WorldGallery

My daugthers just informed me that they would rather see Wicked than any other show. They are 12 and 14. At first they said they didn't care which show and for me to pick (I already have Lion King and was going to pick a less popular show at the last minute). The problem is, of course, there are few seats left for the day we can go, Saturday, May 28th, 8:00.
Which is the better option (these are all $136 and I can't go up to the next price, which is $301each):
1. Orch Row x, y, z, zz (in the back, not center but not against the wall either)
2. Front Mezz lodg rows - all the way against the walls but doesn't state partial views. Several rows are left. Is it better to go back a few rows since they are against the wall?
Thanks.
PS I haven't seen Wicked but have read great reviews. Is it really worth it at this point?

starrs

"Is it really worth it at this point? "

Some would say "no" but I say "Definitely!"
Especially with daughters at ages 12 and 14. It's the perfect show for them. I love musicals and Wicked is my very favorite. I've seen it multiple times (in multiple cities)and love it every time.
The good news is that the show is well staged and there really isn't a bad seat for the show. There's nothing going on that you are going to miss if you are sitting at the sides. I don't know of any partial view seats at the Gershwin.
Given the Orch seats are so far back, I'd probably pick the Front Mezz seats, but I'd be happy with either. I'd definitely buy something while something is still available.
You can also call Ticketmaster directly and talk to an agent rather buying online.
<green>If you don't already own the CD, buy it and listen to it before you see the show. It will add a lot to the experience.
Also, if they are Wicked fans and you are there on a Saturday, consider the Behind the Emerald Curtain tour. It's a great experience and you'll be able to see other memorabilia (other than just Wicked) while you are there.

starrs

I just looked. The loge seats in AA overhang Row J in the Orchestra. I'd definitely get those = great seats!

5alive

I'd disagree on listening to the music ahead. I enjoyed finding out the plot as it unfolds and the music gives some of it away. I went alone--so wish I'd taken my daughter--and she is trying to figure out how it's different from the books and the movie of the Wizard of Oz. I am saying nothing because I want her to go next time it comes around.

Also, Defying Gravity is stunning to hear the first time with the staging.

sf7307

>>

It's often very difficult to follow the lyrics, and therefore the plot, in a musical, especially when its the "chorus" rather than individuals singing. For that reason I am with starrs on this one --

MareW

Your daughters will probably like "Wicked", but I saw it two weeks ago and didn't care for it much. The chorus, and even some of the supporting actors, looked like they were sleep walking through the performance. The actress playing Elphaba gave a powerful performance though. She seemed very emotionally invested. There was an understudy playing Glinda the day I went, and she was just okay.

I was glad I'd won the ticket lottery and wasn't paying full price.

starrs

<green>If you aren't familiar with the CD, you need to be aware that they were careful NOT to give away key plot lines on the CD. I've sat beside folks who are VERY familiar with the music from the CD and are VERY surprised when things unfold. (I won't say more than that).

The story that most are aware of - The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz - the backstory of Galinda and Elphaba is enhanced by the music. IMO anyway. "So much happened before Dorothy dropped in" is the tagline. I think knowing the songs enhances the stage experience - without spoiling the surprises. I'm glad they were careful with the CD song choices.

abram

Although we didn't much care for Wicked, if you really want to take your daughters, I definitely agree with listening to the music befoere you go.

KathyK

Another one who totally believes that being familiar with the music increases the enjoyment of the performance. And the music doesn't give away the story for this show. I will be seeing this show for the 3rd time this spring and can't wait!

mclaurie

Tough call given you've already bought the Lion King tickets and the girls have now said Wicked above everything. These are 2 shows that require full price tickets and there are so many other GOOD to GREAT shows playing with discounted seats. In the end, the decision is yours. I'm not a teen or preteen and I thought Wicked was much ado about nothing but realize I'm in the minority.

travelinjo

We too love this musical! And I'm definitely in the listen-ahead camp as it will mean even more when you're there in person.

Having said that, I hope you don't sit in front of someone who knows the music so well that they enjoy humming, or even singing along!

WorldGallery

Thanks for all of this advice. The reason I think they are now wanting to see it is because ever since Wicked came to New Orleans last year, their friends at school (and in their drama program at school) talk about it as if it were the greatest show ever. I am sure that it is very good but it is definitely about the "peer pressure" to say that you have seen it to some degree. I know that they will love Lion King so I am glad I have those tickets.
I was hoping to see Mary Poppins or Blue Man group by getting discount tickets the day of the performance (probably May 28th at 8:00) from TKTS. Is there a good chance of getting Mary Poppins or Blue Man Group at TKTS? Any opinions on those?
mclaurie - you said:
"These are 2 shows that require full price tickets and there are so many other GOOD to GREAT shows playing with discounted seats."
What ones do you suggest if we do throw in another show through TKTS?

starrs

http://www.playbill.com/news/article...oadway-History

04 Jan 2011

The Broadway production of the international hit musical Wicked grossed $2,228,235 for the week ending Jan. 2. The total was not only a new house record at the Gershwin Theatre but also the highest gross for a week of performances in Broadway history.

Wicked's two North American touring productions also broke box-office records in Chicago ($1,726,476) and Indianapolis ($1,597,732), bringing the musical's one-week North American box-office gross to $5,552,443.

http://theandygram.com/Broadway-Pres...n-History.html


The musical, which was called “the defining musical of the decade” by The New York Times, currently has 7 productions: New York, London, Osaka (Japan), Oberhausen (Germany), and two concurrent North American National Tours, and an Australian tour. WICKED has amassed over $2.1 billion globally in ticket sales and has been seen by over 26 million people worldwide in its 7-year history.

Winner of 35 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, WICKED is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman.

starrs

"their friends at school (and in their drama program at school) talk about it as if it were the greatest show ever. I am sure that it is very good but it is definitely about the "peer pressure" to say that you have seen it to some degree."

You've answered your own question. I doubt they will be happy with subs - even (especially?) Mary Poppins and Blue Man Group.

Wicked is still selling out (99.9% and 100%) during it's 8th year on Broadway. That's 8 years in which there has been an almost continuous national tour (now 2) and long term engagements in major cities. There's little sign it is slowing down. The Broadway experts may be familiar with another show that successful on Broadway for multiple years - with continual sell-outs - but I don't know of another.

I think your daughters will be disappointed with another show. Of course, that might be a moot point if you didn't buy the tickets, but IMO there's no way Mary Poppins or Blue Man Group will be a satisfactory sub - given what you've said about the "peer pressure". I'm not sure it's peer pressure but just buzz from their friends about a show that they love. I agree with Variety in that it is a "Cultural Phenomenon". I was hoping that the sales would have dropped off by now so they can start with the movie. Now Idina Menzel is too old to play Elphaba in the movie - and if Wicked keeps going this strong, Lea Michele may be too.

If your girls like Glee and their friends loved Wicked, you should take them to Wicked - IMO.

signed,
A grown women who really loves the show and has seen it too many times to tell you with folks from their teens to 60s

ps - I was bored by Lion King. I really wanted to see it for the puppetry after hearing so much about it when it first opened. The staging was impressive, but the show? Not so much.