RUSH/LOTTO/SRO Broadway Ticket Opportunities
[last updated April 13, 2009]
STUDENT RUSH
33 Variations – play – Eugene O’Neill Theatre
230 West 49th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$30. Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance 2 hours prior to showtime. Limit 1 ticket per valid ID. Subject to availability.
39 Steps – play – Helen Hayes Theatre
240 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50. Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance. Limit 2 per valid ID. Cash only. Subject to availability.
American Plan – play – Biltmore Theatre
261 West 47th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue
Student rush tickets are available at the box office at the day of the performance. 2 tickets per ID. $26.5 per ticket. Credit Cards accepted.
August: Osage County – play – Music Box Theatre
239 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
Student Rush: $29.50. Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance. Limit 1 ticket per valid ID - Subject to availability!
Senior Rush: $46.50. Available at the Box Office only for Tuesdays Wednesday matinees and evenings and Thursdays. Available 2 hours before curtain. Must be 62 or older. 2 tickets per valid ID.
Billy Elliot – musical – Imperial Theatre
249 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$41.50. Available at the Box Office only for performances. Tuesday – Thursday, 2 hours prior to the performance. Limit 2 tickets per valid ID. Subject to availability. Partial View.
Blithe Spirit – play – Shubert Theatre
225 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50. Available at the Box Office only. Two hours prior to the performance. Limit 2 tickets per valid ID - Subject to availability.
Desire Under the Elms – play – St. James Theatre
246 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$27.00. Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance when the box office opens. Cash only. Limit 2 ticket per valid ID - Subject to availability.
Exit the King – play – Barrymore Theatre
243 West 47th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50. Available at the Box Office only. Limit 2 tickets per valid ID. Approximately 19 front row seats sold on day of performance when the box office opens. When all front row tickets have been sold, an additional student rush begins two hours prior to performance. These tickets are based upon availability. Note that, once all front row seats have been sold, student-priced ticket sales will not resume until two hours before curtain. Cash only.
Guys and Dolls – musical – Nederlander Theatre
208 West 41st Street (Between 7th and 8th Avenues)
$26.50. Available on the day of the performance when the box office opens. Subject to availability. Limit 2 per valid ID. Seats may be partial view.
Hedda Gabler – play - American Airlines Theatre
227 West 42nd Street (Between 7th and 8th Avenues)
Limited number of half-price seats sold at half hour before curtain. Subject to availability. Limit 1 per valid ID.
Hiptix: $21.50. Roundabout's Hiptix program allows registered patrons between ages 18 and 35 to purchase 1 ticket per production at this price. Free registration is required. Ticket may be purchased in advance as availability dictates. Info at: http://hiptix.com/
Impressionism – play – Schoenfeld Theatre
236 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$29.50. Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance. Limit 1 ticket per vaild ID. Subject to availability.
Irena’s Vow – play – Walter Kerr Theatre
219 West 48th Street (Between Broadway & 8th Avenue)
A limited number of front row tickets will be available for purchase at the box office of the Walter Kerr Theatre (219 West 48th Street) for $25.00. Tickets are available the day of the performance when the box office opens and will require a valid student I.D. (2 tickets per I.D., cash only).
Little Mermaid – musical – Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 West 46th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$30 - sold on the day of performance when the box office opens. Subject to availability. Only available to college/university students. Limit 1 ticket per valid ID.
Mary Poppins – musical - New Amsterdam Theatre
214 West 42nd Street (Between 7th and 8th Avenue)
$30 - sold on the day of performance when the box office opens. Subject to availability. Only available to college/university students. Limit 1 ticket per valid ID.
Mary Stuart – play – Broadhurst Theatre
235 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
Student Rush: $29.50 - Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance - Limit 2 per valid ID - Subject to availability.
reasons to be pretty - play - Lyceum Theatre
149 West 45th Street
Student Rush: $26.50 - available at the box office two hour prior to the performance. Subject to availability. Limit 2 per valid ID.
Shrek – musical – Broadway Theatre
1681 Broadway at 53rd Street
$36.50. Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance. Limit 1 ticket per valid ID - Subject to availability.
