Seating Advice for Gentleman's Guide

[rlb237]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 9:38am

I'm looking at tickets in the orchestra, but I'm wondering if it would be better to be in the closer front rows but off to right or left orchestra (like Rows F or G a couple of seats off the aisle), or further back but center like Row M. Can anyone who's seen this show or been to this theater before offer some tips? I've never seen a show at the Walter Kerr before. Many thanks!

Updated On: 5/20/14 at 09:38 AM

[theaterdrew]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 10:43am

I saw it from approximately center row M and had absolutely no problem seeing facial expressions, etc. If seeing it again, I would opt for any center orchestra over a side view, due to some of the staging being on either side of a vestibule in the center of the stage.

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 10:43am

I saw it last week on a discounted "partial view" ticket from Tkts. I was on row G and 2 from the audience left aisle, and I didn't feel like I missed a thing. Both seats you listed would offer great, close views. The facial expressions are important in a show as stylized as thi, but row M is hardly far away, and a center seat would offer a better view of the deep sides of the stage within a stage.

[Wickedmonkey332]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 10:51am

Sit center- it would be hard to see a few scenes from either side of the house.

[rlb237]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 11:29am

"If seeing it again, I would opt for any center orchestra over a side view, due to some of the staging being on either side of a vestibule in the center of the stage."

Even close to the aisle? I always prefer to avoid extreme side seats for any show/theater, but I thought left might have been okay since the available seats aren't too far off from the aisle.

But it sounds like center is the overall consensus thus far. Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it.

Updated On: 5/20/14 at 11:29 AM

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 12:05pm

I'd go for center because of that one song where Bryce sings between 2 doors. He's center stage, but I'd figure you wouldn't see one of the two other people during that song very easily if you were on a side.

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 2:33pm

I was thrilled to get a decent view from my seat, especially because it was discounted, but if you are a buying a full-price ticket ahead of time, I would absolutely choose to sit in the center. The set is really beautiful and, in some scenes, the source of a lot of humor. An unobstructed view of it is well worth the investment.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 3:02pm

Center is always preferred, really. The Kerr is tiny, so even rear orchestra offers an excelent view.
The show is also PERFECTLY staged. The first time I saw the show, I sat near to the front, 3rd seat off of the aisle in the side orchestra. "I've Decided to Marry You" was not obstructed in the least. Worsham and O'Hare were perfectly visible on either side of the stage, as was Pinkham between the doors. The one "obstructed" moment was the painting closest to me during "I Don't Understand the Poor", but since it is uniform across the stage, i didn't REALLY miss something.
The only "avoidable" location is the balcony, where rear wall of the stage / projections are obstructed and you may see one or two things happening behind smaller set pieces that offer a biew of the technical and not the illusion.

Updated On: 5/20/14 at 03:02 PM

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 3:23pm

Just to vouch for the side seating, I was all the way on the end of row G or thereabouts when I saw it and the only thing I had trouble with was a couple of scenes on stage left where they were on the far side of the desk. "I've Decided to Marry You" was perfectly visible from the side where I was, so I'm sure if you were closer to the center aisle it really wouldn't be an issue at all.

[madbrian]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 4:41pm

I sat in the boxes, house right. I only missed when Monty was at his desk.

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 7:39pm

Unless you bring an umbrella, avoid the front row, and maybe even the second row. The two male leads are currently the biggest spitters on Broadway and you WILL be taking a saliva shower. They should call it a splash zone.

[HenryTDobson]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 7:54pm

^I was in the box seats this weekend and noticed this too! So much saliva!

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 8:22pm

I was actually warned by ushers that if you sit in the first two rows that you may get wet. Spittle was a flying...

[ak72090]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 8:24pm

Actually, from a few opinions ive heard on here...balc isnt too bad. At least I hope not. Had a few nice people send me pics from the balcony and it looked good. At least ill tell myself that so that I dont ruin my excitement for the show next week :)

[rlb237]

Posted: 5/21/14 at 1:16pm

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your advice and insights regarding your experiences with where you sat when you saw this.

And Matt, haha! I saw the performance of "I Don't Understand the Poor" on the Tonight Show, and definitely noticed the spit. I thought immediately, "don't sit close." Haha! That is absolutely hilarious that the ushers warn people about it.

Some people I know love to experience the spit when they see a show though. All kinds love Broadway lol.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/25/14 at 6:33am

Caught this Sat (matinee) with tix from Today Tix. Was in the 4th row of the mezz, side out 7 seats from the far end. Could see beautifully.


Really adored the show, too!

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 5/25/14 at 7:59am

So where's the best place to get mostly Bryce's spit? I'm planning to bottle and sell it.