gestures, etc. from the last row of the orchestra. Aside from that, I've noticed in most theaters the acoustics change -- and not for the better-- when you have 50' of orchestra overhang above you.

We're seeing Billy in Chicago this summer, and will only do the first 12-15 rows. Not worth the money to me much beyond that.

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 5/20/10 at 1:56pm

At the Imperial, the 15th row in the center section is, I believe, row O. There are only 7 more rows behind that. In the 15th row, you'd already be in the last 1/3 of the seating in the center orchestra section. Also, since the mezz overhangs at row H, you'd have the mezz over you for sure at row O. I just don't think your generalization is valid for all shows... especially if you haven't been to that specific show at that specific theater.