South Pacific – musical - Vivian Beaumont Theatre
150 West 65th Street (Between Broadway and Amsterdam)
$20.00 - available at the box office beginning two hours prior to a performance. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances only. Only available to college/university students. Limit 1 per valid ID. Subject to availability. Credit cards accepted.
Waiting for Godot - play - Studio 54
254 West 54th Street
Limited number of half-price seats sold at half hour before curtain. Subject to availability. Limit 1 per valid ID.
Hiptix: $21.50 - Roundabout's Hiptix program allows registered patrons between ages 18 and 35 to purchase 1 pair of tickets per production at this price. Free registration is required. Ticket may be purchased in advance as availability dictates. Info at: http://hiptix.com/
The Fantasticks – musical – Snapple Theater
210 West 50th Street
$31 student tickets available at the box office with the presentation of valid student ID. Limit 2 tickets. Subject to availability.
Perfect Crime – play – Snapple Theater
210 West 50th Street
$26 student tickets available at the box office with the presentation of valid student ID. Limit 2 tickets. Subject to availability.
Rooms – musical – New World Stages/Stage 2
340 West 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
$20 student rush tickets available at the New World Stages Box Office (340 West 50th St) ONLY, two (2) hours prior to the performance. There is limit of two (2) tickets per valid ID and only CASH is accepted. This offer is subject to availability.
GENERAL RUSH
9 to 5 - musical - Marquis Theatre
1535 Broadway
General Rush: $36.50 - tickets available at the box office, 90 minutes prior to curtain. Limit 2 per customer. Seats are located side orchestra with partial view. Subject to availability and discretion of management. [Usually 35 tickets for each performance].
Chicago – musical – Ambassador Theatre
215 West 49th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$31.50 tickets available @ the Box Office only - when the box office opens - limit 2 per customer - Not available for Saturday evenings - Subject to availability.
Hedda Gabler – play - American Airlines Theatre
227 West 42nd Street (Between 7th and 8th Avenues)
$26.50 - limited number of tickets sold on the day of the performance when the box office opens. Subject to availability. Limit 2 per person.
Next to Normal - musical - Booth Theatre
222 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$25.00 - Available at the Box Office only on the day of the performance - Subject to availability.
Fuerza Bruta: Look Up – event – Daryl Roth Theatre
Rush Tickets: There will be limited number of Rush Tickets sold at the box office 2 hours prior to each showtime at $25.00 each. CASH ONLY. Limit 2 per person - Subject to availability.
Waiting for Godot - play - Studio 54
254 West 54th Street
General Rush: $26.50 - limited number of tickets sold on the day of the performance when the box office opens. Subject to availability. Limit 2 per person.
LOTTERY
Avenue Q – musical – Golden Theatre
252 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
"Popular" Tickets: 12 tickets will be sold at $21.50 each at a specified time prior to each performance. Tickets are cash only. A card will be provided, on which you will have to print your name and the number of tickets you would like if your name is chosen. Limit of 1 card per person and two tickets per card. The drawings take place as follows: 6 PM for weekday and Saturday evening shows, 12 noon for the Saturday matinee, 12:30 PM for the Sunday matinee, and 5:30 PM for Sunday evening. Cards are available starting 30 minutes prior to each drawing.
Hair – musical – Al Hirschfeld Theatre
302 West 45th Street (Between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Those wishing to purchase these tickets are asked to show up at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre 2 1/2 hours before each performance for a drawing that will take place 2 hours before curtain. For each performance, a limited number of lucky audience members will receive $25 "be-in box" tickets. Limit one entry per person, and two tickets per entry. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased from the box office in cash only.
In the Heights – musical – Richard Rodgers Theatre
226 West 46th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
Names are taken 2.5 hours before curtain, names are drawn 2 hours before curtain, with the exception of Sunday shows- on Sunday a 2pm show starts taking names at 12noon to draw at 12:30, and a 7pm show starts taking names at 5pm to draw at 5:30. 22 front row lotto seats, $26.50, cash only.
Depending on how well the show is sold out the box office may offer discounted price partial-view orch seats after lottery.
