I just went to ticketmaster and bought 2 tickets to Wicked. The only tickets available were the next to last row at the top, in the middle of the left to center section. Not my first choice but everything else came up as 'unavailable'.

Will we be able to see? Is this a pretty big theatre? I guess I shouldn't be asking these questions now as these tickets are 'ours'!!! Also, and good and reasonable places to eat in that area pre-show?

Thanks!!

As you said, it's too late to do anything about it. Those really are waaaaaaay back and it is a pretty big theatre, but some have reported they enjoy the show fine from there.

In the future, I'd call them (Ticketmaster or Telecharge, depending on which theatre). It is amazing how few things come up on the website as available, but when you call and pick the brain of the agent, you can often do MUCH better, particularly with Ticketmaster which is such a user unfriendly site.

A favorite of mine -- a block away is Roberto Passon -- look at their website and menu -- www.robertopasson.com). Thalia is practically just across the street and very nice, but a little more pricey. There are literally hundreds of places within easy walking distance. Any idea of budget and type of food? (Not everybody's idea of reasonable is the same).

The Gershwin is a big theater, (I think the capacity is 1900 or so) but Wicked is a great visual show with a lot of lights and colors and bold costumes. It's a great show from almost every angle - I've seen it from the balcony and from the orchestra. Regardless, the energy of the audience is just tremendous, so I'm sure you'll enjoy yourselves!

Regarding dining: there are so many restaurants in the area, of varying price and taste, it's hard to narrow down. I have seen lots of threads about pre-theatre dining, so a search should yield a lot of results. There are options that offer fixed price pre-show meal. Mostly, I'd say avoid the chains

Enjoy the show, it's really great!

I think this is the biggest theater on Broadway, but you'll be able to see the action, though it will be far away. No, those aren't the best seats, and sometimes seats at the very top of the theater cut off the sight lines for things happening above stage level, which is where some action in Wicked occurs, but these seats are not considered limited or restricted view. I haven't been to this show, so hopefully someone who has will be able to give you the real scoop. If there's a real problem, the theater should have told you that seats had a restricted view.

I remember going to see a long-closed show several years ago and sitting up in the balcony; there was an elevated portion of the stage where I could really only see the bottom half of the actors.

A lot of people on this board like Roberto Passon (9th Ave/50th St) for Italian food. I share that like. Prices are very reasonable (almost all main courses under $20), but some of the specials can be very good but extraordinarily expensive (the risotto, for instance).

I'm also very fond of Viceversa on 51st between 8th & 9th Aves. Their $35 per person prix-fixe is, in my opinion, a very good value, but you end up paying about $100 for 2 people if you get a glass of wine and coffee.

Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway is also very close, though only marginallyl cheaper. The singing waiters are fun, but the food really isn't that great.

Be sure to make dinner reservations.

Maria Pia and ViceVersa are nice Italians nearby, both with prix fixe theater dinners. Vynl is also a good inexpensive option.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...10&cuisineid=0

Does one of you know the Ticketmaster phone number (I assume its the same nationwide). I can't find the number on their website (as Patrick said, incredibly user unfriendly) or in the phone book. Thanks.

Ticketmaster charge by phone is actually regional. You can do a search here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/h/customer_serve.html to find a number for your state.

Beth, thank you so much. I'm printing the list for future reference!

It's a great show. If you don't already own it, but the soundtrack on CD before you go to the show. I really think it adds to the enjoyment of the show. Of course, I am totally addicted to the music of Wicked.

Closer is better but it's a show that shows well in a large venue.

We saw Wicked from about the middle of the center section and only a couple of row lower thna you seats in October and we had no problem seeing the action and the stage. You'll love it.

I would bring binoculars, just in case you want to see some close up detail on the costumes, make up, or smaller items on the set.

Another thing you might consider is the Wicked backstage tour. It's a great experience, led by current cast members, and you get up close to costumes,props and sets. It's on Saturday mornings, and the Wicked cast gives a ton of money to charity, partly through this activity.

Here's the Wicked website -
http://wickedthemusical.com

And Behind the Emerald Curtain -
http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/

I went to see Wicked this past summer. We were seated near the back of the orchestra section and both my husband and I have rather poor vision. We did fine.

We ate at Le Rivage which has a nice prix fixe deal for theater goers. Easy walking distance to theater.

Le Rivage Restaurant
www.lerivagenyc.com

340 W 46th St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 765-7374

bookmarking

Thanks everyone. I must admit to a 'senior moment'. I looked at a seating chart that said rows G-N and I made row H second from the top instead of vice versa. So it's a little better than I had thought.

Thanks for all the dinner advice. I checked one restaurant site and it was too early to reserve a table, so I'm making notes and will keep checking.

And we do have some small binoculars which would be perfect! Surely I can pack those in a carry-on (?) which is what "I think" we are both limiting ourselves to. Well, I know I am but 'daughter #3' might have a different idea!!

Thanks again and please bear with me as I have one more Broadway question that I'll be back with...this time 'before' I buy any tickets!