Broadway obstructed view seating charts?
#3

Joined: Mar 2005
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Some theaters do have seats with a "partial view". These are usually side orchestra seats, and you will not see the back side of the stage nearest you.
I've seen a 'partial view' listing on some broker sites for specific tickets - but don't know of any seating charts that list them.
I've seen a 'partial view' listing on some broker sites for specific tickets - but don't know of any seating charts that list them.
#5
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A few weeks ago, we were on the TKTS line and wanted seats for Mamma Mia (Winter Garden Theatre). The agent said only thing left were obstructed view, so we passed. I went to broadwaybox.com to find discount tix for tomorrow and there's a bunch available - just want to make sure they are decent seats. I wound up buying Row A in the mezzanine, so I presume I'm safe...
#6
Joined: Jul 2003
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<Few seats on Broadway have an obstructed view, and I've never heard of a Broadway theater selling a ticket with an obstructed view>
Well, I have been in the front row center of an upper mezz and had the rail right in my line of sight (and I'm not short). I didn't want to lean forward as that would hinder the view of those behind me. There was no indication when I purchased the tickets that the rail was in your site line. I would be very interested if someone had a source for Obstructed View Seating Charts.
Well, I have been in the front row center of an upper mezz and had the rail right in my line of sight (and I'm not short). I didn't want to lean forward as that would hinder the view of those behind me. There was no indication when I purchased the tickets that the rail was in your site line. I would be very interested if someone had a source for Obstructed View Seating Charts.
#7
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The worst seat I ever had for a Broadway show was a clearly marked and discounted "obstructed view" seat for Mame at The Winter Garden -- does that give you a clue how long ago this was?
Sadly, it was in Row A of the mezzanine, Barry K. It was way around the side and I could only see across the front of the stage. I presume there was scenery behind the actors.
Have you looked at the seating chart to see which seat you're in? I hope your seat number in Row A has three digits which would mean it is one of the center sections. If it is 1-23 or 2-46, it's on the side more. The higher the two digit number, the poorer the view.
Sadly, it was in Row A of the mezzanine, Barry K. It was way around the side and I could only see across the front of the stage. I presume there was scenery behind the actors.
Have you looked at the seating chart to see which seat you're in? I hope your seat number in Row A has three digits which would mean it is one of the center sections. If it is 1-23 or 2-46, it's on the side more. The higher the two digit number, the poorer the view.
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#9
Joined: Jan 2003
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One "technical" correction on Neopolitan's response. If they are seats 1-23 on one side, the corresponding seats on the other side would be 2-24 (not 46). (The actual numbers would be 1-3-5-7-9-11-13-15-17-19-21-23 on one side and 2-4-6-8-10-12-14-16-18-20-22-24).
I point that out because if someone got, say, seat B24, he/she might think it's better than it actually ism which would be on the extreme side!
I point that out because if someone got, say, seat B24, he/she might think it's better than it actually ism which would be on the extreme side!
#10

Joined: Mar 2005
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It isn't poles that obstruct views - I've never seen a theater with a pole at all and can't believe there is one at all.
It's the far sides of the audience that can't always see the whole stage. (and yes, there usually is scenery behind the actors.)
It's the far sides of the audience that can't always see the whole stage. (and yes, there usually is scenery behind the actors.)
#13
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My profound apologies, Neopolitan. You are indeed correct. I've can't recall ever seeing a theater layout that was so "non-symmetrical"!
After looking at the floor plan of the theater, I'd recommend checking any Winter Garden mezzanine seat before buying!
After looking at the floor plan of the theater, I'd recommend checking any Winter Garden mezzanine seat before buying!
#14
Joined: Feb 2003
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I bought a ticket to see Ring of Fire a few weeks ago from TKTS. I wish I'd known that I would barely be able to see 1/2 the stage. I was in the second row, last seat over (I think it was row A, seat 9). It was a waste of time going because I couldn't see most of what was going on.
#16
Joined: Jul 2003
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what kills me is they will sell seats like the ones enjoylife bought and don't offer a reduced rate, or at least share the info that you won't be able to see the stage! I realize that this is not true for all venues as some seats are blatantly labeled "obstructed view" but maybe these others should be sold as "sucky view" at a reduced price?
Good advice Howard, to know exactly where the seats are and if you are purchasing in person or via phone, ASK about the view if you're not sure.
Good advice Howard, to know exactly where the seats are and if you are purchasing in person or via phone, ASK about the view if you're not sure.
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Toni
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