Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??

For years, something has mystified me about those on this and other boards.

Who are those of you who see shows multiple times (three, four, five, more) and how in the world do you afford it? Are you getting comps, or doing rushes, or what? I keep seeing posts that say "Saw this show again last night and it was great!" or "Saw that show for the sixth time and it was awesome." I mean, I don't make bad money, but I can't afford to live in NYC and see any show twelve thousand times. I can barely afford to see some shows once, especially at today's ticket prices. I am not passing judgment, but I am just very curious about this. Are there just a bunch of independently wealthy people on here, or are you all getting industry comps, or what? Dying to learn about this.

I know a lot of people on this board do the student rush or lottery tickets--I'm too old for the student rush, but I think you can get tickets for around $20-$25 that way, depending on the show.

I almost never pay full price for a ticket. I usually either look for discount codes via Broadwaybox.com or Playbill.com, or I go to the TKTS booth. Tickets bought this way still aren't cheap--I'd say they average about $60 each--but it's a little better than full-price.

I think if seeing shows is really important to you, you make room in your budget for it as best you can. I'm willing to scrimp on other things (eating out, Starbucks, clothes, etc.) because seeing Broadway shows is one of the things that gives me the most pleasure in life. Other people (like my husband) don't really understand this. If they see a show once a year, or even less often, they're fine with that (that's why I'm glad my 15-year-old son loves theater and is happy to go along with me!)

Of course, if you're on a really tight budget, and already have almost no discretionary income, then yes, even a $20 or $25 ticket is going to be difficult. I'm just saying that I don't think most people on this board are seeing shows multiple times at $100 a pop.

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Just Google up Broadway Ticket Discounts. Ask at the front desk of the hotel where you are staying many have discounts.
You could always try the TKTS booth (cash only)
SRO for some shows.
There are lots of ways to see many shows and not break the bank!

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Well, a good number of the "repeat offenders" probably aren't living on their own...

I know I'm not.

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True gym, but I see where some people have seen a show anywhere from 2 to 6 times just during preview periods or within 3 or 4 months of its opening.

I rarely see shows more than once with the exception of a few or if the tour comes to Denver and I see it with a group or with friends after I have seen it in NYC.

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I used to pay full price to see shows (especially les mis- i refused to sit anywhere but first or 2nd row because i'd spoil myself) and to do so , as karen24 said, i'd give up other activities that cost money. Once the woes of being a college student finally hit me, I began student rushing and doing standing room for some shows and I was so happy to do so because it saved me A LOT of money each week.

Haha, the first few times I student rushed Les Mis I'd sit wherever the student seat was and then for the second act I would move up to my usual front row seat (it was always empty!)so that was pretty cool.

I joined TDF over the summer, I have yet to use it though but I'm a frequent user of the broadwaybox.com discount codes

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Updated On: 1/10/08 at 01:05 PM

Insider, you are right. There are some here who have seen Mermaid 5 times ALREADY.

But HEY. If they got the money. Then why the hell not? I wish I could see a show 5x in previews, but I can't.

But HEY. If they got the money. Then why the hell not? I wish I could see a show 5x in previews, but I can't.

Just send one of your other personalities, ljay.

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Updated On: 1/10/08 at 01:21 PM

Walt, you've been in such a mood lately, why all the lashing out? You're either predicting Blonde's early demise, yet again or jumping down someone's throat and Kelly basically admitted that she can afford to go because she still lives at home, at least that's what I got out of it.

I've seen "Wicked" four times . . . three on Broadway and once on the West End. Paid full-price each and every time; BUT, sometimes a visiting friend or relative bought the tickets for both of us (twice) based on my insistence we they see it!

The other way, so far; I played 'lottery' twice for "Drowsy Chaperone" [different months] and won both times! I have yet to play the Broadway lottery any other show. My record of two for two tells me I'll win! Woo Hoo! Also saw "Drowsy Chaperone" a third time, in between the two lottery wins . . . a friend paid for it.

I've seen "Rent" three, or is it four (?) times now . . . one time it was via TKTS and paid full price the other times. Again, a few months apart. Have to earn up enough to see them.

Other shows, to date, I've seen one time each.

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Updated On: 1/10/08 at 01:51 PM

charge it... baby !

I usually pay full price each time I see a show (though don't always get the best seats). I work hard so I think I deserve to enjoy the things I like.