West Side Story Seating Advice- Page 2

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 2:26pm

OK. Someone has pointed out to me that D 18 in the mezzanine is available on my night and with discount code only $10 more than my G 18. For those that have been already, what would you advise?

Updated On: 12/15/19 at 02:26 PM

[Dan6]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 3:01pm

Miles2Go2 said: "This is similar to complaints about Network. Valid complaints for certain. That was my first time to see a van Hove production. I was able to see certain scenes on monitors throughout the theater so I still felt like I had a compelling experience. I’m curious. I know use of live video is common in his productions. Has he used them in every one of them and if so have they all had a lot of partial view seats as a result?"

In Network the video screens were an integral part of the storytelling and theme of the production; I rarely got the sense that they were there to show the audience what they couldn’t see on stage (with the exception of the one scene that took place out on the street). I sat in right mezz and could see almost everything, though I had a couple of “aha” moments that added to the effectiveness of the play - a play about the ubiquitous and consuming power of television - when I realized that I was watching the screens despite the live action playing out in front of me. I haven’t read anything about WSS that suggests that the extensive use of video plays a similar thematic role; rather, it seems to exist here because the show is staged in such a way that large sections of the audience can’t see the actors on stage, even in critical scenes and regardless of the price point of the seats. That is problematic to me. If anyone who has seen the production can shed light on any other purpose of the video screens, I would welcome it. 

[BdwayLife]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 3:35pm

Thanks smidge! I bought a K18 ticket earlier this weekend, and then saw your post! I chose this after seeing a picture from K18 on aviewfrommyseat.

Thanks Miles, for keeping this discussion going. I was following it closely, to help inform my ticket selection. I really debated on do I want to be closer up but further left, or back a bit further but slightly closer to the centre, as well.

You can't beat it, for $78!

Seeing it in May, and can't wait! :)
 

Updated On: 12/15/19 at 03:35 PM

[Det95]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 6:11pm

I have tickets for the end of Feb after opening. They’re Row F orch center. Seeing the pictures and reading this thread is making me nervous about the stage height. Would it be worth it to call Telecharge and see if I can move a couple rows back? Considering I payed the premium prices I would like to make sure I can see everything. Thanks!

[BdwayLife]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 6:29pm

You'll be fine in row F, orchestra center. I sat there for Cinderella, and loved the view. The stage is higher than several others; however, row F is back far enough! Check out aviewfrommyseat, someone posted a picture from row E center, and it's a perfect view.

Updated On: 12/15/19 at 06:29 PM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 10:16pm

Just bumping this to ask again for advice on moving my ticket from Orchestra G 18 to Mezzanine D 18. Would that improve my view or not?

[JPeterman]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 10:31pm

BdwayLife said: "You'll be fine in row F, orchestra center. I sat there for Cinderella, and loved the view. The stage is higher than several others; however, row F is back far enough! Check out aviewfrommyseat, someone posted a picture from row E center, and it's a perfect view."

 

The picture from row E you are referring to is from King Kong.  I assume you are aware the stage height can change dramatically in a specific theater from one show to the other. The stage height for West Side Story may be much higher than it was for recent shows at the Broadway like Cinderella, Dr. Zhivago, Fiddler, Miss Saigon and King Kong. And it also sounds like they have added some extra visual encumbrances with the set for this production.

 
There is a single photo on aviewfrommyseat for this production. We all wait with bated breath for more people to post photos from their seats!

Updated On: 12/15/19 at 10:31 PM

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 10:40pm

Dan6 said: "Miles2Go2 said: "This is similar to complaints about Network. Valid complaints for certain. That was my first time to see a van Hove production. I was able to see certain scenes on monitors throughout the theater so I still felt like I had a compelling experience. I’m curious. I know use of live video is common in his productions. Has he used them in every one of them and if so have they all had a lot of partial view seats as a result?"

