Orchestra. Within the first 8 rows.
I've only sat in the upper section once--student rush tickets at the U.S. premiere production of
Ragtime at L.A.'s Shubert. Reba Macintyre was sitting in the row in front of us! I had to dodge her red locks to see at certain points, lol.
At any rate, the view wasn't terrible but I recall thinking how artificial the orchestra and voices sounded. It was also interesting to see all of Eugene Lee's stage deck action. That set was crazy automated.
Compared to orchestra and up close at at an eye level where most designers and directors base their work on, never again. I've been a faithful orchestra ("stalls" for you UK peeps) er...sitter since 1997!! XD
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.