Hmm...I don't think I should post this b/c if less ppl do lotto in the future, more luck for me...but as a newly dubbed DRS whore, I gotta defend it..
I sat in the right box right behind the one Norbie comes into for my...5th time at the show. Got half price ticket at TKTS-was very excited, my first time ever at a box. I really enjoyed the seat, I felt...kinda special there, I dunno. I wish I could remember more. I think there may have been things here and there that I might have missed, but of course being my 5th time it didn't bother me. The only time I wouldn't completely recommmend boxes is if you're seeing the show for the first time, b/c it's a weird perspective, maybe you'd want a more center perspective. But other than that, I don't remember missing much, and as Norbert walked in he kinda gave a nod to me to say "how're you doing" right before he got into place and the lights came up, I enjoyed that. So yeah, they're really not that bad. Also there's 4 chairs in each box, but you're basically free to arrange the chairs however you want depending on who's in the box, so usually you can put it so everyone gets the best possible view.
There should be 16 seats in the boxes...4 boxes, 4 seats in each.
And lotteries solely representing goodwill is ridiculous, even in the original concept of Rent's front row tickets. I clearly remember perhaps in the Rent bible or somewhere else when describing, the rush/lotto, they said it was done for 2 major reasons...one was goodwill, so people who couldn't afford good, expensive seats had a chance to see the show in great seats cheaply, but you know the other reason kiddies, mentioned specifically for Rent? It's good for the show if there's a crowd of ppl on line(as it was in those days) to get the tickets. It makes it look like the show is selling well, is popular, and ppl seeing lotsa ppl on line to buy tickets will want to buy tickets. You can debate how much of each played a part in the concept, but I personally think the latter was more.
And personally, I think while some may justify it as goodwill, for most shows, that's the reason. Even with lottos, there's a huge group of ppl standing in front of the show...ppl pass, see clump of ppl, hmm is this show good? what are you waiting for, is this show good, etc? Now for some shows like Wicked, which constantly sellout, I suppose they really don't need the boost, but at this point they're making so much money, I don't think it's hurting them to do some goodwill, and I'm sure the hundreds of ppl who wait for lotto may help future ticket sales.
So please don't complain. Many people including myself were worried they may do away with lotto b/c it wasn't attracting as many people as the others. Personally, I prefer boxes to rear rear mezz but I love the show, I'll take whatever discounts they offer. Like was stated, the only reasons they're not over 90% now is because Lithgow's back--with full cast, I think they've been averaging 95%. That's a lot of sold seats. Just be grateful for any available cheap tickets.
Though if they really want to enhance this policy, perhaps one lucky lucky lotto winner can get a "special" seat...and instead of coming in in a box in front of the boxes ppl seat in, he will come into a box ppl seat in and sit on the lap of a lotto winner. Bet lotsa ppl would want to do lotto for that, lol!
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli