Orchestra or Mezz for Gypsy?

[PJ]

Posted: 6/21/03 at 12:06pm

I plan on seeing Gypsy very soon. Within the next few weeks. Telecharge doesn't have that great of a selection, the closest they have to the stage in the orchestra is row N, O, and farther back. But...in the mezz they have Row A, B and D available. The problem with A is that they are to the farrrr left. And the same with B. Which would be better seating at the Shubert? I've heard they have a great mezz, but I love sitting in the orchestra. Any opinions?

[moljul]

Posted: 6/21/03 at 12:21pm

The Shubert does have an excellent mezz. It is very close to the stage. But I would avoid the back section of it because the balcony overhang is bad. I also think the orchestra is great. It isn't very deep. I have sat in the last row of the orchestra and it was still a great seat. So that being said, I would concentrate your ticket choosing on what is the closest to the center. A lot goes on in the false wings on either side of the stage. So the closer to the center you are the better you'll be able to see all the extra stuff. So avoid the last many 4 or 5 seats on the sides of the mezz and orchestra. Also, if you are flexible and don't mind taking some chances, there are often some excellent seats released a few hours before a show. I just checked telecharge for Gypsy seats for today's matinee at around 11-11:30 this morning and there were center orchestra in Row K. But other than that there were only really bad balcony seats left. These were obviously house seats or a last minute cancellation. I've seen this happen a few times. I think there is such a demand for house seats for this show - lots of celebrities attending it, etc.- that they hold several house seats and sometimes don't use them all. And if you are patient and can try on several days, you can still get a wonderful seat to this show.

Hope this helps. Good Luck

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 6/21/03 at 12:36pm

you can also TKTS the show--I did, and had no problem with my house left balcony tickets.

[Salome]

Posted: 6/21/03 at 1:01pm

I'd go for the orchestra seats. I've seen the show twice and enjoyed it much more seeing Bernedette's acting closer up.

Salome

[PJ]

Posted: 6/21/03 at 1:13pm

Thanks so much. I'll definantly take in all the opinions when I'm ordering the tickets...which I hope is soon. I like the idea of waiting and getting very good seats close to the day of the performance, but that's a little too risky for me. I want to be sure I'll be seeing Gypsy. But thanks anyway!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/21/03 at 6:44pm

Save some money and rent the movie. Much better than what can be seen and heard at the Shubert.

Better yet, buy the OBC.

Yours for a better Broadway!

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 6/21/03 at 11:42pm

Actually, the house seats are released moments before the show starts (about a half hour before and closer). The ones you get hours before or the day before are usually cancelations.

If you get orchestra seats, avoid getting anything too far left or right. It's an obstructed view. Anything in the orchestra past row P, you won't get the greatest sound. And try staying center or right because most of Bernadette's back stage scenes are done towards the right.

[moljul]

Posted: 6/22/03 at 5:15pm

While I agree the sound isn't quite as wonderful as the front half of the orchestra, I don't think it is all that bad when you are in the last half of the orchestra and under the mezz. I mean its not like it is an avoid at all cost thing like taking the far sides of the theater which should be avoided because you miss a lot of the show. If you can get closer up, great but at this point, PJ probably knows he can't be too picky and he won't get perfect 8th row center orchestra. I've seen the show several times in the back half of the orchestra and found it to be just fine.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 6/23/03 at 2:07pm

Oh yeah, I mean I've sat in the last row of the orhcestra and been quite happy. But I've also seen the show many times already. If he's seeing it for the first time, he should hear it and see it as best as he can.