Seating Question about Phantom and Mamma Mia!

[BWAY_Rob]

Posted: 10/10/13 at 11:30pm

I am taking a quick trip to NYC next weekend. Unfortunately, there are not many new shows I am interested in seeing. I am definitely going to see The Glass Menagerie. I thought I might check out a couple of long running shows that I have never seen before, Phantom and Mamma Mia!

For both shows, there are good seats available on the nights I am there. How high is the stage for these shows? Is front row too close? I prefer to sit in the first few rows, as long as I can see the whole stage. Just looking for some advice before I purchase any tickets.

Thanks!

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 10/10/13 at 11:55pm

I've sat in the front row for Phantom a couple times, and while it was great to see the actor's faces close up, it is best to sit further back to enjoy what's going on over the whole stage. I would suggest sitting between Row G and Row L (but not too far to the side) in the orchestra or the first few rows of the front mezz.
Oh and beware, this board is going to eat you alive for choosing to see long-runners over whatever the new shows happen to be.

[BWAY_Rob]

Posted: 10/11/13 at 7:30am

I was there in May and saw several of the newer shows (Pippin, Kinky Boots). I just have no interest in seeing First Date. I am a little curious about Big Fish, but the feedback on this board and the reviews have made me reconsider. The same with The Snow Geese. I would love to see Betrayal, but no tickets are available.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/11/13 at 9:03am

I have sat in many locations to view Phantom including the first row on more than one occasion. If you have the chance to see Phantom from the first row I would recommend it. You are under the falling chandelier, special effects are right there in your face, no heads in front of you, great location for facial expressions...you are immersed. Yes there is also a benefit to sitting further back but you can do that with the wonderfully recorded DVD production available. I'd grab those front row Phantom if they are still available.

[jaxandmci]

Posted: 10/11/13 at 10:10am

I agree with Brian! I sat front row both for both Phantom and Mamma Mia this summer (I had run out of things to see and had never seen these two on Broadway). The Majestic stage is quite low considering the compelxity of the production and you will be able to appreciate all the intricate details of the costumes, sets, and make-up. Plus, you'll have all the annoyances of badly behaved theatergoers behind you so they'll be less apt to ruin your experience. You also have the large pit right in front of you so you can keep an eye on the wonderful orchestra.

The Winter Garden stage is low as well so I would definitely go front row there. In fact, the only BW shows I would avoid front row for would be Pippin, Annie, Motown and Kinky Boots. Very high stages. Can't speak for Jersey Boys.

And to BWAY_Rob, who is lamenting the fact that there are no tickets for Betrayal available: You should be thankful.