In Network the video screens were an integral part of the storytelling andthemeof the production; I rarelygot the sense that they were there to show the audience what they couldn’t see on stage (with the exception of the one scene that took place out on the street). I sat in right mezz and could see almost everything, though I had a couple of “aha” moments that added to the effectiveness of the play- a play about the ubiquitous and consuming power of television - when I realized that I was watchingthe screens despite the live action playing out in front of me. I haven’t read anything about WSS that suggests that the extensive use of video plays a similar thematic role; rather, it seems to exist here because the show is staged in such a way that large sections of the audience can’t see the actors on stage,even in critical scenes and regardless of the price point of the seats. That is problematic to me. If anyone who has seen the production can shed light on any other purpose of the video screens, I would welcome it."

I'm sure they'll fix the video issues as previews go along. 

[A0326T]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 10:40pm

Has anyone sat front mezzanine? How is the view?. I be in row C aisle comes Feb. Thank you.

[BdwayLife]

Posted: 12/15/19 at 11:12pm

Thanks JPeterman, I wasn't considering different productions' modification of the stage. :)

[JPeterman]

Posted: 12/16/19 at 3:49pm

Someone added a West Side Story photo on aviewfrommyseat. It is Orch K17.

[flyingfan]

Posted: 12/17/19 at 7:38pm

I sat on center orchestra in C108 and front mezzanine, slightly to the left, in A4.

C108 - The stage, as many have mentioned, is definitely high and I couldn't see some actions very close to the ground. https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/126470/Broadway+Theatre+-+53rd+Street/section-Orchestra+Center/row-C/seat-108/

A4 - Great view and I realized how much I've missed sitting in C108. I usually prefer seats that are as close as to the stage but, for this production, I would definitely recommend front mezzanine considering the choreography and the video projections. https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/126471/Broadway+Theatre+-+53rd+Street/section-Front+Mezzanine/row-A/seat-4/

Updated On: 12/17/19 at 07:38 PM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/17/19 at 8:34pm

flyingfan said: "I sat on center orchestra inC108 and front mezzanine, slightly to the left, in A4.

C108 - The stage, as many have mentioned, is definitely high and I couldn't see some actions very close to the ground.https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/126470/Broadway+Theatre+-+53rd+Street/section-Orchestra+Center/row-C/seat-108/

A4 - Great view and I realized how much I've missed sitting in C108. I usually prefer seats that areas close as to the stage but, for this production, I would definitely recommend front mezzanine considering the choreography and the video projections.https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/126471/Broadway+Theatre+-+53rd+Street/section-Front+Mezzanine/row-A/seat-4/"

So would you recommend far left front mezzanine D18 over my current seat which is Left Orchestra G18?  

[verypersonalflair]

Posted: 12/17/19 at 9:51pm

flyingfan said: "I sat on center orchestra inC108 and front mezzanine, slightly to the left, in A4.

C108 - The stage, as many have mentioned, is definitely high and I couldn't see some actions very close to the ground.https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/126470/Broadway+Theatre+-+53rd+Street/section-Orchestra+Center/row-C/seat-108/

A4 - Great view and I realized how much I've missed sitting in C108. I usually prefer seats that areas close as to the stage but, for this production, I would definitely recommend front mezzanine considering the choreography and the video projections.https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/126471/Broadway+Theatre+-+53rd+Street/section-Front+Mezzanine/row-A/seat-4/"

Thanks so much for this info! I've gotten right front mezz seats (in row A as well). Does the show play more to the left, or do you think right would be fine as well?

Also, did you find the bar in front of the mezz to be an obstruction at all? I'm pretty short ( 5'3" ), so that sort of thing always concerns me lol.

Updated On: 12/17/19 at 09:51 PM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 12/17/19 at 10:05pm

I'd say it's better to sit far house right than far house left, mainly because of the placement of Doc's shop. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/17/19 at 10:33pm

Okay. It’s me again. Found another possible seat for my performance. Right Orchestra U 15. With discount, it would be $50 more than my current Left Orchestra G 18.

So my options are:

Left Orchestra G 18 (current seat)
Left Front Mezzanine D18 ($10 more than G 18)
Right Orchestra U 15 ($50 more than G 18)

Does one seat offer me better overall view of stage and backstage video? If so, which one?

[JPeterman]

Posted: 12/18/19 at 2:25am

Thank you very much for the photos and comments, flying fan!

