Wicked is coming to Portland and I'm trying to help my BIL get tickets for my sister's birthday.

I like to sit as close as possible, and given the popularity of the show, I think they should go for "best available." What are the balcony seats like? On the website it looks like the balconies don't hang out over the orchestra level -- which means they sit pretty far back, is that accurate?

Any thoughts?

Yes, those seats are set back a ways. I have never sat in those, only the ones on the main level. The theater is not that big though, so I wouldn't worry. If this were me, I would just opt for best available.

Back in the day before the Portland Symphony moved to the Schnitz, we used to have season tickets up in the first balcony, which I thought were perfect. My seat was next to a column, which I could lean against if I got bored/tired, and it was far enough away that folks down in the orchestra level couldn't hear if I started snoring.

beachbum, I never wanted to tell you but we were there when you were once, I couldn't hear a thing for the snoring coming from up there !!

Oh? Hmmm.... My wife used to tell me I kinda blended with the music. She wouldn't have been lying to me, would she?

Nice to see you back, Scarlett!

And BKP, besides the symphony, we've sat in the first balcony for other performances; Phantom of the Opera comes to mind. It would be nice for your sister and BIL to be closer to the stage, but at least they'll be able to hear fine from up there.

Thanks for the replies. So -- I'll go with "best available" and hope for main floor but won't feel too bad if they are stuck in the balcony.

Wonderful! Thank you.