Broadway tickets

[Marlfox]

I'm going to be in NYC from 1 July to 15 September and hope to binge on Broadway and off Broadway shows. I have a few questions which I hope someone can help me with.

 

I've been told that a lot of theatres go dark at that time of the year to give casts a chance to take a vacation. Is that true or not?

 

What's the best internet site for finding out what's on. Googling seems to bring up ticket selling sites.

 

Speaking of ticket sellers, which one is best for access to tickets and reasonable fees.

 

And finally, as I'm going to be alone, what are my chances of getting a single at the last moment, directly from the theatre?

 

Thanks in advance. I can't tell you how excited I am at the prospect of spending a reasonable amount of time in New York.

[RyanDean]

Marlfox!

I suspect you'll have plenty of theatre to binge on this summer.

 

I'll be interested to hear what others recommend as to reliable listings.

But in terms of tickets there are a number of ways to access reasonably discounted tickets. The TKTS booth (or, if you qualify, a TDF Membership) can be a great resource. And I also really like TodayTix (smartphone or tablet required I think). Playbill.com and TheatreMania.com often offer good discounts as well. And though the offerings vary widely, AudienceExtras might be worth your while, perhaps to fill in the gaps in your schedule.

[Cestmoi]

Marlfox,

I am unaware of theaters going dark for vacation. Most theaters want to get as many shows in during the summer because it's when the tourists are in town.

As for places to look, Broadway.com has a user friendly interface that allows you to look at dates in advance so you can see when a show is.

Also, I've had pretty decent luck at some theaters looking for one single rush ticket shortly before curtain. Not all of them, but some. Depends on the theater and how popular the show is. (So don't even try for HAMILTON.

[body2body]

Marlfox, I often go to New York during the summer, and there is always a lot to see. Sometimes shows that are critical successes, but not doing great box office will be kept open until the Tony awards ( in June ) in hopes that winning an award will give ticket sales a boost. If the show doesn't pick up any awards it will close quickly. There will still be lots to see. I have gone to the box office on the day of the performance and got great seats for performances that were ostensibly sold out. Just remember you won't get any discount on these seats.

I always get the Sunday New York Times to get an overview of what's going on. Beyond the theater, there are great concerts, and the Mostly Mozart Festival will be in full swing at Lincoln Center while you are there. Have a great trip!

[Marlfox]

Thanks Ryan,Cestmoi and B2B for your advice. I've downloaded the TodayTix and Broadway.com apps, both of which look good. I'm relieved to hear that the theatres aren't going to be dark while I'm there. I had already accepted that Hamilton was not going to happen . And I'll definitely get the Sunday Times.

[Cooper]

Thanks Ryan,Cestmoi and B2B for your advice. I had already accepted that Hamilton was not going to happen .

 

Hi Marlfox, You've received some good advice about purchasing Broadway tickets. I usually purchase mine at TKTS, (for day of shows) or, you can find better deals on TDF, (a membership site), and purchase in advance. If you're going to be in NYC for 2 months, I'd suggest joining, it's just $20..... Discounts at TKTS usually run about 50% off the price of the available shows. Lines at the TKTS Times Square booth during the summer months can be long but it's definitely worth the wait. And, yes, getting a single ticket can be an advantage. An APP I use to keep me updated on what shows are available is called: "TKTS".

 

As for "Hamilton", don't write it off. Yes, if you went to the box office to purchase a seat, you probably couldn't get one till the winter of 2016-17. However, there are other ways. The box office has a lottery, everyday, about 20 tickets are given away free, you can do this on-line or just ask at the box office. Also, there's a cancellation line for day of. The day I went, (Wednesday matinee in the winter) everyone waiting on that line got in. Problem here is, you don't find out till 10 minutes before the show...Finally, there's the center orchestra seats called "premium seats" at $475, yes, expensive but easy to get for any day you want to go . Hamilton, IMO, is the best musical currently on Broadway and you just might want to treat yourself to see this outstanding show. Hey, it's a lot cheaper than hiring an escort for an over-night.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, just ask. There are members here always willing to help.

 

Enjoy your summer in NYC. Keep us posted on what shows you see.

 

Coop

[+ WilliamM]

I've been told that a lot of theatres go dark at that time of the year to give casts a chance to take a vacation. Is that true or not?

 

Yes, It was true many years ago before air conditioning, but not anymore.

