STARRS (and other informed Fodorites) HELP with Wicked Seats Quickly Please
Aug 31st, 2010, 10:07 PM
#1
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STARRS (and other informed Fodorites) HELP with Wicked Seats Quickly Please
I am now trying to book our seats for Wicked for sometime at the end of this month. It seems the best seats I am hitting are these that say :
FMEZZ Row D, Seat 5
LOGE Row AA
Overhangs Orchestra Row J
Now, I am unfamiliar with the Gershwin theater and am wondering whether this would mean that our seats are up and as close to the stage as would be Row J in the Orchestra? If so, that would mean really great seats?
I want to book really quickly before they also disappear so REALLY appreciate any insight quickly.
Many thanks in advance !!!
FMEZZ Row D, Seat 5
LOGE Row AA
Overhangs Orchestra Row J
Now, I am unfamiliar with the Gershwin theater and am wondering whether this would mean that our seats are up and as close to the stage as would be Row J in the Orchestra? If so, that would mean really great seats?
I want to book really quickly before they also disappear so REALLY appreciate any insight quickly.
Many thanks in advance !!!
Sep 1st, 2010, 12:24 AM
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I know that the seating chart for the Gershwin on Playbill.com isn't very good, but here is a much better one:
http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/c...b/plan_ger.htm
As you can see, "loge" or front mezzanine AA are at the sides, more like box seats. And Row D seat 5, front mezzanine is sort of the same thing -- I'd probably opt for the AA before the D -- but I'm not understanding if the proposed seats are together or just individual ones?
With Wicked you sort of take what you can get, and to be honest, I don't think I've ever sat anywhere in the Gerswin except the orchestra, so I'm not much help. But they don't sound that bad to me.
http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/c...b/plan_ger.htm
As you can see, "loge" or front mezzanine AA are at the sides, more like box seats. And Row D seat 5, front mezzanine is sort of the same thing -- I'd probably opt for the AA before the D -- but I'm not understanding if the proposed seats are together or just individual ones?
With Wicked you sort of take what you can get, and to be honest, I don't think I've ever sat anywhere in the Gerswin except the orchestra, so I'm not much help. But they don't sound that bad to me.
Sep 1st, 2010, 12:47 AM
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Thanks Neo for the quick reply.
Do I understand that "loge" and "mezzanine" are one and the same? You say you would opt for AA seats before D. However, what I wrote in my original post is what comes up when I point to that seat- ALL of what I wrote. Not that these are two different seats. Am I making myself clear? So it is not a choice between seats, it is all ONE seat. And I am asking whether seating there will mean "as if" I am in orchestra seating Row J just from above?
Do I understand that "loge" and "mezzanine" are one and the same? You say you would opt for AA seats before D. However, what I wrote in my original post is what comes up when I point to that seat- ALL of what I wrote. Not that these are two different seats. Am I making myself clear? So it is not a choice between seats, it is all ONE seat. And I am asking whether seating there will mean "as if" I am in orchestra seating Row J just from above?
Sep 1st, 2010, 01:22 AM
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Well, yes, I am confused. I don't get how one seat can be in both row AA and in Row D.
Oh, wait a minujte. I guess it's saying that AA overhangs Row J, but your seat is in D which is 9 rows behind row AA -- if you look at the seating chart. If the seat were in Row AA you'd be above Row J of orchestra, but the seat in D is 9 rows back (or up).
Oh, wait a minujte. I guess it's saying that AA overhangs Row J, but your seat is in D which is 9 rows behind row AA -- if you look at the seating chart. If the seat were in Row AA you'd be above Row J of orchestra, but the seat in D is 9 rows back (or up).
Sep 1st, 2010, 01:56 AM
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OK, that makes some sense to me. So can I assume then that Row AA is above Row J of the orchestra and seat in D is 9 rows back and up - so 9 rows further up in the orchestra, i.e. overhanging row S of the orchestra?
Sep 1st, 2010, 02:03 AM
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Checking again on the chart I see that Loge and Mezzanine are NOT one and the same. And there are only 5 rows in Loge. It seems that only those 5 loge rows are overhanging the orchestra seats and the mezzanine rows are not. I see some Loge seats on other dates that I could choose. So the question now becomes :
Are Loge seats, all the way at the end, or almost so, preferable to choose over, say last or almost last orchestra row seats in the middle?
Thanks again!!
Are Loge seats, all the way at the end, or almost so, preferable to choose over, say last or almost last orchestra row seats in the middle?
Thanks again!!
Sep 1st, 2010, 03:09 AM
#7
" So the question now becomes :
Are Loge seats, all the way at the end, or almost so, preferable to choose over, say last or almost last orchestra row seats in the middle?"
