<ggreen>NYC Which Shows and other questions (which have undoubtedly been asked before!)
Oct 18th, 2006, 12:14 PM
#22
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Rather than pay the high ticket prices in advance, if you aren't dying to see something, I'd just show up for the TKTS line and pick something.
The alternative is the "rush" line at the theater box offices. If sold out, they usually have tickets turned in before a performance starts.
If not sold out you can buy tickets at the box office during the day at full face value price and cut out the inflated broker prices.
I got primo tickets very reasonably in the rush line to see Ralph Fiennes in the sold-out Faith Healer recently.
It all depends on if you can go with the flow or not.
Here's the Lee's locater link for some small stores put in 10018 for a zipcode.
http://www.lee.com/locator
The alternative is the "rush" line at the theater box offices. If sold out, they usually have tickets turned in before a performance starts.
If not sold out you can buy tickets at the box office during the day at full face value price and cut out the inflated broker prices.
I got primo tickets very reasonably in the rush line to see Ralph Fiennes in the sold-out Faith Healer recently.
It all depends on if you can go with the flow or not.
Here's the Lee's locater link for some small stores put in 10018 for a zipcode.
http://www.lee.com/locator
Oct 18th, 2006, 12:32 PM
#23
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Because of your post, I just started looking at what play or musical I might like to see in NYC now. I've looked through the musicals and there's not much I'd be dying to see.
I've seen Lion King and if you are mid-30s, no kids I don't know if it would knock your socks off. I saw it in London and it was well done but I could have missed it.
I'll look through the plays and see if I come up with anything there.
http://www.broadway.com/gen/concierge.aspx
I've seen Lion King and if you are mid-30s, no kids I don't know if it would knock your socks off. I saw it in London and it was well done but I could have missed it.
I'll look through the plays and see if I come up with anything there.
http://www.broadway.com/gen/concierge.aspx
Oct 18th, 2006, 12:44 PM
#24
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Howard, I was afraid you were going to say that. I might try disney direct though, at least then I'd be able to see what tickets are available.
Suerich, I had actually considered Wicked too, not too sure why I didn't concentrate on it, I suppose reports of the visuals of Lion King must have distracted me. Can you persuade me a little towards Wicked?! What other shows have you been to and liked / disliked for example?
Kakalena, I suppose we want to have something booked as a 'treat'. We LOVE going to shows but normally don't have much opportunity to do so here in Irelnd. I'm not too sure what to see in NY and I think I've been 'drawn' to the LK beacuse of the viuals and also because I like the music from the film.... I'm open to being persuaded otherwise though
Imelda
Suerich, I had actually considered Wicked too, not too sure why I didn't concentrate on it, I suppose reports of the visuals of Lion King must have distracted me. Can you persuade me a little towards Wicked?! What other shows have you been to and liked / disliked for example?
Kakalena, I suppose we want to have something booked as a 'treat'. We LOVE going to shows but normally don't have much opportunity to do so here in Irelnd. I'm not too sure what to see in NY and I think I've been 'drawn' to the LK beacuse of the viuals and also because I like the music from the film.... I'm open to being persuaded otherwise though
Imelda
Oct 18th, 2006, 12:53 PM
#25
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Unless you have an extremely profound bit of luck, you can forget about tickets for Wicked at regular prices
for that time period. It just ain't gonna happen!
You can also forget about most of kakalena's theater-ticket advice for that week. If you wait until the day of the performance, you will not have much to choose from December 27-30....unless, of course, you are not the least bit fussy and will be happy just to see something, anything!
No one has mentioned The Drowsy Chaperone, which is a most delightful musical.
Again, I urge you to get tickets now, no matter what your final decisions.
for that time period. It just ain't gonna happen!
You can also forget about most of kakalena's theater-ticket advice for that week. If you wait until the day of the performance, you will not have much to choose from December 27-30....unless, of course, you are not the least bit fussy and will be happy just to see something, anything!
No one has mentioned The Drowsy Chaperone, which is a most delightful musical.
Again, I urge you to get tickets now, no matter what your final decisions.
Oct 18th, 2006, 12:59 PM
#26
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Well, everyone really has their own tastes! I spent the whole first few scenes of the Lion King with my jaw literally open. I just could not believe what they were doing with the costumes and puppetry (although to call it puppetry makes it sound so simplistic). I would have gone without my kids, and was very sorry my husband wasn't with me. (I am late 40's btw).
I would put Mamma Mia, Wicked and Hairspray all on a par -- alot of fun, great energetic casts, fun music (although I have to say the music from Wicked has grown on me now that my daughter plays the CD endlessly; didn't think it was anything that memorable the first time I saw it).
You will not go wrong with any of these shows (although maybe I am in a minority about LK), so maybe just pick what you can get the best seats for.
I haven't seen some of the other musicals, but Drowsy Chaperone seems to be a big hit. It might be more difficult to get tickets to that and to Wicked, I would think. I got my Wicked tickets months before we went.
I would put Mamma Mia, Wicked and Hairspray all on a par -- alot of fun, great energetic casts, fun music (although I have to say the music from Wicked has grown on me now that my daughter plays the CD endlessly; didn't think it was anything that memorable the first time I saw it).
You will not go wrong with any of these shows (although maybe I am in a minority about LK), so maybe just pick what you can get the best seats for.
I haven't seen some of the other musicals, but Drowsy Chaperone seems to be a big hit. It might be more difficult to get tickets to that and to Wicked, I would think. I got my Wicked tickets months before we went.
Oct 18th, 2006, 01:01 PM
#27
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Howard, When I say I'm open to persuasion I mean re which show to see. I fully intend to have at least one show booked before we go. We are definately not going to just go to see a show 'for the sake of it'. I'm not too sure about The Drowsy Chaperone, I think the humour might be a bit 'american' (no offence) for our taste (going by The Producers).
Imelda
Imelda
Oct 18th, 2006, 01:25 PM
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Yeah Howard I don't stress out about it and I've seen some fabulous performances that way. I see most of the big shows eventually (what I want to see)and sit in wonderment over why people worried themselves sick and paid fortunes for tickets to some of them.
I've just picked out my NYC Christmas entertainment and I'll bet I'll get tickets when I get there at a reasonable price.
Imelda, you liked Blue Man and Slavas Snow Show? Go for Lion King then if you liked the music. Mamma Mia is all about ABBA of course if you like that. The ticket price you quoted didn't seem outrageous but someone may recommend something less here.
Drowsy Chaperone may be a little too nostalgic for your taste.
Seating chart for the Minskoff Theater
http://www.nederlander.org/fiddler/m...seats_dov.html
It's way too early I know but,
Nollaig Shona Duit
I've just picked out my NYC Christmas entertainment and I'll bet I'll get tickets when I get there at a reasonable price.
Imelda, you liked Blue Man and Slavas Snow Show? Go for Lion King then if you liked the music. Mamma Mia is all about ABBA of course if you like that. The ticket price you quoted didn't seem outrageous but someone may recommend something less here.
Drowsy Chaperone may be a little too nostalgic for your taste.
Seating chart for the Minskoff Theater
http://www.nederlander.org/fiddler/m...seats_dov.html
It's way too early I know but,
Nollaig Shona Duit
Oct 18th, 2006, 01:52 PM
#29
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Skatedancer, Howard is definately correct on the ticket availability for Wicked for our dates .... nada! So thst's definately out (one less decision to make and if you haven't figured it out by now, I'm one of THE most indecisive people ever!).
Your description of your Jaw dropping first few scenes makes me want to experience it for myself. Both DH and I are 'big kids' at heart and like feel good shows. WHave you seen any of the shows that we have and if so, what did you think of them (just for comparisons sake).
Kakalena, that Theatre map is fantastic. I have serached the web and couldn't come up with anything like that. Those Orchestra X seats don't look too bad looking there. DH likes ABBA, I'm not overexcited by them but I don't dislike them either so I think that might be a runner. I'm going to hold out for tickets for that show for a couple of weeks to see if I can get them discounted a little on playbill etc.though.
Thank you for the Christmas wishes - my fist for this year, are you Irish by any chance?
Imelda
Your description of your Jaw dropping first few scenes makes me want to experience it for myself. Both DH and I are 'big kids' at heart and like feel good shows. WHave you seen any of the shows that we have and if so, what did you think of them (just for comparisons sake).
Kakalena, that Theatre map is fantastic. I have serached the web and couldn't come up with anything like that. Those Orchestra X seats don't look too bad looking there. DH likes ABBA, I'm not overexcited by them but I don't dislike them either so I think that might be a runner. I'm going to hold out for tickets for that show for a couple of weeks to see if I can get them discounted a little on playbill etc.though.
Thank you for the Christmas wishes - my fist for this year
, are you Irish by any chance?Imelda
Oct 18th, 2006, 01:53 PM
#30
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the only other links i have for theater tix I gave above in one of my posts - for the frugal theater page - which lists numerous options you can check out online -
I would absolutely get my tickets now, b/c for me, when I am visiting nyc, i don't want to waste a moment standing in a ticket line, even if i go down to seaport which is usually shorter line - there are just other things i want to do and I want to know I am seeing what I want to, so I would get tix asap.
Drowsy Chaperone is excellent, Howard is right -
I enjoyed Wicked, and Hairspray, but I loved Lion King for all the reasons Skatedancer mentioned too - how they did the puppetry/costumes/ so you forgot they were actors and felt they were animals - the movement and dance, the music, the colors -
I am in my early 50's, as is my husband, we both enjoyed Lion King immensely as did our kids at that time high school and college age - but they are both into theater/photography/art also and enjoyed it for many of those reasons - more than they or we did Wicked/Hairspray
I think Lion King is one of those 'productions' you never forget. BUt - if you are interested in more musical theater and not the things that for us made LK special, then you can certainly go with any of the other shows and won't be disappointed in any way.
I would absolutely get my tickets now, b/c for me, when I am visiting nyc, i don't want to waste a moment standing in a ticket line, even if i go down to seaport which is usually shorter line - there are just other things i want to do and I want to know I am seeing what I want to, so I would get tix asap.
Drowsy Chaperone is excellent, Howard is right -
I enjoyed Wicked, and Hairspray, but I loved Lion King for all the reasons Skatedancer mentioned too - how they did the puppetry/costumes/ so you forgot they were actors and felt they were animals - the movement and dance, the music, the colors -
I am in my early 50's, as is my husband, we both enjoyed Lion King immensely as did our kids at that time high school and college age - but they are both into theater/photography/art also and enjoyed it for many of those reasons - more than they or we did Wicked/Hairspray
I think Lion King is one of those 'productions' you never forget. BUt - if you are interested in more musical theater and not the things that for us made LK special, then you can certainly go with any of the other shows and won't be disappointed in any way.
Oct 18th, 2006, 01:55 PM
#31
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Imelda, in no way is The Drowsy Chaperone strictly for an American audience. It's a delightful spoof of the Broadway musical that anyone--American or otherwise can and will enjoy.
kakalena, I'm not going to argue about it, but it's very poor advice to tell someone to wait and get tickets when you arrive during Christmas week! And, I will guarantee you that if you wait until then, you'll be lucky to get lousy seats for most of the shows! Yes, I'm sure that you waited many times and got discount tickets for shows....but they weren't the hot tickets and it probably wasn't over the year-end season.
PS: kakalena, I'm curious: What shows do you expect to get tickets for at "reasonable prices" when you wait until Christmas week to get them?)
kakalena, I'm not going to argue about it, but it's very poor advice to tell someone to wait and get tickets when you arrive during Christmas week! And, I will guarantee you that if you wait until then, you'll be lucky to get lousy seats for most of the shows! Yes, I'm sure that you waited many times and got discount tickets for shows....but they weren't the hot tickets and it probably wasn't over the year-end season.
PS: kakalena, I'm curious: What shows do you expect to get tickets for at "reasonable prices" when you wait until Christmas week to get them?)
Oct 18th, 2006, 02:17 PM
#32
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escargot, I thought there might be some way to book tickets 'directly' other than ticketmaster (I was thinking through a box-office website but now I know that's not possible). I wanted to try to 'pick' or at least know my exact seats. I tried phoning ticketmaster here in Ireland today but they can't book US tickets. I might try phoning ticketmaster US tomorrow or else disney otherwise I will just go ahead and reserve the Orchestra X seats. Glad to hear all of your family enjoyed the show too.
Howard and Escargot, I'm going to certainly look more into The Drowsy Chaperone.
Imelda
Howard and Escargot, I'm going to certainly look more into The Drowsy Chaperone.
Imelda
Oct 18th, 2006, 02:55 PM
#33
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I'm not too decisive either, and I always get nervous hitting the button to book a show or a flight somewhere, for that matter! I can empathize with your experience getting such different advice. I am planning a trip to Argentina right now, and we're trying to plan some restaurants; one of the "top" restaurants was recommended by people we know, and then I see on the posts that some people felt it was a tourist trap and they were disappointed!!
It's very easy when you live near a major tourist attraction to be a little more easy going about your plans, but when you're traveling from so far away and only for a short time, I know we all feel pressure to do just the right things while we're there!
Unfortunately, I have not seen any of those other shows, so can't help you.
It's very easy when you live near a major tourist attraction to be a little more easy going about your plans, but when you're traveling from so far away and only for a short time, I know we all feel pressure to do just the right things while we're there!
Unfortunately, I have not seen any of those other shows, so can't help you.
Oct 18th, 2006, 03:35 PM
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Imelda
Did you want tickets to Wicked? I tried Dec 27, 28 and 29 and the least expensive tickets are available on those dates $120-140. Sometimes you get to the end of a sale and then they tell you it's sold out but this site looks like they have them. I'm not sure if they'll ship the tickets to Ireland etc but maybe you can work something out. I'd do it fast.
http://www.ticketsnow.com
Howard, I'm going to keep my theater choices my little secret. More tickets for me!!!!!!!!
Did you want tickets to Wicked? I tried Dec 27, 28 and 29 and the least expensive tickets are available on those dates $120-140. Sometimes you get to the end of a sale and then they tell you it's sold out but this site looks like they have them. I'm not sure if they'll ship the tickets to Ireland etc but maybe you can work something out. I'd do it fast.
http://www.ticketsnow.com
Howard, I'm going to keep my theater choices my little secret. More tickets for me!!!!!!!!
Oct 18th, 2006, 04:35 PM
#36
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"....sometimes partial view isn't bad." You're kidding, right? For me to spend $120-140 a ticket, the seats had better offer a full view!
"I'm going to keep my theater choices my little secret. More tickets for me!!!!!!!!" Gee, and here I thought I'd get some hot news! Get real!
"I'm going to keep my theater choices my little secret. More tickets for me!!!!!!!!" Gee, and here I thought I'd get some hot news! Get real!
Oct 18th, 2006, 05:49 PM
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Hi again Howard,
We have to stop meeting like this.
It doesn't bother me not to be able to see a couple of feet of a stage that nothing happens on. It depends. They usually tell you at the theater and there are some notes on the ticket purchasing website regarding that.
I really respect your obvious knowledge of the Broadway ticketing scenario but I'm a bit more relaxed in my view of the whole thing. I think it goes back to being in charge of tickets for a bunch of people who had to have the hot ticket and the hot seats on a holiday Saturday night. Nightmare..
I don't sweat it anymore. I don't have to have the hot ticket when everyone else does, although I often get one by serendipity and it's such a kick that way. I enjoy the theater experience a lot more now.
We have to stop meeting like this.
It doesn't bother me not to be able to see a couple of feet of a stage that nothing happens on. It depends. They usually tell you at the theater and there are some notes on the ticket purchasing website regarding that.
I really respect your obvious knowledge of the Broadway ticketing scenario but I'm a bit more relaxed in my view of the whole thing. I think it goes back to being in charge of tickets for a bunch of people who had to have the hot ticket and the hot seats on a holiday Saturday night. Nightmare..
I don't sweat it anymore. I don't have to have the hot ticket when everyone else does, although I often get one by serendipity and it's such a kick that way. I enjoy the theater experience a lot more now.
Oct 19th, 2006, 01:50 PM
#38
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Hi Guys,
Well after all your VERY helpful advice I telephoned the US Ticketmaster and booked seats for Jan 30th - we got Y 114 & 115, - Right in the middle of the row and not 'that' far back. I am definately relieved to have booked at last so now I can concentrate on other parts of our trip .... in other words, more questions
Skatedancer, you described my hesitation and feelings on booking the unknown exactly and like you, with such a short trip, I want to try to avoid making too many mistakes. I hope you get your restaurant in Argentina decided on - it's awful trying to decide.
Now back to some more questions
What about a nice restaurant pre 'Lion King' on the 30th? One little snag though, I'm a strict vegetarian who doesn't eat meat, fish or cheese while hubby loves his meat but isn't really into fish. I'm not looking at something that will blow the bank but we don't mind paying for good food - any recommendations?
Also, on another evening we would like to go to Serendipity, is it possible to make reservations or do you have to queue? Those deserts sound amazing!
I'm sure I'll have many more questions but that's it for right now.
Imelda
Well after all your VERY helpful advice I telephoned the US Ticketmaster and booked seats for Jan 30th - we got Y 114 & 115, - Right in the middle of the row and not 'that' far back. I am definately relieved to have booked at last so now I can concentrate on other parts of our trip .... in other words, more questions
Skatedancer, you described my hesitation and feelings on booking the unknown exactly and like you, with such a short trip, I want to try to avoid making too many mistakes. I hope you get your restaurant in Argentina decided on - it's awful trying to decide.
Now back to some more questions
What about a nice restaurant pre 'Lion King' on the 30th? One little snag though, I'm a strict vegetarian who doesn't eat meat, fish or cheese while hubby loves his meat but isn't really into fish. I'm not looking at something that will blow the bank but we don't mind paying for good food - any recommendations?
Also, on another evening we would like to go to Serendipity, is it possible to make reservations or do you have to queue? Those deserts sound amazing!
I'm sure I'll have many more questions but that's it for right now.
Imelda
Oct 19th, 2006, 02:35 PM
#39
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kakalena, I really admire you.
When I pay a huge price for a steak, I really get upset if it's tough and tasteless. If I rent a car and it's run down, dirty, and underpowered despite the fact I paid for a big one, I get really emotional. If I pay a lot for a hotel room and get there to find I've been put in the smallest room in the building just above the dumpsters that get emptied at 4 AM, I might go balistic. And if I pay over a hundred dollars for a theatre ticket and can't even see the entire stage, well. . .
I just admire people who are able to not care about such things. But I don't see it happening to me. Don't get me wrong, when nothing can be done about those things, I can accept that "stuff" happens, but to knowingly buy or go into such an agreement in advance. . . I just couldn't do that.
When I pay a huge price for a steak, I really get upset if it's tough and tasteless. If I rent a car and it's run down, dirty, and underpowered despite the fact I paid for a big one, I get really emotional. If I pay a lot for a hotel room and get there to find I've been put in the smallest room in the building just above the dumpsters that get emptied at 4 AM, I might go balistic. And if I pay over a hundred dollars for a theatre ticket and can't even see the entire stage, well. . .
I just admire people who are able to not care about such things. But I don't see it happening to me. Don't get me wrong, when nothing can be done about those things, I can accept that "stuff" happens, but to knowingly buy or go into such an agreement in advance. . . I just couldn't do that.
Oct 19th, 2006, 02:48 PM
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You can look online at several restaurants and see their menu to make sure there is something for you:
pre theater we have enjoyed:
Marseilles
Osteria al Doge
China Grill
Remi (more expensive, but they have pre theater prices last I was there)
this wknd we are going in to theater and someone on this board suggested to me Roberto Passion, because we were looking for something new - so we are trying it
try opentable.com
and menupages.com
to see restaurants and if you find one on open table, you can make your reservations......hesitate just a bit and click !
you can also put in the search bar
pre theater nyc restaurants, - etc and see lots of posts with great recommendations
pre theater we have enjoyed:
Marseilles
Osteria al Doge
China Grill
Remi (more expensive, but they have pre theater prices last I was there)
this wknd we are going in to theater and someone on this board suggested to me Roberto Passion, because we were looking for something new - so we are trying it
try opentable.com
and menupages.com
to see restaurants and if you find one on open table, you can make your reservations......hesitate just a bit and click !
you can also put in the search bar
pre theater nyc restaurants, - etc and see lots of posts with great recommendations