Rock of Ages - musical - Brooks Atkinson Theatre
256 West 47th Street
Lottery Rush: $26.50 - each performance day a limited number of tickets will be available via lottery. For 8 PM shows: signup at 6 PM, lottery held at 6:30, ticket pickup at 6:45. For 7 PM shows: signup at 5 PM, lottery held at 5:30, ticket pickup at 5:45. For 2 PM matinees: signup at 12 noon, lottery held at 12:30, ticket pickup at 12:45.
Shrek – musical – Broadway Theatre
1681 Broadway at 53rd Street
$26.50* - a set number of seats for each performance, sold via a lottery system at M&M's World New York at 1600 Broadway. Each person will print their name and the number of tickets (1 or 2) he/she wishes to purchase on a card that is provided. On two performance days, cards will be available for either the matinee or the evening as determined in Producer's sole discretion. Only one card is allowed per person, per day. Cards are checked for duplication prior to the drawing. For all performances, cards will be distributed between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, or while supplies last, whichever comes sooner, for a 10:00 AM drawing. All drawing winners will receive a voucher to purchase the 1 or 2 tickets requested, which voucher must be used by 12:00 PM the same day at The Broadway Theatre box office (1681 Broadway, between West 52nd and 53rd Streets) to purchase the actual tickets. Voucher entitles the holder to purchase a ticket for $26.50. Picture ID is required to redeem voucher. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing to receive voucher. Drawing and vouchers subject to cancellation of the performance. Rules subject to change. Seat location subject to discretion of the box office. Subject to availability.
West Side Story – musical – Palace Theatre
$26.50 - limited number of front-row seats sold via lottery system. Entries accepted at box office beginning two and half hours prior to each performance. Names will be drawn at random two hours prior to curtain time. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Limit one entry per person, and two tickets per winner. Cash only.
Wicked – musical – Gershwin Theatre
1564 Broadway (Between 46th and 47th Streets)
Each day, two hours prior to show time (11:30 AM for 2 PM matinees; 12:30 PM for 3 PM matinees; 4:30 PM for 7 PM performances; 5:30 PM for 8 PM performances), people who present themselves at the Gershwin Theatre box office will have their names placed in a hat. Thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for 28 front-row seats at $26.50 each. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of 2 tickets per person, cash only. Photo-ID.
STANDING ROOM ONLY (SRO)
August: Osage County - play – Music Box Theatre
239 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$29.50 - Available at the Box Office only - only available when the performance is sold out.
Blithe Spirit – play – Shubert Theatre
225 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$21.50 - Available at the Box Office only - only available when the performance is sold out.
Chicago – musical – Ambassador Theatre
215 West 49th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50, available at the Box Office, day of performance only when the performance is sold out.
Desire Under the Elms – play – St. James Theatre
246 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$27.00 - Available at the Box Office only - Only sold when the performance is sold out.
God of Carnage – play – Jacobs Theatre
242 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50 - Available at the Box Office only - Only sold if the performance is sold out.
Hair – musical – Al Hirschfeld Theatre
302 West 45th Street (Between 8th and 9th Avenues)
$22.00 - Available at the Box Office on the day of the performance - Only available if the performance is sold out.
Impressionism – play – Schoenfeld Theatre
236 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50 - Available at the Box Office only - Only sold when the performance is sold out.
Jersey Boys – musical – August Wilson Theatre
245 West 52nd Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$27 - available at the Box Office only - two hour prior to the performance. Only available when the performance is sold out. Limit 1 per person - Cash only!
Little Mermaid – musical – Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 West 46th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50 - available at the box office on the day of the performance only when the show is sold out. There are 12 standing room positions. Credit cards accepted.
Mamma Mia - musical – Cadillac Winter Garden Theatre
1634 Broadway (Between West 50th and 51st Streets)
$21.50. At the box office day of the performance ONLY if the performance is sold out. Go on sale two hours prior to curtain - Limit 2 limit per person!
Mary Poppins – musical - New Amsterdam Theatre
214 West 42nd Street (Between 7th and 8th Avenue)
$20 - available at the box office only on the day of the performance - only available when the performance is sold out. There are 16 standing room positions. Credit cards accepted.
