Walter Kerr Balcony?

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 8:42am

Are the sightlines as bad from here as they look? The tickets are very affordable for Hadestown here but Im not sure if I should just spend a little extra for rear mezz, since the sightlines are so good there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 9:21am

I sat either in the balcony or rear mezz for Gentleman's Guide.  I have tried to forget the experience.  I don't remember much about the sightlines, but the legroom was one of the worst experiences I have ever had.  I think worse than Studio 54.  At intermission, I gave the house manager the option of moving me or giving me my money back.  I was moved to the orchestra which was 1000% better.  So if you are tall or even average height, I would worry more about your leg comfort.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 9:55am

Isnt the Walter Kerr balcony notable for having the spotlight being a distraction?

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 10:25am

If the legroom is 1000% better in the orchestra than the balcony at the Walter Kerr, yikes! Thanks for the heads up! My friend and I saw Gentlemans Guide a few years ago and I remember our seats in the orchestra being the most uncomfortable Ive ever experienced. Now, granted Im 63, so most theaters are a tight squeeze for me, but Ill be sure to stay out of the balcony of the WK if theyre that much worse than the orchestra. I want to see Hadestown so this is helpful information! Ill have to stick to orchestra seats.

[Christoph]

Posted: 12/28/18 at 1:13pm

I agree with ArtMan.  I do not recall a sight problem when I saw A Little Night Music up there, but the seats were pure torture and I was not even a hefty person at the time.  It felt like the seat in front of me was slammed straight into my knees causing me pain and the armrests were digging into my sides.  I heard a lot of grumbling from all around me about the seats being excruciatingly close and tight.  Also, the temperature of the theater at the time was fifth level of inferno.  Sat in the orchestra for Gentleman's Guide and that was a massive improvement.

Updated On: 12/28/18 at 01:13 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/28/18 at 2:29pm

I saw DOUBT from ted balcony and thank goodness it was only 90 minutes. My legs were killing me. Saw HOuSE OF BLUE LEAVES in tbe Orchestra and it was much more comfortable.

I would say if you are 5'9" or above, the balcony will be uncomfotable.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/28/18 at 3:17pm

I saw Grey Gardens once from the balcony as it was only $25. Never again. I remember the angle being such that I felt nauseous and it gave me vertigo. As someone else said, it was hotter than hell too.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 12/28/18 at 4:16pm

I've seen 2 shows from up there and I have no memories of what happened because I felt so removed from what was going on onstage. Never again.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 12/28/18 at 8:12pm

Wear a parachute if you're sitting up there, because with even the slightest stumble (which is likely once you get out of your seat and have no feeling in your legs) you're going over the edge.

Seriously, the pitch on the stairs/seating rake is insane and I will NEVER recommend anyone sit up there if you have even the slightest, tiniest fear of heights.

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 12/28/18 at 8:39pm

Yes, these seats are to be avoided. Ive never sat there so I dont know about leg room, but just wandering up there during an intermission and looking down nearly made me faint from vertigo.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 12/28/18 at 9:08pm

Stay away from the balcony go for mezzanine as the incline is so steep and vertigo will probably occur for many

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 12/29/18 at 2:03pm

Here is the thing. If you REALLY want to see the show and those are the only seats available, sure.. get a balcony seat and make due. 

THAT SAID, no snark included, the balcony at the Kerr should be an absolute last resort. It was not designed to be audience seating. It is a lighting catwalk where they decided to cram in risers and seats to squeeze more people into the house. It is legitimately in the ceiling. It was never designed for audience members to see a show.

[Wick3]

Posted: 12/31/18 at 9:16am

Does Walter Kerr have standing room space? I have a feeling that's the only affordable way for me to watch this without getting balcony seats.