Posted: 8/5/15 at 1:40pm
Hey...I'm sorry if this has already been a post but I couldn't find it.
I'm considering purchasing the partial view seating for Hamilton, since it's the only option. Has anyone seen the show from these seats (back orchestra) and could tell me how much is impacted?
Thanks!
Posted: 8/5/15 at 1:42pm
I sat in E20 and was happy with the purchase. I missed a couple things happening on the second level but it wasn't substantial. I'd rather sit there and be able to see everything on the second level state center and right than miss the entire second level sitting in the back of the orchestra.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 4:34pm
I'm sitting in Row W center in two weeks time, so I'll have an idea then.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 4:39pm
From the very back of the orchestra, the top level of the stage will be cut off. You will see the performers' knees and below. But not much happens on the top level. Only a brief scene that I can recall, and various performers stand up there sometimes. I sat in Row Q, and the view was great. I could see the whole stage. At intermission I went to stand in one of the SRO spots, and the view was obstructed by the mezzanine overhang, as described earlier. So depending on where you're sitting, your view will be between the two!
Posted: 8/30/15 at 9:40am
Does anyone have experience with the partial view seats in the front of the orchestra? Like rows A, B, C, the last seat closest to the wall? These seem to be the only face value seats really left for many performances for the next few months. Thanks.
Posted: 8/30/15 at 10:20am
Someone posted a detailed description of what the experience was like, sitting in those seats. I believe the post was in the Hamilton review thread or the Hamilton obsessives thread. When I have time later, I'll look for it.
Posted: 8/30/15 at 10:43am
Oh great, thanks! I normally read both of those threads but as they become more populated it can be hard to keep up. I'll take a look there through them.
I've already seen the show so I wouldn't be crushed if I got one of those seats and it wasn't perfect (I really just want to experience it again), but I also don't want to throw my money away if they're really bad.
Posted: 8/30/15 at 11:00am
I found the post I was thinking of, but she's talking about Row G. Maybe some of it would apply to your choice. Because you've seen the show already, these seats may give you a new vantage point that you would enjoy.
This was posted by Mariel9:
I sat in Row G on the far left aisle last week. I couldn't see people when they were on the stairway on the left side of the stage. It was only a couple of times that I couldn't see someone doing/singing something significant. There were also times when the character who was the focus of the scene was blocked by dancers, but everyone is moving around a lot so those moments were brief. Personally, it was well worth it to be that close to the stage and able to see Leslie Odom's subtle performance and the tears on Philippa Soo's face at the end. The only other way I'll ever be that close again is if I win the lotto because I can't afford premium seats. On the other hand, the far side seats don't offer a good view of the staging, lighting, and choreography, which you can see very well from rear orchestra. I suspect the best non-premium seats are front mezz, but I haven't sat there (yet).
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1085460
Updated On: 8/30/15 at 11:00 AM
Posted: 8/31/15 at 9:29am
Thanks for finding that Mac, much appreciated!
Posted: 8/31/15 at 1:20pm
NJ_BroadwayGirl said: "Does anyone have experience with the partial view seats in the front of the orchestra? Like rows A, B, C, the last seat closest to the wall? These seem to be the only face value seats really left for many performances for the next few months. Thanks.
I sat in Row B off to the left I thought they were great seats, but the extreme left side of stage was blocked. I would buy them again in a heart beat. Also for the price compared to premium, it was well worth it.
"
Posted: 8/31/15 at 1:43pm
When you mouse over those seats on the Ticketmaster site, it literally says you won't see action on that side of the stage. They are being pretty up front about it, although their partial view costs more than most other shows on Broadway, but not surprising...
Posted: 8/31/15 at 2:06pm
Thanks, Dave. Row B to the left is what I've seen available. I really just want to experience the show again so I don't know if I would mind too much if I missed a little.
I saw that too Haterobics - I wondered if they were just being extra cautious in their warning so they have the backup if people complain. It's still amazing what they are able to charge for a partial view seat.
I also love how Ticketmaster claims to fight robots or scalping - then you see 10 seats in a row up sale at a crazy markup through their sanctioned resale marketplace. I'm not complaining that it's sold out, I've seen it once and had my chance to buy more tickets, but that seems crazy to me.
Posted: 8/31/15 at 2:57pm
NJ_BroadwayGirl said: "I saw that too Haterobics - I wondered if they were just being extra cautious in their warning so they have the backup if people complain. It's still amazing what they are able to charge for a partial view seat."
I think they just want people to know what they are buying, and not be deceptive about it, especially at that price point.
"I also love how Ticketmaster claims to fight robots or scalping - then you see 10 seats in a row up sale at a crazy markup through their sanctioned resale marketplace. I'm not complaining that it's sold out, I've seen it once and had my chance to buy more tickets, but that seems crazy to me."
I think that system is really more about concerts than theater. When a hot concert at Madison Square Garden happens, companies used to deploy robots to grab as many pairs of tickets as possible and then from one screen, someone could select all the really good pairs that they wanted to purchase, and dump the rest, since the interactive seating chart is turned off at that point. When Hamilton releases new blocks of seats, it's not that hard to just go select a bunch and get them.
As for resale, eh, if that wasn't there, they would just be selling through StubHub. At least through Ticketmaster, you know for sure your tickets will work 100%. Until theaters deploy systems that do credit card entry, which has its own downside, not much you can do about it. Crazy markups aren't always real. Check day of show and they all start coming down...
Posted: 9/24/15 at 5:22pm
hi, there! checking in to see the row w seats were?
Posted: 11/4/16 at 2:26pm
This is about a year too late but...I saw the show last night. It was honestly fine from even Row W. Yes the mezzanine touched right on the actors heads I'd say--- but you could pretty much see everything. Just lean down if you really want to see when like George Washington is up there during Yorktown. Honestly the people in front of us were more of an obstruction than the mezz. To those worrying about Row W (at least from the center)---- dont get too worried. Its fine!!
(I uploaded a pic on aviewfrommyseat.com if you want to check!)
Updated On: 11/4/16 at 02:26 PM
Posted: 11/4/16 at 2:46pm
Caroline, I have tickets for Row T in May. What I am worried about is the people in front of me, which you mentioned. There is a good rake in the middle orchestra, but it levels off at the rear. On A View from My Seat there is a photo from Row T taken by someone who happened to be sitting behind a tall guy. That person's head blocks out much of the view. That's what scares me. I know you were in W, but what do you think? Thanks so much for any advice.
Updated On: 11/4/16 at 02:46 PM
Posted: 11/4/16 at 4:17pm
Hey! Honestly it really depends-- I cant give the best answer because I was in W, but I can tell you it slopes a bit more by Row T, so you might have more luck here....and levels off more at Row U,V, W. I found myself leaning on an armrest and looking to the sides of the people's heads. The actors move around during the show a lot, so I wouldnt worry. Good Luck! You will love the show regardless.
Posted: 11/4/16 at 4:39pm
Thanks a lot, Caroline! I will hope that a shorter person sits in front of me!
Posted: 11/4/16 at 7:48pm
We sat under the mezzanine in rear orchestra seats - you will certainly grasp the essence of the show, however you will miss some of the entrances from upper level of the set. At least that is what I think we missed - can't say for sure - - - because we missed it!
If I had it to do over again, would opt for balcony seats.
Posted: 11/6/16 at 12:36pm
I've done SRO twice (back of orchestra) and you miss some of the stuff happening on the second level of the stage but you see almost everything important and only miss a few things on the upper level.