Flying fan, I’m looking at either the side mez front row, row A, basically where you sat, versus the second row but in the center mez. Which would you choose? More centered in the second row or further to the side but in the front row. One problem with the A1 and A2 seats in the front row is that big golden hand rail that sticks up an extra foot between each section. That probably didn’t affect your view in A4. The seats I’m looking at in the second row wouldn’t be next to an aisle so that big rail wouldn’t be an issue.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 12:35pm

A bunch of rear mezzanine seats have popped up for my performance. I also note that my current seat (Left Orchestra G1 which I got at a full price for $79 plus fees is now $159 plus fees. That’s more than rear center orchestra or all of rear mezzanine. I’m looking on Telechargeoffers.com.



I’m thinking I should stay put, but was wondering if anyone happens to attend WSS before January 6th if they get there early if they’d be willing to checkout the view and maybe even snap a pic then report back.

Updated On: 12/28/19 at 12:35 PM

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 1:08pm

Miles2Go2 said: "A bunch of rear mezzanine seats have popped up for my performance. I also note that my current seat (Left Orchestra G1 which I got at a full pricefor $79 plus fees is now $159 plus fees. That’s more than rear center orchestra or all of rear mezzanine. I’m looking onTelechargeoffers.com.



I’m thinking I should stay put, but was wondering if anyone happens to attend WSS before January 6th if they get there early if they’d be willing to checkout the view and maybe even snap a pic then report back."

Knowing that the seat you purchased is now double the price, would be all the incentive I needed to keep that seat.  It has to be a pretty good seat if it is priced that high.  If and this is a big if, there were some obstruction and you really loved the show, you could always see it again in the future with where you now know the viewpoints.  Your current ticket priced at $79 seemed to be hitting the jackpot.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 1:25pm

True, but I don’t live in NYC and my chances of seeing it again are minimal because there is so much that’s opening that I want to see after this trip.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 3:46pm

Telecharge offers released more discounted seats for West Side Story this afternoon if anyone’s interested. Just go to the website and click on West Side Story and it’ll take you to the discount page and then eventually to the seat map.

I was able to move from far left orchestra G18 row ($79 + fees) to Row E1 (($129 + fees). What’s weird is my original ticket would now be $129 or so, but seat even more far left (end of row) would be $159. Makes no sense. I’ve now seen pictures from near my original seat and also of the stage with projections and there’s no way that I wouldn’t have missed a good chunk of the projections since it takes up the whole backstage. D1 was also available (as were D3, D5, D7 and E3, E5, E7), but I think E1 will offer best vantage point of all those seats, plus it’s an aisle seat so my knees will be happy. I don’t even think these seats were there before and if they were, they would’ve been $229 at least or more if they were premium priced.

They also now have some discounted seats in back of front mezzanine for $89 + fees.

Update: I had to purchase E1 and give him the order number then he processed refund for G18. 

Updated On: 12/28/19 at 03:46 PM

[inception]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 3:56pm

Further back is better than close, as the dances fill the stage.
I'm in the theatre now, and checked that seat. It is too far to the side. You made a good choice.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 4:01pm

inception said: "Further back is better than close, as the dances fill the stage.
I'm in the theatre now, and checked that seat. It is too far to the side. You made a good choice."

Thank you, Thank you. Thank you. Hopefully E1 won’t be too close. The seats right behind it jumped back to regularly priced $229. I am tall so that helps. 

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 4:26pm

Please report back on your experience - I'm D110 in the orchestra and am scared about the height of the stage impacting my enjoyment

[inception]

Posted: 12/28/19 at 7:42pm

I didn't look at how closer than the row G side seat was. WhennI hought in the summer, I went with row Q which was the same as the closer rows at that time. Don't be afraid of further back in the orchestra, you get a complete view of the dances and the filmed elements on the screen still let you see the acting up close.
I think this will soon be a difficult ticket to get.
Also don't be concerned about who plays Tony - there are other characters who are in more scenes. There are other cast members who are going to be VERY big stars soon. Also, anyone of them could have a similar accident & be out. This is incredible, athletic & complicated choreography.
I'm sorry for the Caroline lovers, but I don't see anything else winning best revival Tony.