Which Papering Svc?

[jarretSF]

Posted: 1/29/09 at 6:21pm

So I arrive in New York this weekend, just finished packing up in San Francisco. I was wondering if anyone here had opinions on papering services, which are the best, etc. I know you aren't supposed to say what shows are on what service, but maybe you can give me an idea of what service gets more broadway shows? Thanks in advance for any input.

[Someday]

Posted: 1/29/09 at 8:15pm

I moved here three years ago, and here are my experiences with the papering services. So far, I've tried two.

I started out with TheaterMania's Gold Club for a year. That was a pretty good service. Broadway shows were occasional, though usually flops. (Still, I wouldn't trade the chance to have seen the hilariously bad In My Life for anything. Lol.) And I saw several very good Off-Broadway shows through their service.

Now, I'm a member of TheaterExtras. I've been less thrilled with it. It's possible my tastes have just changed, but it seems like their offerings are just not as interesting as the Gold Club's. And they "sell out" very quickly. I don't think they have a huge membership, so I believe they just don't get many tickets to most events. That said, their customer service is helpful.

I have not tried Play by Play, one of the other major services, though I hear they have the best offerings—and the largest membership, which results in a rush to get any tickets. I may try them next year nonetheless.

Curious to hear what you decide....

[jarretSF]

Posted: 1/29/09 at 9:28pm

I have been torn between theatremania and play by play. Thanks for your input! It really helps!

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 1/30/09 at 12:05am

If you think Theater Extras runs out fast, don't bother with PBP. Most decent stuff is gone within 10 minutes from there. I'll refresh the site and log in 10 minutes later, and a Broadway show will be posted AND sold out. And it's not like they only have 4 tickets, either.

[WestVillage]

Posted: 1/30/09 at 1:27pm

10 minutes? More like 10 seconds. Broadway shows go off PBP within a minute or two of them being posted.

[Calvin]

Posted: 1/30/09 at 2:44pm

True. Most papering services aren't worth it if you don't have Internet access constantly during business hours.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/30/09 at 3:08pm

My experience right now with PBP: I went to the bathroom and in the 3 minutes that it took for me to walk to the bathroom and back, a Broadway show was up and sold out.

I also find their staff to be rude and often unhelpful.
Updated On: 1/30/09 at 03:08 PM

[dramadude]

Posted: 4/22/10 at 2:14pm

Does anyone know how strictly enforced the dress code is for theaterextras?

[EugLoven]

Posted: 4/22/10 at 2:27pm

I have been a member of PBP and GoldClub for over 2yrs and honestly love both.

Shows selling-out quickly and strict rules come with the territory. Remember, you're getting FREE tickets. You don't have room to be picky, considering how awesome the seats/view, how often and fresh some of the selections are, and the fact that people sitting next to you paid $125 for what you got for $4.