Philly academy of music seating

[Notreallysilent 2]

Posted: 9/23/17 at 2:15pm

Im going to see les mis when it gets to philly in January and it's playing at the academy of music. I'm just wondering how the views from the $55 partial view seats are? Specifically the ones in the orchestra. Are the poles too much of a destraction? (I've looked at a view from my seat but only the balcony ones are shown, and I'd be curious to hear just how bad or good it is by someone who sat there).

Updated On: 9/23/17 at 02:15 PM

[mozgrrl]

Posted: 9/26/17 at 10:38am

Hi, I sat in the orchestra about 10 rows back all the way to the right for WICKED and it was fine, no obstruction. I wouldn't worry about obstructing views at the Academy. I think for some technical reason they have to say "limited view" if there's something that could obstruct, but I wouldn't worry about it. Great theater to see a show. Hope this helps!

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 9/26/17 at 10:43am

I sat in the Orchestra (Parquet, I guess. But it’s Orchestra.) limited view the first time I saw this Les Mia tour in 2011 and it was mostly good, but there was one glaring pole that was a little annoying, but you just kind of learned to look around it. 

 

If if you can get them, the Academy used to sell the front few rows, extreme sides (somewhat obstructed view) for pretty cheap and it was great the second time the tour came through in 2013. Not sure if they still sell them at that price, double check up there.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 9/26/17 at 11:49am

The Academy of Music, while absolutely beautiful, is a not a great venue for Broadway shows. It's simply too large. 

The limited view/comfort/pole seats are a crap shoot; I've had good and awful experiences with them, it really depends on each individual seat. The amphitheater section of seating might as well be on the rooftop of the building across the street. The seats on the extreme sides will give you a great view of the people on the opposite side of the theatre in the same seats. Your best bet is to get as center as possible as the theatre is shaped like a horseshoe. The center of the orchestra, balcony and family circle (though a tad far away) offer the best views. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/26/17 at 12:01pm

I grew up going there for the symphony, opera and a few concerts. I just never felt it to be a good venue for a Broadway show. And those poles..ugh! I agree with Quibbler.

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 9/29/17 at 5:28pm

I’ve sat in Parq Circle (the level you’d call orchestra seats) section F row V seats 13 and 15 for a few shows at the academy. They’re considered obstructed view-column seats. As long as you’re ok with moving your head a inch or two to look around the pole they’re great seats at a much lower cost. 

I’ve sat in those seats for Priscilla, Kinky, Wicked and something else I forget. 

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 9/29/17 at 6:27pm

There are some definite hidden gem limited view seats that I've found in my time going to the Academy that I really like. I also find that when it comes to the obstructed view seats the further you are away from the obstruction, the less obstructed it feels. For example, if the obstruction is all the way in Row B, and there's seats in say Row H - it puts you at a distance between you and the obstruction and doesn't make it too bad. 

If you're looking for some good limited view - I'd say Parquet Circle | Section E | Row V | Seat 103 and the side of the Parquet Circle | Section I | Row U | Seats 59 and 57 or the row behind it. I've sat in these for a few different things and really like it. I'd also recommend the limited view from the Balcony Lodge as well - it's elevated and you don't really miss too much either. 

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 9/29/17 at 9:36pm

If you don’t like heights stay away from the very top level. Also the limited view seats on the top level are truely awful. 

 

https://www.kimmelcenter.org/events-and-tickets/ticket-deals/community-rush/

also the kimmel is great saying what shows have rush the week of.