What shows are on Play-By-Play?

I've been looking into papering websites recently, with curiosity stirred by the recent numbers (and number of free tickets being given away) at Paradise Square.

I found this website and service Play by Play: https://www.play-by-play.com/pricing

For anyone who's a member or knows one: is it worth the cost? What are the selections like? What are the current Broadway shows being offered? Thanks for your advice!

One of the top rules of papering services is that members are NOT to disclose what shows are listed there and may NOT flout that they got comps from a papering service when at the theater. So I doubt you'll find folks here that will give you a list of what's on there right now.

Here are some general rules of thumb: These services have a mix of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Dance. Some will also list Off-Off-Broadway shows. Broadway productions are of course the most sought after and appear the least. If they do show up, the tickets usually go quickly. Also, shows are more likely to paper during previews (to help build word of mouth and to make the house full for press performances or other invited guests). Many Broadway shows will not paper after the preview period unless they are in dire financial straights or they have an random weekday performance that just isn't selling for some reason.

If you ask for which papering service is "the best" you will get different answers from everyone. But the "Big 4" which most box offices will use if they need to paper are Play by Play, Theater Extras, Theatermania Gold Club, and Will Call Club.

And lastly: you DONT get to select your seats. I can't tell you how many people from papering lists have acted SO entitled at my box office window demanding a different seat from what I've given them. Even demanding specific locations. You are getting a free ticket. You are there to dress the house. You get what you get. Period.

All of these services are a shadow of what they used to be. If you love all kinds of theater, are a risk taker, and have all the time to experiment and see ANYTHING, go for it. "Off-Off-Broadway" can now refer to central New Jersey, Long Island, or even the outer boroughs.

Updated On: 4/13/22 at 05:03 PM

does anyone know from current experience how gold club compares to theater extras?? have seen a ton of great stuff with gold club in the last year but was wondering if anyone has noticed if theater extras has some other variety that might be worth it?