Advice on Broadway shows, theaters
 

Will be in NY end of July. Wondering whether to gamble on getting tickets to Chicago, Contact, The Full Monty, and Proof when we get there. Hate to wait in line and would like not to pay full price. Can you tell me which theaters have good views from all vantage points and which we really need to order tickets now? <BR>Thanks!

A couple of things: TKTS at the World Trade Center usually has much shorter lines than the Times Square location (esp. if you arrive when they open at 11 am), though they don't have exactly the same selection and often have fewer to choose from. During the summer the lines are usually long at the Times Square location while the selection's good. You can join playbill.com (free, not a gimmick) and get advance-purchase discount tix (though not half-price) for many shows. <BR> <BR>All these shows might be available, but there's no guarantee; certainly it's more likely on weeknights early in the week. OTOH, local theater-going slows a lot in the summer. I've seen all these shows from orchestra seats, so in general I can't comment on the balconies, but the Vivan Beaumont (Contact) has really few seats with bad views; it's newer and designed to have good views from both levels. In fact, a balcony center or side-center seat there is preferable IMO to an orchestra seat way on either side because the theater is a 3/4 circle; also, the stage is raised a bit, so center or rear orchestra is pre. to front (again, IMO).

Following up on Caitlin's good advice: <BR>1. I believe there is currently a discount offer for Chicago on the Playbill website. The advantage is that you can print out the office and take it to the box office when you arrive (thus saving the $5.75-per-ticket charge over the phone). <BR>2. You have an excellent chance of getting tickets at the TKTS booth for all the shows you mention. <BR>3. I think your comment, "Hate to wait in line and would not like to pay full price," will restrict your chances for getting the tickets! <BR>4. Caitlin is correct about the sightlines at Contact. There almost isn't a bad seat in the house. As for the other theaters, you're probably okay unless the tickets are on the extreme left of extreme right. Given a choice, better to take tickets in the center but further back rather than close up on the side.

Caitlin has some good advice - I've lived in NYC for almost 20 years and only found about about Playbill.com recently which might appeal to you. It is free to sign up and they list shows they have access to at a discounted price. The perks are: no waiting in line and you can pay by credit card (can only pay in cash at TKTS). Any information you need they have posted. I believe some of the shows you are intersted in are posted (Chicago, Full Monty and Proof). Unfortunately Contact will probably be a little more difficult to come by but it couldn't hurt to stop by their Box Office. Caitlin is right on the money with the World Trade Center for TKTS - much shorter lines. Give it a shot & good luck.

Caitlin and Howard- <BR>Thanks so much for your input. I've been reading a lot of your postings, and I must compliment you both on your generosity of spirit! Would you be willing to share a list of your favorite restaurants along with approximate pricing? <BR>Thanks!

One free suggestion, you might want to check out "Shakespeare in the Park." There are 2 productions per summer and tickets are free. I think Glenn Close and Natalie Portman are in productions this year. <BR>If so, you'll need to get in line at the Dellacorte Theather in Central Park a few hours before they start giving away tickets. They start handing out the tickets between 12 and 1. It is a lot of fun and a great NYC thing to do.

The line is shorter at the Tkts booth at the World Trade Center but they also get a smaller allotment of tickets. If you decide to go that booth plan not to arrive much later than 11am. Lines at the 47th Street booth become non-existent later in the afternoon (5pm and beyond). But you are gambling on whether tickets for the shows you mentioned will still be available at that time.

The line is shorter at the Tkts booth at the World Trade Center but they also get a smaller allotment of tickets. If you decide to go that booth plan not to arrive much later than 11am. Lines at the 47th Street booth become non-existent later in the afternoon (5pm and beyond). But you are gambling on whether tickets for the shows you mentioned will still be available at that time.

Alice, thanks for the kind words. I think I speak for Caitlin when I say that we are willing share our experience and knowledge so that you will have the greatest chance for enjoying the city as much as we do! <BR>As for your question about restaurants, if you just pass along some qualifying words--i.e., price, type of restaurant and location--I'll be glad to assist. After all, there are a lot of restaurants to choose from!

I just checked the Playbill website and Chicago is the only one of the four that is offering discounted tickets there. They are $64 and you must order them by July 15, which means you'd have to do it by phone, adding another $5.75 to the price. I'd recommend waiting until you get to NYC. Chicago is not selling out and your chances for getting tickets at TKTS are excellent. <BR>As for the other three, there is the possibility, especially for early in the week. It'll be harder on weekends.

Howard and Caitlin- <BR>I've been reading some of the restaurant reviews and noticing prices based on a meal for one person.Wow! <BR>We like fairly simple food-seafood, steaks,etc. We are seniors, and when we are home, my husband and I usually share one entree and a salad. Do most of the restaurants serve entrees large enough for us to do that in NY? My husband would DIE if I suggested that we spend $200 for one dinner!!!!!

Alice -- You do not need to spend $200 to have a good dinner in New York. There are lots of moderately-priced places. One I enjoy in the theatre district is Joe Allen. They have a good variety of things on their menu -- everything from burgers, chicken, seafood, steak, pasta, etc. The food and service are both very good, and the prices are reasonable by Manhattan standards. If you just want something light you can just have soup and a salad or something light. Most of the entrees are in the $15-20 range. Be sure to make a reservation. You can get directions & see the menu at http://www.joeallenrestaurant.com/newyork/janymenu.htm

Thanks for the reply. Do you know any other restaurents that post their menus online other than on Restaurant Row?

Alice, people have been asking questions specifically about high-end restaurants recently, hence all the talk of $200 dinners. There are certainly a lot of more affordable choices, but do expect "moderate"--meaning moderately nice, places to cost more than where you live. Some restaurants have large portion sizes (especilly for main course) that could easily be split, some don't. You'll find that the best places with moderate prices are casual places in neighborhoods, not in midtown, theater district, Times Square (tourist heavy) areas. I can certainly make suggestions, but it would help to know what parts of town you're interested in and what budget range you're specifically looking for (don't be afraid to throw out dollar amounts, there really are good places here that cover the full spectrum). For my money the best value (best food for reasonable price) places in midtown near the theater district, are ethnic restaurants--Chinese, Indian, Afghani. That doesn't have to mean really exotic, for instance at Afghan Kebab House, with several midtown locations and a bit of a hole-in-the=wall feel, many of the dishes are grilled meat and chicken kebabs served with rice and vegetables at very good prices. Also, may pricier places in midtown have pre-theater specials that are under $25/person. (However, these places probably wouln't be too happy with two people splitting that meal.) Tell me more, and I'll share more ideas.

Message-Lisa <BR> <BR>I would really be interested in the pricier restaurants in mid-town that have pre-theater specials. We don't normally order appetizers at home. Do you think we could find nice places for $60 or so?

Sorry, the message addressed to Lisa should actually go to Caitlin. By the way, thanks for the information.

Alice, at that price range, may I recommend our favorite restaurant--Chez Josephine on 42nd Street, just west of 9th Avenue. It is owned by two of Josephine Baker's rainbow children and gets high marks for food, service and ambiance. And, a special bonus in Jean-Claude Baker, one of the owners, who has to be the most charming restaurant host in New York. Reservations recommended (212-594-1925).

Howard- Thanks for the tip. We will check it out. Do they post their menu online? <BR>Does anybody else have any suggestions for good food in the $60-$90 range-especially seafood?(entrees and salads only,-no wine)