Oratorio for Living Things returns at Signature

Didn't see a thread about this... but this marvelous show is coming back to NYC and tickets are on sale today, in the $100-150 price range. They're also doing another work by Christian and new play by Lauren Yee this season.

I was also pleased to see that Signature has many crazy accessible ticket programs... any student can get 2 $20 tickets (in any seating area), anyone under 30 can get 2 $30 tickets (in any seating area), and any education worker, public sector worker, nonprofit employee, veteran, or handicapped person can get 2 $40 tickets (in select seats). 

Updated On: 8/5/25 at 01:31 PM

The earlier production was one of my favorite things I've seen in a LONG time.

Hoping this also results in a much-needed cast recording.

 

Was there a code? I signed up, but all the tickets are full price still.

Are they doing the immersive seating in the round at The Signature?   Or restaging?   That was one of the very interesting things about the original production. 

Hope Oratorio mixes well with the Cartozians. Doing a double in early November since they are both at Signature. 

WiCkEDrOcKS said: "wsondheim94 said: "ignore me - i literally forgot i am 31 years old LMAO (i cry)"

It’s 35 or under! You don’t need a code. You have to create a Signature account, sign up for that specific program offering, check out, and then go through the ticket purchase / selection process. (I think Tiers 2 and 3 are applicable for the discount. Or maybe 3 and 4?)

You should see the accurate discounted rate in your cart when you proceed to check out."

I can’t seem to figure it out. Anyone else?

I’m having problem as well.  I have Access Membership but it doesn’t apply to any tier when I put it in my cart.  I didn't have a problem before with Grangeville.  Any one having problems with the Access Membership?

Thanks all. I was able to figure it out. I’m going in October. 

The Signature site’s description of the Access 30 program is conflicting. In one place, it’s 18-30; another, it’s 18-35. I can confirm it’s for 35 and under, not 30. Maybe they increased the age at some point and didn’t update it across the board, which I’m grateful for as a 35-year-old whose bank account would much rather I spend $30 than $90+ on tickets to Oratorio.

Updated On: 8/7/25 at 02:06 PM

Bumping now that Oratorio for Living Things is in previews as of last night.

Definitely my most anticipated ticket I have at the moment. This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen, and I’m so happy to get to revisit it (and hopefully get a cast recording). It appears to be selling exceptionally well, though they have some last minute releases for even the “sold out” first couple shows.

Updated On: 10/1/25 at 09:56 AM

Play Esq. said: "Very curious about this piece. For those who saw it, do you think it would still work in a much larger venue than the original?"

As far as I can tell, there’s not many additional seats in comparison to the Ars Nova run. It’s the same design and seating configuration as at Barrow Street.

Could I see it working in a slightly larger venue? Sure. But they would need to expand the amount of vocalists and musicians to fill that space. As it is, it works as a chamber piece where you can feel the music as much as you hear it.

Updated On: 10/1/25 at 03:03 PM

For those who have seen this at Signature: What is the run time? The Signature website says 7-9 p.m., but everything I've read about the Ars Nova run lists it at 90 minutes. I have to catch a train afterwards and don't know that I'll make it if the show is two hours.

It is indeed about 90 minutes (probably closer to 95, if we're splitting hairs).

I thought it was breathtaking, but I'd recommend avoiding the last couple of rows of the 200s and 400s. The orchestra is situated directly behind the last rows of those sections and drowned out some of the vocals.  (The musicians do sound fantastic, though.)

 

Updated On: 10/8/25 at 09:05 AM