Mary Stuart – play – Broadhurst Theatre
235 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
$26.50 - Available at the Box Office only - Only sold if the performance is sold out.
Phantom of Opera – musical – Majestic Theatre
245 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
There are $26.50 tickets available at the Box Office only, when the performance is sold out. They are sold in advance or same day, if available. There are only 28 standing room positions.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
NYC Theater Deals! High prices need not apply.
I am a giant theater buff, so I'm starting my blog off with what I call:
Jen's Guide to Hardly Ever Paying Full Price For Theater Tickets.
I work in higher education administration, which as many of you may know, isn't a get quick field. A friend and I (also employed in education) take about 2 trips a year to NYC for 4-5, stay in a hotel, and see as many theater shows as we can possibly cram in. We also get great deals on our hotel and travel, but that's for another post. We're talking theater (or theatre for purists).
I've seen a lot of shows for someone that doesn't live in NYC. My most expensive ticket? $71.50 center orchestra two years ago to see Curtains (in previews with David Hyde Pierce). Keep in mind that top ticket price these days is between $111.50 and $136.50!
You might be saying...but what about almost-always-sold-out shows? Nope, there are ways to save on your budget for those, too. The time of year can also pay an important part in whether or not you get a bargain. I've found the best Broadway deals in Jan-Feb and Sept-Oct.
Of course, there are some options out there that won't work for everyone, but 9 times out of 10, I can find a deal for you.
(1)
Be a student or make friends with one. There are several shows out there that offer a Student Rush option, day of. Sometimes it is when the box office opens; sometimes it is two hours before show. When I say make friends with someone with a student ID is because I've found several student rushes allow the purchase of two extremely discounted tickets per ID.
Now, prepare not to be a seat snob. These seat locations can vary, but no matter where you sit, you're getting a huge bargain. Price per ticket depends on the show, but the most I paid was $41.50 for a ticket to Billy Elliot (worth every dime!). Usually Student ticket prices run in $20-$35 range.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows currently doing Student Rush.
(2)
Get up early for a General Rush. You need not be a student here. This option isn't available as ofte, but a couple of shows do offer it (Chicago is one). If you are willing to get your butt up and into the city before box office open (usually 10 AM weekdays and Sat, 12 Noon on Sun, but always double check), a bargain can be had! Again, no being a seat snob here, but many general rushes are decent seats. When I saw Chicago a few years ago with the General Rush, I got front row seats. Also check to see if a General Rush is 1 or 2 tickets per ID. Prices vary, but usually in the $20-$35 dollar range.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows currently doing General Rush.
(3)
Lottos! It is the new craze, I tell ya. No age restrictions, no need to get up for box office open (expect with Shrek). Basically shows that have a lottery set aside a certain amount of tickets (usually in the front row, but location can vary) for each performance. At a set time before show (depends, but often 2 hours before) you can write your name on a slip of paper, ask for 1 or 2 tickets and place it into a drum. Names will then be pulled from said drum and the lucky winners win the opportunity to purchase seats at an extreme discount, usually around $26.50.
As with any lottery, its the luck of the draw. But the nice thing about this is the near-sold-out shows tend to have one, so if you're lucky you could end up with $26.50 ticket to Wicked. I'm not usually the lucky one myself, but I've been with friends that are and since you can get two tickets per name, I've reaped the benefits.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows currently doing Ticket Lotteries.
(4)
TKTS is your friend! TKTS is run by the Theater Development Fund (awesome group) and maintains three booths: One in Times Square, one in South Street Seaport, and one in Downtown Brooklyn.
The Times Square Booth sells day-of-performance tickets only.
The South Street Seaport Booth sells evening tickets on the day of performance and matinee tickets the day before.
The Downtown Brooklyn Booth sells evening tickets on the day of performance, matinee tickets the day before, and tickets to local Brooklyn performing arts events.
None of these tickets are full price. Most are 50% off, some 20%-40% off. There is a 4.00 per ticket surcharge to cover TKTS running costs, but you get a bargain! Show availablity changes daily and the booth has both Broadway and Off-Broadway show available. There are brightly light boards available listing the shows available that day and at what percentage discount they are being sold.
