Paying to See Shows

[Bobby457]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 12:49pm

Was just wondering how some of you who have seen some of the shows upwards of 10 times can afford it all the time!?

How can you see a show more than a couple of times. Its crazy!

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 12:50pm

in general, i blackmail producers.

[basketcase]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 12:54pm

The only show I've seen upwards of 10 times is Rent, and I only ever see it via $20 rush (lottery or line) tickets. I've paid full price once or twice, usually on someone elses dime though.

[Bobby457]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 12:58pm

When I did Forever Plaid....there were a couple of people that saw the show over 50 times....all I can say is....get a life! YIKES! I do appreciate it, but man...there is more to life than theatre.

[brdwaybaby17]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:06pm

WHAT!?!?! lol

[Plum]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:10pm

If I were a rich man...er, girl...

[PennyLou]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:11pm

I work like a dog, I'm pretty sure my boss thinks of me as his slave worker so once a month or so I'll treat my self to rush tickets, that way I can at least get one day off here and there and I enjoy it to the fullest!

[JakeB]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:17pm

70% of the shows I see are free. That's how I see so much :)

[cabarethed]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:21pm

I work my ass off and take care of my mother. Theatre's my escape, and if I want to get discounted tix to see something more than once, five, or 20 times, I will!!

[Bobby457]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:24pm

No need to get your knickers in a knot. Was just curious how people afford to do it so much. Unless they have friends in high places and such.

[BroadwayDreams2]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:31pm

JakeB, how do you manage 70% of the shows free?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:39pm

I've stoood through more performances of TWHM than I've sat through. During the show's original run, standing room tickets were $5-7. Nowadays SO tickets are about $20.

Also, if one was brave enough to climb the fire escape of the St. James Theater, one could easily get access to empty seats in nose-bleed territory for free. (The door at the top of the sire escape was never locked!)

[BroadwayDreams2]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:44pm

Whats playing there right now? how much trouble would you get in if caught?

[JakeB]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:44pm

Mainly through theatre review work I do, and even if I'm not reviewing I get the tickets just as a general thing. Throw in friends, etc, and I'm there.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 1:51pm

I subscribe to several theatres -- The Public, NY Theatre Workshop, the Vineyard, Lincoln Center, Playwrights, MTC -- so the average cost per ticket to me for anything playing at one of them is around $30. Discounts are plentiful for nearly every other show, especially during previews, which means you can see most Broadway stuff for $45 - 55, and most off-Broadway stuff for $25 - 40. I also have friends who work for certain producers and theatres who get me comps from time to time. I almost NEVER pay full price for anything, which is how I can see 70 - 80 shows every year (and I rarely see anything more than once).

[perfectliar]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 2:01pm

BroadwayDreams2: The Producers is currently at the St. James Theatre.

[Bobby457]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 2:01pm

yeah I would be interested in knowin too!

[J.]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 2:20pm

Some people have that much money. Imagine that!

[Bobby457]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 2:47pm

Then they should be producin the damn things!

[sean martin]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 4:32pm

For me, it's usually connections and timing that gets me the occasional free ticket when I come to NY on business. I know people who work not only in entertainment but also in advertising and PR, and there's lots of stuff floating around.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 4:34pm

well, send some my way

[Jersey_Girl]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 4:42pm

I also have seen many shows more times than I should admit to: it is, as Cabarethed stated, my escape. I have no other 'vices' so if I spend $50 or so a week on a ticket it's no different than someone else going to an expensive restaurant for what they consider a good meal. Food is not important to me, theatre is. Everyone has their passion but, unfortunately, no everyone has connections for freebies. I too look for discounts and belong to a couple of organizations. Unfortunately, I have been unlucky in rushing and am limited to what I can rush as I have not been a student for many years.

Don't think those of us who have a passion for theatre need to 'get a life'. Usually, those of us who view theatre as an escape have very full lives - probably too full of responsibilities and committments. Speaking for myself, this is the one thing that I do for my own selfish enjoyment.

[WiCkEd4LyFfE]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 5:00pm

Yeah 100 dollars can be a lot for a show. It's expensive habit as my mom put it. Its a great way to spend your time but sometimes it is ridiculous!

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 5:07pm

Since my broadway habit has increased a TON I've had to sign up for discounts and if I can't find any discounts i have to settle for mezzanine seats. I've come to realize it doesn't matter where you sit as long as you see the show. Of course in college I'll be a fan of student rush lol.

[robbiej]

Posted: 7/15/04 at 5:19pm

May I make a suggestion?

Although I don't see anything truly wrong w/ seeing one show multiple times, why not share the wealth?

There are many other theatres in NYC outside the Broadway houses. And usually, they are a lot less money. If you truly are a theatre supporter, then you should consider spending some time in the off-off Broadway world. The production values are never particularly high, but then again, neither are the tickets! And you run the chance of seeing some wonderful things. Think if you got to see the original URINETOWN, before anyone knew what it was.

Or perhaps the recent, award-winning revival of THE BEGGARS' OPERA.

There is some terrific talent in this city, and a lot of it has not been discovered yet.