Visiting NYC - Broadway questions

[AndyK]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:18pm

Hello,

I'll be passing through NY later this year and have some basic questions. As of right now, I plan on seeing Spring Awakening, but that could change.

1) Is Telecharge the best place to purchase tickets in advance? Meaning are their different prices depending on who you go through.

2) Is there such a thing as being too close to the stage? (For Mary Poppins or Spring Awakening) The tickets I'm looking at are 2nd-4th row center.

3) Is there a dress code? I visited the Eugene O'Neill Theatre website and the FAQs section was not working.

and YES - I tried using the search function:

"Eugene O'Neill Theatre dress code" = no responses

"Premium seats Spring Awakening" = no responses

"Premium tickets Spring Awakening" = no responses

"sitting too close Mary Poppins" = no responses

"sitting too close Spring Awakening" = no responses

"where can I buy online tickets" = no responses

Thank you

[benvilm]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:29pm

I'm not much for etiquette questions,

but I'd suggest www.tixthis.com for tickets. I've gotten theatre tickets to several sold out shows there.

Good luck

Wicked is my fav.

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:30pm

1) For discounts, try broadwaybox.com, where you will find discount codes for many shows. Those discount codes can be used at the box office, telecharge, or ticketmaster.

2) Depending on the show, you can often appreicate the effect of production numbers and set designs if you are away from the stage. Plus, some stages are very high, so seeing from the first couple of rows may be difficult if you're short.

3) No dress code, but I would recommend nothing sloppy (old jeans, t-shirts, etc.).

[Justin D]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:30pm

1. Telecharge (or ticketmaster depending on the show) is usually the most reliable online ticket broker, but i have heard of others mentioned on this site. However I have foind in the past i only seem to get seats off to the sides when i book online.

2. Being too close is all a matter of preference. Some like to be up close to see facial expressions, but you usually can't take in all the set in a decent perspective. But from what i understand, Spring Awakening doesnt really have a set so sitting close for that should be OK. Poppins however has a massive set so i would probably sit a few rows back.

3. Just dress nice, I would not reccoment shorts (even at a matanee) but suit and tie are also overated, and too formal may make you feel overdressed. Usually i just wear jeans or a nice pair of slacks and a good shirt. Just once youre not too casual "off the street / mad tourist" looking.

[Steve2]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:55pm

Justin D's comments are perfect.

I might add that Ticketmaster is the worst site for finding good seats. I recommend having several browers open.
For example, if it gives you seats on the aisle however the second window search might find seats closer to the center.

[Stewpot]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:01pm

My guess is 4th row would be better ... Jonathan Groff tends to spray a little when he belts (but damn is he good).

[jewelchk]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:02pm

I'm with Justin D on the seats. I've seen both Spring Awakening and Mary Poppins-- Spring Awakening is driven by the ensemble not the set or effects, so sitting closer to the stage (or on it!) is fine. I saw it from the audience and on the stage, and I thought the closer you were and the more intimate it seemed, the more enjoyable it was. I've read plenty of people rave about the mezz seats for it too, though. Mary Poppins is one of the few shows that I would absolutely recommend sitting further back. The set is massive and I think some of the effects are better appreciated with a full view of the stage and space above. I sat way in the back for that one (yay cheap seats), and it was totally fine.

[AndyK]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 6:07pm

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Perhaps I'll forgo the premium seats and see both shows in one day. I'm sure I'll change my mind many times by then.

benvilm - Many people seem to really enjoy Wicked, but I just can't get into. At least from what I've seen online.

Off Topic (a little) - Who is Lea Michele's understudy?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 6:10pm

Understudies are listed on the bottom: http://www.ibdb.com/production.asp?ID=448811

[AndyK]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 7:10pm

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[srgr8]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 7:18pm

just some more feedback...

i too have had problems with ticketmaster online. I received much better seats (and more selections than online) by calling ticketmaster. Have a great trip!