The great thing about the show is, no matter the theatre, everything pretty much happens front and center. I've had seats in almost every conceivable spot and there are only two tiny details that happen that one may not be able to see if they sit far right or far left. Tiny details. (One is a Glinda entrance and the other is something to do with Boq). So, I'd prefer middle, then left and then right. Usually balcony seats are better far back orchestra. Those are general comments based on seeing the show in a variety of theatres. I've only seen it in the Gershwin from orchestra seats that were pretty close.
If you are a fan of the show and/or just really interested in the staging of a big show, consider taking the Behind the Emerald Curton tour. I'm a big fan of the show but also found getting a peek into the back story and staging of the show fascinating -
http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/NewYork.html
If you don't already own the CD I strongly recommend that you buy it before you go. IMO it really adds to the experience to be familiar with the music ahead of time. My favorites are For Good and Defying Gravity, although Popular is always a favorite during the show.
Are Loge seats, all the way at the end, or almost so, preferable to choose over, say last or almost last orchestra row seats in the middle?"
The great thing about the show is, no matter the theatre, everything pretty much happens front and center. I've had seats in almost every conceivable spot and there are only two tiny details that happen that one may not be able to see if they sit far right or far left. Tiny details. (One is a Glinda entrance and the other is something to do with Boq). So, I'd prefer middle, then left and then right. Usually balcony seats are better far back orchestra. Those are general comments based on seeing the show in a variety of theatres. I've only seen it in the Gershwin from orchestra seats that were pretty close.
If you are a fan of the show and/or just really interested in the staging of a big show, consider taking the Behind the Emerald Curton tour. I'm a big fan of the show but also found getting a peek into the back story and staging of the show fascinating -
http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/NewYork.html
If you don't already own the CD I strongly recommend that you buy it before you go. IMO it really adds to the experience to be familiar with the music ahead of time. My favorites are For Good and Defying Gravity, although Popular is always a favorite during the show.
Sep 1st, 2010, 03:20 AM
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Starrs - thanks for the detailed reply and sorry in advance for more questions on my part and confusion :
I have read, since posting this several hours ago, that Loge seats are THE preferred seats in ANY theater. It therefore looks strange to me that of all the possibilites that I find for the last week in Sept, when I need the tickets, those are the ones that are ALWAYS available, whereas the close-to-stage orchestra seats and the front row mezzanine, are all sold out.
So now given that I can choose these Loge seats which are either at the far left or far right, or the back rows orchestra, would you still pick orchestra?
Also, do these Loge seats really put you at a "strange" angle to see the stage, as also I have read?
Thanks a million!!!
I have read, since posting this several hours ago, that Loge seats are THE preferred seats in ANY theater. It therefore looks strange to me that of all the possibilites that I find for the last week in Sept, when I need the tickets, those are the ones that are ALWAYS available, whereas the close-to-stage orchestra seats and the front row mezzanine, are all sold out.
So now given that I can choose these Loge seats which are either at the far left or far right, or the back rows orchestra, would you still pick orchestra?
Also, do these Loge seats really put you at a "strange" angle to see the stage, as also I have read?
Thanks a million!!!
Sep 1st, 2010, 03:44 AM
#9
"that Loge seats are THE preferred seats in ANY theater."
I've heard that too.
I've also heard that Row H (or 8th row) middle center is the best - and I kind of use that as a rule of thumb too. I think the concern about sitting TOO close is that you'll miss a lot of the overall production. Having said that, I've been on the first and second rows and loved being there. I LIKE being really close
For the Gershwin, I don't know about the strange angle in the loge, but I do know that the show is so well staged that there's really very little that you'd miss no matter where you are sitting. If the orchestra seats are really far back, I think I'd pick loge and I'd pick left over right (for a better view of something that will only happen in 2 seconds and you'd figure out no matter where you are sitting).
Re the seats that are all sold out - those are premium seats and they may be blocked out for VIPs. For concert/shows, I've snagged AWESOME seats at the last minute and finally figured out they are seats saved for VIPs and released at the last minute when they aren't going to be used. I've sat front row center for Yul Brynner in the King of I (3 seats purchased a few days before the show) and front row mezzanine next to Patti Duke's husband when she starred as Madame Morrible in San Francisco (purchased two hours before the show). My seat was the 4th (unused) seat saved for friends of a cast member.
Also, in NYC the front row seats are sold in a lottery on day of the show.
You could call Ticketmaster directly to talk to someone and they can help "see" seats that are available faster than the computer search.
I've heard that too.
I've also heard that Row H (or 8th row) middle center is the best - and I kind of use that as a rule of thumb too. I think the concern about sitting TOO close is that you'll miss a lot of the overall production. Having said that, I've been on the first and second rows and loved being there. I LIKE being really close
For the Gershwin, I don't know about the strange angle in the loge, but I do know that the show is so well staged that there's really very little that you'd miss no matter where you are sitting. If the orchestra seats are really far back, I think I'd pick loge and I'd pick left over right (for a better view of something that will only happen in 2 seconds and you'd figure out no matter where you are sitting).
