TINA / Lunt-Fontanne Seating

[ShowBro]

Posted: 9/8/21 at 7:59pm

Looking at tickets for my husband and I’s anniversary and was wondering if anyone could share some insight on the Lunt-Fontanne seating setup. We are both bigger guys (6’2+) and I absolutely hate hate sitting at the end of rows if there is no aisle on the other side as I am v claustrophobic. Does anyone know if there is a wall at the Lunt Fontanne that the orchestra seating on the extreme sides butts into, or is there another aisle? I’ve been trolling AViewFromMySeat, but have unsuccessfully found any pictures from any angle that answers this question? Do you think it is a safer bet just to go with an aisle seat in the front mezz? I really don’t wanna be in orchestra and be be sandwiched next to a wall - I will have a panic attack.

[FirstNighter2]

Posted: 9/9/21 at 12:51am

I’m confident that the orchestra has four aisles, including aisles between the extreme far/last seats and the wall.
 

This is not the case with the mezzanine, which, if I recall correctly (and a quick Google image search supports) the side sections butt up against a wall. At least, that is the case for the rear mezz. You’re better off in the orchestra and purchasing an aisle seat — it’s worth the price to get a great view and avoid a panic attack. 


Have fun! And happy anniversary!

Updated On: 9/9/21 at 12:51 AM

[saxpower]

Posted: 9/9/21 at 1:09am

Based on seating charts, the orchestra section has two aisles- between the center section and left orchestra, and between the center section and right orchestra. 

Here's a link to the seating chart:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/seatingchart/Lunt-Fontanne-Theatre

Also, I found a picture of the theatre from the stage on the website of the company that installed new seats around the time Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was playing.  It does look like the seats on the far side of the orchestra are up against the wall/doors.

https://www.irwinseating.com/case-studies/lunt-fontaine-theatre

Finally the "Inside the Theatre" gallery from pPaybill (which they posted during the pandemic) seems to match the photos on the seating company's website, so I'd think its the current seating. 

https://www.playbill.com/article/step-inside-broadways-lunt-fontanne-theatre

Hope that helps.  When are you going?  I'm seeing the show the evening of 11/6. 

 

 

 

 

 

[FirstNighter2]

Posted: 9/9/21 at 1:17am

A View From My Seat includes a pic/review of orchestra Left, Seat 13, Row H. That’s the last seat on the extreme side. The review mentions it’s an aisle seat. This means there’s an aisle between the last seat and the wall.

There’s a second pic/review of Orchestra Right, Row j, Seat 16, that mentions it is an aisle seat. This means there’s an aisle between the last seat and the wall on the other side of the theatre, as well.

In addition, the TINA FAQ page has a question about handicapped/accessible seating. The answer to this FAQ includes a link that shows many of the accessible seats are on the extreme sides. I can’t imagine, if I can be frank, theatre personnel trying to maneuver wheelchairs down an aisle full of people to put those folks against a wall.

There’s an aisle on both extreme sides, between the last seat and the wall.

Finally, a Google image search of the theatre shows that the orchestra sides have exits and emergency exits.

However, the rear mezzanine sides have just four seats but DO butt against a wall.

Updated On: 9/9/21 at 01:17 AM

[ShowBro]

Posted: 9/9/21 at 7:33am

Thank you all for your very thorough and thoughtful responses! I can now CLEARLY see there are aisles on the extreme left and right of the orchestra. I picked up tickets for Orchestra H 14 and 16 (on the aisle!)

 
@saxpower We will be going on 10/13 for our 4th wedding anniversary. @FirstNighter2 Thank you!!

 
It also dawned on me that I have lived in NYC for 17 years and have never seen anything at L-F. I guess the only time I’ve stepped inside was when I was 16 years old on a family trip to see Titanic. The interior is very interesting - does it have a tropical motif then??

Updated On: 9/9/21 at 07:33 AM

[FirstNighter2]

Posted: 9/9/21 at 9:57am

Check out the theatre’s Wiki page. Some interesting bits of info there, including how the original plan called for an optional rollback of the ceiling (!!!!) so the stars could be seen above. And a remodel in the 50s, when it went back to a legit house, which removed the theatre’s Broadway entrance AND the balcony! The rake of the L-F rear-mezz is steep, so I can’t imagine what the balcony sight lines were! I wonder if it was anything like the Palace’s balcony (holy smokes, you’re in the rafters up there, quite literally).

Thanks for asking these questions. Got me excited to read up and even see TINA again.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunt-Fontanne_Theatre

Updated On: 9/9/21 at 09:57 AM

[ShowBro]

Posted: 9/9/21 at 11:28am

Truly fascinating. Thank you for all this wonderful info!!