[Marlfox]

Thanks Cooper and William. I was pretty confident I would get good advice and I have. I'll certainly look into joining TDF. I'm sure I'll have other questions, but I'll try not to become a pest

[edjames]

Broadway stars do not take vacations! (LOL) If their names appear above title, you can rest assured the producers aren't giving them any time off ( a major exception has been Lupita Longo now appearing in Eclipsed. She has missed several performances due to prior commitments) Some stars are in shows for limited runs, for example, Jennifer Hudson is leaving The Color Purple next month and will be replaced by Heather Headley. However, the good news is that lead actress Cynthia Errivo will remain and she is certainly worth seeing. Kelli O'Hara has left The King and I after playing the lead for about 1 year. She has been replaced by Marrin Mazzie.

 

You can check Playbill.com, Broadway.com or Theatermania.com for complete show listings, and ticket information, as well, as coupon codes for discounts..

 

Day of performance tickets are available but beware. Hit shows, such as Hamilton, Wicked, Lion King, the Book of Mormon, Alladdin, Jersey Boys, and Kinky Boots have very, very limited availability and as Cooper mentioned may only offer Premium Seating ($$$$!). However, its not a bad idea to check the box office on the day of performance. Hamilton's website (http://www.hamiltonbroadway.com ) has info on the daily show lottery and instructions on how to enter.

 

The best source of tickets is the TKTS booth on Broadway and 47th St. Check the TDF website ( https://tdf.org ) or more info. Discounted seats are available thru the TKTS booth for most major productions on and off-Broadway for the night of performance. On Mondays through Saturdays you can purchase same-day Broadway tickets for evening performances between 3PM and 8PM. On Wednesdays and Saturdays you can buy tickets for matinee performances between 10AM and 2PM.

On Sundays, the ticket booth sells matinee tickets from 11AM to 3PM and tickets for evening performances are sold from 3PM until closing.

Get there early, during peak tourist season the line is very, very long. Nothing is more tedious than standing out there on a hot/humid day inhaling exhaust fumes from the passing trucks and tourist buses.

TDF is a membership site for the following:

• Full-time students (high school or above)
  
• Full-time teachers (primary or junior high school faculty, high school faculty, university or college faculty, teachers of drama/dance/music)
  
• Recent graduates (26 years of age and under)
  
• Full-time union members
  
• Retirees (no longer working and at least 62 years of age or older)
  
• Full-time civil service employees
  
• Full-time staff members of not-for-profit organizations
  
• Full-time non-exempt employees (full-time hourly workers - 40 hours a week - who are eligible for overtime pay)
  
• Full-time performing arts professionals
  
• Members of the armed forces
  
• Freelancers
  
• Full-time clergy
  

They offer tickets to major productions for Broadway, Off-Broadway, off-Off Broadway, Dance, Classical and Music productions. The tdf website has more info.

 

Good luck and enjoy your time in NYC.

[Marlfox]

Ed, thanks for going to the trouble of writing your post. It must have taken ages and I really appreciate it. I went to the TDF site and am probably not eligible to join. I'll have another look when I get there as I will then have a NY address to give them.

 

I will be staying in West 42nd Street, so won't be far from the TKTS booth.

 

Your comments about the leads changing was interesting. I was in NY for 10 days last year and saw Kelli O'Hara in the King and I. She was terrific and I was planning to see the show again this year. Now I can direct my dollars somewhere else.

[+ WilliamM]

Broadway stars do not take vacations! (LOL) If their names appear above title, you can rest assured the producers aren't giving them any time off

 

Julie Andrews took a relatively long vacation from "Victor/Victoria." Liza Minnelli replaced her. Ethel Merman's "Gypsy" was closed for several weeks in the summer of 1960, for a vacation when the musical moved to another theater. In addition, major stars often have clauses in there contracts about being allowed to miss performance for special events like high school graduations or college graduations and similar special events. The above are just some examples of many examples.

 

And sometimes, during a long run, vacations are negotiated for stars in return for signing to remain with the show.

[jimboivyo]

let's not forget when Gwen Verdon took sick from Chicago and Minnelli took over the role of Roxie Hart

 

I saw one of those performances. electric!

[Madmen622]

also - check Broadway Box.com for theatre discounts.

[+ WilliamM]

http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/discount-tickets/

 

In my experience Theatermania is about equal to Broadway Box

 

Thanks @Madmen622. Important subject.:)

[Madmen622]

http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/discount-tickets/

 

In my experience Theatermania is about equal to Broadway Box

 

Thanks @Madmen622. Important subject.:)

Yes - i think they both summarize offers that are available.