Re the seats that are all sold out - those are premium seats and they may be blocked out for VIPs. For concert/shows, I've snagged AWESOME seats at the last minute and finally figured out they are seats saved for VIPs and released at the last minute when they aren't going to be used. I've sat front row center for Yul Brynner in the King of I (3 seats purchased a few days before the show) and front row mezzanine next to Patti Duke's husband when she starred as Madame Morrible in San Francisco (purchased two hours before the show). My seat was the 4th (unused) seat saved for friends of a cast member.
Also, in NYC the front row seats are sold in a lottery on day of the show.
You could call Ticketmaster directly to talk to someone and they can help "see" seats that are available faster than the computer search.
Sep 1st, 2010, 03:55 AM
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I have sent an e-mail request to ticketmaster and will see if they answer quickly. If not, I will indeed try calling them, as you suggest. Thanks again for the information and insights. I really appreciate it. By the way, the price of the Loge seats and the orchestra seats (except for the premium seating at $300 a pop), are all the same price. I hope that means that Loge are indeed just as good, or even better, than some of the far away or all-the-way-to-the-side orchestra seats !!
Sep 1st, 2010, 08:02 AM
#12
"First row Loge"?
They WILL be super! Enjoy the show!
Applaud when the green girl comes on stage. I always do. Pretend I'm next to you and applaud for me. Start it and others will join in
Really, have a blast. It is my very favorite show.
(sorry HowardR)
They WILL be super! Enjoy the show!
Applaud when the green girl comes on stage. I always do. Pretend I'm next to you and applaud for me. Start it and others will join in
Really, have a blast. It is my very favorite show.
(sorry HowardR)
Sep 1st, 2010, 10:16 AM
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Yup, first row Loge!!! Thanks for your reply. I am now even more excited!! Green girl eh? wonder what that means..... But I will indeed applaud - for you -
I am sure that I will love the show as well!!!
I am sure that I will love the show as well!!!
Sep 1st, 2010, 12:58 PM
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The Loge seats at the Gershwin will be great. But in theatres across the country, many lodge seats are not very good and have sightline issues, poor sound quality when they are under the mezz or balc. It's important to look up each theatres seating chart to get a better idea of what loge means.
Have fun!
Have fun!
Sep 1st, 2010, 01:27 PM
#16
Flame, you may want to check out the website -
http://www.wickedthemusical.com/page.php#AboutWicked
But here's the scoop - "About Wicked: Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbinding new musical in years.
The green girl's name is Elphaba which came from the initials of L. Frank Baum's name - El-pha-ba. I've read Gregory Maguire's book but it's not a book that everyone finds interesting and the musical is just "suggested" by the book.
Definitely buy the CD ahead of time and listen to the music
If you really become a Wicked fan, you may want to read the Grimmerie. (Note to self: Where IS my Grimmerie...)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401308201#_
http://www.wickedthemusical.com/page.php#AboutWicked
But here's the scoop - "About Wicked: Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbinding new musical in years.
The green girl's name is Elphaba which came from the initials of L. Frank Baum's name - El-pha-ba. I've read Gregory Maguire's book but it's not a book that everyone finds interesting and the musical is just "suggested" by the book.
Definitely buy the CD ahead of time and listen to the music
If you really become a Wicked fan, you may want to read the Grimmerie. (Note to self: Where IS my Grimmerie...)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401308201#_
Sep 1st, 2010, 01:52 PM
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Flame, I sat in Row AA, seat 1 for Wicked. It is a great seat. Seat 5 is just two seats over. Do NOT do the Row D seats. They are quite far back and the Gershwin is a real barn. Wicked is a huge production with lots happening in the air, so being in the front mezz is perfect. I hope this isn't too late to help.
Sep 1st, 2010, 02:01 PM
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For those who attend Broadway often, a great little book is "Seats, New York" by Jode Susan Millman. It has seating charts for 150 theaters, concerts halls and sports stadiums. I find it invaluable. I mark my seats with notations after each show, so the next time I have much more detailed info on how far back, the sound quality, the rake, obstructions, if its better to be in the mezz or the orchestra, leg room for DH, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Seats-Seating-...3378366&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Seats-Seating-...3378366&sr=8-2
Sep 1st, 2010, 09:01 PM
#19
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TC - thanks for your replies. I am totally convinced that they are indeed great seats and I am so glad I managed to swing them.
Starrs- thanks for the added info, you certainly are a wealth of information !!!!
Starrs- thanks for the added info, you certainly are a wealth of information !!!!
Sep 2nd, 2010, 01:11 PM
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I agree with the others who suggest that you get the CD ahead of time. I didn't the first time I saw it in Chicago but bought it afterwards and by the time I saw it a 2nd time in Buffalo I was very familiar with the music and it made the show more enjoyable. It's great show!
