St. James theater seating advice for NY needed, please.
 

Tickets available for <i>Desire Under the Elms</i> in row BB, center orch. Telecharge lists this as <b> 2 rows from the stage</b>, however, my "Seats, NY" book shows Row BB as the first row. Any NYers out there know for sure? Also, how elevated is the stage? Would sitting in the 2nd row give me a stiff neck? Is the Mezz a better choice?

Thanks all.

Generally, I would choose a front mezzanine seat over a first-row seat. I've sat in the first row two times, both for plays. You definitely have a good view of the actors, but I prefer a little more distance. I don't know how high the stage at the St. James is, but it's likely to be slightly above eye level if it's a typical Broadway theater.

I'm in total agreement with Doug. It's tough call, since sitting that close can be great for a non-musical show. Still, the front mezzanine is my preference for just about any show!

Hi Guys, Well, I'm with you....the front mezz is almost always my first choice - and a MUST for big musicals. Having said that, I would really like to see some facial expression without using my opera-glasses. The big question is....is Row BB actually two rows back as stated on Telecharge or is it the very, very front row -- as in almost under the stage? Has anyone been to see Desire Under the Elms yet?

I think it depends on the person. I like to be near the stage.

Thanks, Simone. I like to be near the stage also....but there is such a thing as too near (IMHO). If I have to crane my neck upward for two hours to see the action, I believe its better to be back a few rows. It also greatly depends on the rake of the theater.

St James experts; Better seats -- Side Orchestra, Row E 14/16 or Side Mezz, Row B 5/7?

TC, I'd take the side mezzanine. The seats are close enough to the center to satisfy my criteria for front mezzanine seats.

Sometimes I really enjoy being right up close, and frankly I'd probably rather be in the front row than the second, as the second wouldn't be any higher and you'd have heads in your way there while you wouldn't in the first. Be aware also that according to the Playbill seating chart there is no BB in the center. Those seats are extreme sides only!

But especially not knowing how high the stage is and how the set design is -- I too would opt for those front row mezzanine seats. They are only 9 rows back from the front of the stage. And while they may be somewhat to the sides, when you are in the mezzanine the angle still is not nearly so extreme as it would be in the sides right down front!

Thanks all. I took the Mezz seats. I agree with all you have said. I've seen many shows in this theater over the years, most from the Mezz. Even though they were all big musicals, I seem to remember that the front of mezz doesn't feel too far from the stage.

NP, you are right -- my Seats book shows no center Row BB. But the seat numbers being offered on Telecharge are 103 and 104. Makes me think they may have popped up a row of folding chairs down front!