# I had forgotten how breathtaking a Broadway show is! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 30, 2009, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248 "2009-03-30T02:08:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/1 "2009-03-30T02:08:46Z")
I gave my wife (and me) tickets to [Mamma Mia!](http://www.mamma-mia.com/) on Broadway for her birthday, and the show was today. Though we live so close and could go all of the time, I haven’t been to a Broadway show in almost twenty years, and I never took her to one. I was especially happy to see that they still have a live orchestra stashed under the stage playing the music (apparently they had to [fight to stay](http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/05/theater/showdown-over-orchestra-size-looms-on-broadway.html?n=Top%2FReference%2FTimes%20Topics%2FSubjects%2FL%2FLabor)). If any Dopers from outside the NY area ever pass through, make sure you see one show. If you don’t have a particular one in mind, save yourself a load of $$$ and go to the [TKTS booth](http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56) in Times Square and see what shows have half-price tickets available that day. Everyone should see a Broadway show once in their life 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/2 "2009-03-30T03:57:18Z")
You should go see a lot more too. When I lived up the road from you in Pennington, we’d go all the time. Broadway so beats regional theater. Don’t stop at musicals. We saw **Breaking the Code** with Derek Jacobi as Alan Turing, and sitting just a few rows back from such a great actor was a fine experience. Where did you sit? If you can afford it, every so often splurge for seats up front. It’s a much better experience. Anyhow, congrats on your first show. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Superhero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Superhero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Superhero)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/3 "2009-03-30T04:20:36Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > If any Dopers from outside the NY area ever pass through, make sure you see one show. If you don’t have a particular one in mind, save yourself a load of $$$ and go to the [TKTS booth](http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56) in Times Square and see what shows have half-price tickets available that day. > > Everyone should see a Broadway show once in their life 🙂 Yes, the TKTS booth (I think there’s another somewhere downtown, maybe South Street Seaport area?) is a lifesaver. **Mlerose** and I got a great deal back in January on tickets for “Gypsy” from TKTS. Wound up in the second row - pretty far SL, but still fantastic seats. Watching Patti Lupone belting out “Rose’s Turn” from ten feet away was pretty mind-blowing. ---
**Author:** ![Cyberhwk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7993a0/32.png) [@Cyberhwk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyberhwk)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/4 "2009-03-30T04:23:21Z")
[Did the animals appear?](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWhSJK3M3nc) ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/5 "2009-03-30T14:08:46Z")
Thanks for the link! We will be going to New York in a couple of weeks and are planning to see a show, but we haven’t been able to decide on one. I don’t care, as long as it’s a musical. I actually knew about those booths, but had forgotten… ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/6 "2009-03-30T14:11:41Z")
The best new musical on Broadway right now is Billy Elliot. If you get a chance see it. It’s worth paying full price. West Side Story is now in a revival, but the Puerto Rican singers are singing in Spanish. It’s good. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/7 "2009-03-30T14:33:02Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > The best new musical on Broadway right now is Billy Elliot. If you get a chance see it. It’s worth paying full price. Billy Elliot is new to NYC? I’ve heard the cast recording from the West End production but thought it had already been to Broadway at that point. I agree, though, just from the cast recording, that it’s probably worth paying full price to see (we live in Lancaster, PA, which is just a _tetch_ too far to go unless we have other business in NYC). Although I’d probably be escorted out for singing along at the top of my lungs to “Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher”… ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/8 "2009-03-30T14:37:07Z")
Billy Elliot opened this season. A best bet for the Tonys. I’ve actually had someone ask me in all seriousness how seeing a show on Broadway was any different from seeing the movie. I just stared at them totally duumbfounded. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/9 "2009-03-30T15:44:54Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > If any Dopers from outside the NY area ever pass through, make sure you see one show. If you don’t have a particular one in mind, save yourself a load of $$$ and go to the [TKTS booth](http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56) in Times Square and see what shows have half-price tickets available that day. Questions about this: Would you have many choices? I see the list of shows from the past week, and there’s some good stuff there, but are there only one or two available each day? Also, would we have any trouble getting two seats together? ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/10 "2009-03-30T16:15:40Z")
I’m certain that others can give better answers about TKTS, since the last time I bought tickets there _was_ 20 years ago. But, IIRC, you go there, stand in line, and when you get to the front you can see what’s available and make your choice. When we walked through Times Square yesterday I noticed there is a big display board near the booth that had the day’s available shows and the prices on it, though I can’t vouch for whether or not that was really what you would pay when you got to the front of the line. It’s very likely you will be able to get seats together, and you definitely won’t mistakenly get seats that aren’t. The sellers know precisely where each seat is and there are maps of each layout. Everyone wants seats together, so they should at least be able to answer the question. Your best bet is to go there with a short list of shows you want to see and hope for the best. Keep in mind that you probably won’t get tickets to the latest hit show. I did note that **Mamma Mia!** was on the TKTS list, for much less than I paid, but I had bought the tickets online in advance of her birthday and there seems to be about four layers of middlemen taking their cut with online purchases. Anyone have advice for online purchases? I have a low opinion of that process right now and am planning on rolling the dice with TKTS next time. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/11 "2009-03-30T17:49:32Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Questions about this: Would you have many choices? I see the list of shows from the past week, and there’s some good stuff there, but are there only one or two available each day? Also, would we have any trouble getting two seats together? They’ve upgraded TKTS a lot. I think they even take credit cards now. You are not going to be able to get tickets to all shows, (I think some companies don’t work with them) but there is usually a pretty big selection. The best thing to do is to come early and have a long list of shows you wouldn’t mind seeing. They sell Off-Broadway tickets also, I believe. I’ve never had a problem getting two seats together. If the show is that sold out, it is unlikely to have tickets available at the booth. If your heart is set on only one show, though, you may be disappointed. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/12 "2009-03-30T17:57:55Z")
I haven’t been to Broadway in about 8 or 9 years. Last time I was there I saw Le Miz. I enjoy going, but not enough to make the drive from southern PA. I may take in a show in London in a few weeks, if I can. (I have business there mid-April) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Superhero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Superhero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Superhero)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/13 "2009-03-30T17:58:48Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Questions about this: Would you have many choices? I see the list of shows from the past week, and there’s some good stuff there, but are there only one or two available each day? Also, would we have any trouble getting two seats together? TKTS works pretty much as minor7flat5 describes - when we were there back in January, we had ~20 or 25 options for a Saturday matinee, mixed choices of Broadway and Off-Broadway, musicals and plays. Here’s the [website](http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56) with all the info you’ll need. I think that if there’s something they’ve got that you’ve got your heart set on seeing, you could get scattered singles if they don’t have two together. Otherwise, the people working at the booth understand that when you say “Two for ‘Phantom’,” you mean you want two seats together and will get you that if at all possible. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/14 "2009-03-30T17:59:04Z")
Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/15 "2009-03-30T23:19:49Z")
We went into the city just yesterday and picked up tickets for **Mary Poppins** at TKTS. It was far better than I expected, they did a marvelous job of adapting the stories to the stage. And it had some totally apropriate wire work. (I looked at my younger daughter and said “Do you know what this show needs to be perfect? More gears, goggles, and ray guns.”) Spring has come to New York. The Naked Cowboy was performing. We saw **Mama Mia** back in January, and **Chicago** last fall. Yes, we do use TKTS – it is the only way I could afford my older daughter being a theatre geek. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/16 "2009-04-28T18:09:14Z")
We took our trip to Manhattan last week and used the TKTS booth to get tickets for Guys and Dolls at half price ($69 per ticket)! The seats were great, the show was wonderful…heck, we even enjoyed standing in line in Times Square. Thanks, y’all! ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/17 "2009-04-28T19:02:58Z")
Tell me about Oliver Platt, please. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/18 "2009-04-28T19:58:21Z")
He does the singing and the dancing such as I have never seen before, as well as making with the comedy more than somewhat. However, I cannot say that he is being so easy on the eyes as Craig Bierko. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/19 "2009-04-28T20:08:49Z")
I see what you did there. ---
**Author:** ![Rachael\_Rage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71c47a/32.png) [@Rachael\_Rage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachael_Rage)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2009, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-how-breathtaking-a-broadway-show-is/491248/20 "2009-04-29T15:05:53Z")
If you’re a twitter-er, you can follow (or just look up) [@tdfnyc](http://twitter.com/TDFNYC). They frequently post highlights of the shows featured at the TKTS booth that day, plus other noteworthy Broadway news. But of course this is a short list; the only way that I know of to see all shows is to go to TKTS itself, especially because theaters can offer tickets at the last minute even after the booth opens. And, yes, TKTS takes credit cards now. If you want to plan ahead, IIRC the South Street Seaport TKTS will sell matinee tickets the day before. Other good sources for discounts are [Goldstar.com](http://Goldstar.com), which usually posts half-price (sometimes free!) tickets for a minimal per-ticket fee and you can buy in advance. You can also read and post user reviews of the shows and the theaters. [Broadwaybox.com](http://Broadwaybox.com) is a clearinghouse for discount codes - “in the know” people go there a lot to find discounts that might not be widely publicized. Ticket fees, especially online, are just part of the game. You pay for being able to order tickets in your pajamas rather than hoofing it to the box office. In most cases you can buy in person at the box office and avoid all fees (which can be a huge savings in some cases) but if you’re out of town and buying in advance, I’m afraid you’re stuck with it, especially for popular shows. But keep in mind that despite the hype, it takes a LOT of people to sell out a Broadway show. In all but a few of the hottest shows, especially for a matinee or weeknight, it’s worth going directly to the box office to see if you get lucky. You might score a bargain, and because they often hold some of the best seats until the last moment (in case Mick Jagger wants to come see the show or something), you might get an amazing seat. And don’t be shy - try out an Off-Broadway show! Many of them are excellent and feature well-known actors, they just can’t afford the bazillion $ marketing campaigns. And remember, a lot of big Broadway shows started Off-Broadway (_In the Heights_, notably). I will never forget seeing _Avenue Q_ at the intimate Vineyard Theater. I saw the Broadway version twice, but I always thought the Off-Broadway production had more charm. And at half price, Off-Broadway tickets can be had for around $20-$30, not a bad bet!