It is great if you have a few shows in mind or are unsure of what show you want to see. By the booth are some very friendly folks working that can make recommendations or fill in the blanks on the details about a show you're unfamiliar with. I've seen some fantastic stuff based on their recommendations.
Please note that sold-out shows and almost sold out shows are NOT on TKTS.
[March 18, 2009] This includes Wicked, Lion King, In the Heights, Billy Elliot, and Jersey Boys. (I believe West Side Story isn't there as well, but double checking my research before I 100% confirm).
Some hard and fast tips for TKTS.
- There are long lines, especially at the Times Square Booth. But it moves quickly!
- And yes, they do take credit cards now. But have a card or cash in hand and ready when you get to the window.
- Have a back-up in case your first-choice show sells out by the time you get the window. Hell, I say have two back-ups.
- If it isn't on the board, they are NOT selling it. (See above note).
- They usually will tell you seat location before purchase and it can vary. What I said about being a seat snob above? Yep, take that advice with you to the window. But I have gotten some nice seats at TKTS, and some so-so. They will warn you if they are partial seats and if the tickets are not together.
- Curious as to what has been up and at what discount? Try looking at http://www.entertainment-link.com/tkts.asp.
(5)
Online discount codes! They are available for many shows and vary from 20% to close 50% discounts, depending on the time of year. Jan-Feb and Sept-Oct, for example are ripe for good discount codes. This codes can be plugged into Ticketmaster, Telecharge, or the like. And if you want to save the service fees you can print out the code and bring it directly to the box office for purchase. This option is the best for seat snobs as you will be able to see your seat location (and if at the box office, be very selective).
Now where can these codes be found? Well, in various places:
- http://broadwaybox.com [I find them to have the best selection of discount codes]
- http://playbill.com [requires registration, but it's free and easy]
- http://nytix.com [some codes are free, other require membership, but it’s only $4 a month]
- http://theatermania.com [requires registration, but it's free and easy]
- http://hitshowclub.com [requires registration, but it's free and easy, also have some other great tourist discounts]
- http://givenik.com/ [Get a discount and 5% of your purchase goes to your favorite charity]
(6)
Standing room! Wiling to stand for a performance? Well, if so, bargains can be had. This is a great way to see a well-selling show like Jersey Boys or In the Heights at a fraction of the cost of an orchestra seat. Standing room location varies, but it most often at the back of the orchestra, directly behind the last room. You often have a railing to lean on and the advantage of standing means no heads in your way! Standing room only tickets, also noted as SRO, range from $20-$30, and all available when the performance is sold out (or very close to it). Saturday evening/heavy tourist season is a the best time to shows sold enough to open up standing room.
Be warned: some SRO in certain theaters has high railings, which can be a pain if you are petite (the Lunt-Fontanne Theater, for example). Don’t be afraid to ask about height issues when purchasing your SRO tickets.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows that currently have SRO ticket options.
(7)
Work for a non-profit, be a student or teacher or clergy, or know someone that is! Why you ask? Because all the above qualify to be members of TDF! TDF is the Theater Development Fund, and yep the same folks that run TKTS. TDF is different, however, from TKTS.
TDF has a website: http://www.tdf.org. For a membership fee (if you qualify) of ~$25 per year, you can get opportunities to purchase Broadway, Off-Broadway, and other event tickets at an extreme discount. Most Broadway shows are about $35, Off-Broadway $22-25, but it can vary. Again, seat snobs you cannot be. You will NOT know where you are seating until you pick your tickets at the theater 30 minutes prior to Showtime. (TDF will note in tickets may/are in the balcony mezz of theater with no elevators). There is the same $4 fee per ticket on TDF as there is at TKTS. All orders can only go through tdf.org, and there is not usually a limit (unless stated) on the number of tickets you can purchase.
The selection of shows varies, however, and it can slimmer pickings during heavy NYC tourist season. But TDF is great off peak. I saw Shrek, for example, on TDF for $35. TDF shows appear and disappear all the time, which makes it impossible to plan far in advance. But if you travel from Boston (inspiration for this blog), you can check TDF the week before and see if anything interesting has popped.
Note: Grab tickets when you see 'em for a show you want. TDF ticket quantities can sometimes be very limited.
(8)
Be under 30 (or 35 in some cases). Theater is finally starting to cater to young professionals that don’t make the big bucks.
The Roundabout Theater Company runs a program called HipTix – http://hiptix.org – that offers each member 2 tickets per performance at $21.50. Registration is free, but you need to be under 35. You can purchase tickets over the phone or in person. The Roundabout has 3 theaters, and there show offerings are on the HipTix Website.
The New York Philharmonic offers a three concert package deal (called MyPhil) for those under 35 at $29 per ticket. See http://newyorkphilharmonic.org for details.
Some Off-Broadway Houses have under 35 purchase options. In today’s economic climate, I say it never hurts to ask at the Box Office if it’s Off-Broadway.
(9)
Last, but not least: Don't be a seat snob. Yep, I've been saying it over and over again. But it you're willing to set in the rear mezz or partial view seating, you don't need to fork over $125 a ticket. All shows have a price range, with the last couple of rows usually falling into the more affordable range.
Now, rear mezz seating is actually pretty nice for some theaters, as is partial view. Others, not so much. Ticket websites are getting better at providing virtual views from each seat (Disney has a great set-up on their ticket website), but sometimes it can be difficult to determine.
I’m working on a complete list (as no matter where my seat is, I always check out other views at intermission to file away for future use), so check back. And readers, free feel to chime on certain theater views in you’d like!
--
Well, that’s it folks! For now, at least. As always, if you’ve got a bargain I’ve not explored (!), drop me a line at JentheCityGal@gmail.com.
Jen's Guide to Hardly Ever Paying Full Price For Theater Tickets.
I work in higher education administration, which as many of you may know, isn't a get quick field. A friend and I (also employed in education) take about 2 trips a year to NYC for 4-5, stay in a hotel, and see as many theater shows as we can possibly cram in. We also get great deals on our hotel and travel, but that's for another post. We're talking theater (or theatre for purists).
I've seen a lot of shows for someone that doesn't live in NYC. My most expensive ticket? $71.50 center orchestra two years ago to see Curtains (in previews with David Hyde Pierce). Keep in mind that top ticket price these days is between $111.50 and $136.50!
You might be saying...but what about almost-always-sold-out shows? Nope, there are ways to save on your budget for those, too. The time of year can also pay an important part in whether or not you get a bargain. I've found the best Broadway deals in Jan-Feb and Sept-Oct.
Of course, there are some options out there that won't work for everyone, but 9 times out of 10, I can find a deal for you.
(1)
Be a student or make friends with one. There are several shows out there that offer a Student Rush option, day of. Sometimes it is when the box office opens; sometimes it is two hours before show. When I say make friends with someone with a student ID is because I've found several student rushes allow the purchase of two extremely discounted tickets per ID.
Now, prepare not to be a seat snob. These seat locations can vary, but no matter where you sit, you're getting a huge bargain. Price per ticket depends on the show, but the most I paid was $41.50 for a ticket to Billy Elliot (worth every dime!). Usually Student ticket prices run in $20-$35 range.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows currently doing Student Rush.
(2)
Get up early for a General Rush. You need not be a student here. This option isn't available as ofte, but a couple of shows do offer it (Chicago is one). If you are willing to get your butt up and into the city before box office open (usually 10 AM weekdays and Sat, 12 Noon on Sun, but always double check), a bargain can be had! Again, no being a seat snob here, but many general rushes are decent seats. When I saw Chicago a few years ago with the General Rush, I got front row seats. Also check to see if a General Rush is 1 or 2 tickets per ID. Prices vary, but usually in the $20-$35 dollar range.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows currently doing General Rush.
(3)
Lottos! It is the new craze, I tell ya. No age restrictions, no need to get up for box office open (expect with Shrek). Basically shows that have a lottery set aside a certain amount of tickets (usually in the front row, but location can vary) for each performance. At a set time before show (depends, but often 2 hours before) you can write your name on a slip of paper, ask for 1 or 2 tickets and place it into a drum. Names will then be pulled from said drum and the lucky winners win the opportunity to purchase seats at an extreme discount, usually around $26.50.
As with any lottery, its the luck of the draw. But the nice thing about this is the near-sold-out shows tend to have one, so if you're lucky you could end up with $26.50 ticket to Wicked. I'm not usually the lucky one myself, but I've been with friends that are and since you can get two tickets per name, I've reaped the benefits.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows currently doing Ticket Lotteries.
(4)
TKTS is your friend! TKTS is run by the Theater Development Fund (awesome group) and maintains three booths: One in Times Square, one in South Street Seaport, and one in Downtown Brooklyn.
The Times Square Booth sells day-of-performance tickets only.
The South Street Seaport Booth sells evening tickets on the day of performance and matinee tickets the day before.
The Downtown Brooklyn Booth sells evening tickets on the day of performance, matinee tickets the day before, and tickets to local Brooklyn performing arts events.
None of these tickets are full price. Most are 50% off, some 20%-40% off. There is a 4.00 per ticket surcharge to cover TKTS running costs, but you get a bargain! Show availablity changes daily and the booth has both Broadway and Off-Broadway show available. There are brightly light boards available listing the shows available that day and at what percentage discount they are being sold.
It is great if you have a few shows in mind or are unsure of what show you want to see. By the booth are some very friendly folks working that can make recommendations or fill in the blanks on the details about a show you're unfamiliar with. I've seen some fantastic stuff based on their recommendations.
Please note that sold-out shows and almost sold out shows are NOT on TKTS.
[March 18, 2009] This includes Wicked, Lion King, In the Heights, Billy Elliot, and Jersey Boys. (I believe West Side Story isn't there as well, but double checking my research before I 100% confirm).
Some hard and fast tips for TKTS.
- There are long lines, especially at the Times Square Booth. But it moves quickly!
- And yes, they do take credit cards now. But have a card or cash in hand and ready when you get to the window.
- Have a back-up in case your first-choice show sells out by the time you get the window. Hell, I say have two back-ups.
- If it isn't on the board, they are NOT selling it. (See above note).
- They usually will tell you seat location before purchase and it can vary. What I said about being a seat snob above? Yep, take that advice with you to the window. But I have gotten some nice seats at TKTS, and some so-so. They will warn you if they are partial seats and if the tickets are not together.
- Curious as to what has been up and at what discount? Try looking at http://www.entertainment-link.com/tkts.asp.
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Online discount codes! They are available for many shows and vary from 20% to close 50% discounts, depending on the time of year. Jan-Feb and Sept-Oct, for example are ripe for good discount codes. This codes can be plugged into Ticketmaster, Telecharge, or the like. And if you want to save the service fees you can print out the code and bring it directly to the box office for purchase. This option is the best for seat snobs as you will be able to see your seat location (and if at the box office, be very selective).
Now where can these codes be found? Well, in various places:
- http://broadwaybox.com [I find them to have the best selection of discount codes]
- http://playbill.com [requires registration, but it's free and easy]
- http://nytix.com [some codes are free, other require membership, but it’s only $4 a month]
- http://theatermania.com [requires registration, but it's free and easy]
- http://hitshowclub.com [requires registration, but it's free and easy, also have some other great tourist discounts]
- http://givenik.com/ [Get a discount and 5% of your purchase goes to your favorite charity]
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Standing room! Wiling to stand for a performance? Well, if so, bargains can be had. This is a great way to see a well-selling show like Jersey Boys or In the Heights at a fraction of the cost of an orchestra seat. Standing room location varies, but it most often at the back of the orchestra, directly behind the last room. You often have a railing to lean on and the advantage of standing means no heads in your way! Standing room only tickets, also noted as SRO, range from $20-$30, and all available when the performance is sold out (or very close to it). Saturday evening/heavy tourist season is a the best time to shows sold enough to open up standing room.
Be warned: some SRO in certain theaters has high railings, which can be a pain if you are petite (the Lunt-Fontanne Theater, for example). Don’t be afraid to ask about height issues when purchasing your SRO tickets.
See my RUSH/LOTTO/SRO LIST link for a list of shows that currently have SRO ticket options.
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Work for a non-profit, be a student or teacher or clergy, or know someone that is! Why you ask? