NYC shows/hotel in July
 

My husband and I will be in NY in July for his 40th -just two nights. We want to focus on shows this trip and I am considering Movin' Out and Fiddler or maybe Wicked? What does anyone think of these shows? Ticketmasters "best available" seats for these shows are row A right in front - is that not a good idea? Should I call the theatre and get seats a few rows back? Also, I have a room at the Muse hotel for $200/night. By reading these posts, it seems the room size varies - if I called asked for one of their bigger/quieter rooms - might they honor that? Finally, I am thinking of pre-theatre dinner 1 night at District in the Muse and then maybe Ilo the other night? Please share any helpful comments...Thanks!

Karen, please understand that I'm not trying to be ugly but my husband would divorce me if I would have planned broadway shows for his 40th birthday.

As far as the hotel goes, NYC is notorious for having small rooms. Before you accept the room, politely ask the person at the front desk for their honest opinion. It wouldn't hurt to check out the room before you accept the room.

I think about 10 rows back it better than the first row. ALl those shows are good choices. Movin Out may have discounts available if you can wait a couple of months. The others may or may not. There are many posts here with pre-theater dinner reservations. Try doing a search on "pre-theater dinner". Any particular price range, or food type that interests you?

I prefer always to be in row 8 or so - not further forward - if the stage is wide you lose the action on the sides - and if inthe first row for a musicalmay need an umbrella.

I cannot believe that Row A is the best available for all three shows in July. Perhaps for Wicked, but not the other two. If you did tried on line the first time, I would suggest that you call them instead--800-755-4000 so you can talk to a real person.

5 to 10 rows back is ideal for all of those shows you mentioned. I have not eaten at District, so no comment. I have eaten at Ilo. It is a very nice restaurant and their duck is fantastic. You might also want to check out DB Bistro or Esca. Two other restaurants on the level of Ilo that are in the area. Esca is primarily seafood.

I'm lucky that my husband loves the theater as much as I do. We both think that a perfect weekend in NYC involves a stop on 47th St, and then seeing 4 shows in two days.

karen, Movin' Out reviews are very mixed. I have friends who love Billy Joel but hated the show.

Have you seen Avenue Q?

I'll given a reverse comment about Movin' Out. We're not fans of Billy Joel, but we loved the show! If you like dancing, then it's a must-see.

Thank you so much for your ideas; I did call the theater directly who confirmed I didn't really want row A. I called ticketmaster rather than go online and was able to get row F (6th back), center orchestra, center seats. I am so excited! BTW, GoTravel - you made me laugh with your commnent! But really, this is what my husband would like! Here in Iowa we are stuck with the movies and Chili's, so this will be a big treat. I will look into DB Bistro - that sounded good from reviews, etc. online. Still undecided for show on Saturday - what is Avenue Q? Have not seen... Thanks -

Avenue Q is full frontal puppet nudity. Think South Park meets the Muppets.

Surely you jest...

Just saw Avenue Q last weekend... fantastic! Very funny... check out their website at www.avenueq.com for an idea of what it's like. Not really for kids -- don't be put off by the puppet thing. Highly recommend it!

I did just check out their website - maybe we will do that! Certainly would be something different - I wonder if it would be a bit too much to do the Billy Joel thing Fri then do a 2:00 (Ave Q) and an 8:00 (maybe Wicked)on Sat??? We have already been to most of the "must see" sites in the past few years so we could just do shows and restaurants...hmmm

Glad my suggestion about calling Ticketmaster worked. I just couldn't believe that Row A was the best they had for July. Movin' Out, Avenue Q and Wicked would be a good diverse trio of shows. I suggest to get your Wicked tickets soon, as that show has been selling out steadily and weekends always are sold out first.
Karen, I'm with you. If my wife promised a weekend of NY theater, I be delighted! (Come to think of it, that's just what we're doing next weekend!)