“Press seats are almost always in the middle of the orchestra,” Jesse Green said. “But when I buy them myself, I like to sit in the front row of the mezzanine.”
Until very recently I always preferred sitting in the orchestra. But now, I Love first row center mezzanine. I find those seats the best in terms of being able to appreciate the entire set and not having to look over someone else’s shoulder.
Front/center orchestra. I almost never enjoy shows seen from upstairs (the only exception that comes to mind was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time).
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"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene" - Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
For most shows, I pefer front row center orchestra. I like to see the expressions on the actors' faces, and I like not having anyone in front of me.
However, if it's a theater with a high stage or a show that has interesting dance numbers best enjoyed from farther back, I opt for the fifth or sixth row in the orchestra. I use A View from My Seat to figure out whether there's a good row (e.g., if there's a row where the incline increases noticeably from the ones in front of it).
Orchestra rows H-M close to the center is my personal sweet spot for most plays or musicals. Can't really go wrong there ... with the rare exception of something like LIFE OF PI. But a big spectacular musical can also be great from the front mezz, and in particular the lighting can look quite different up there.
I love the front mezz for all types of shows. My go-to, first choice.
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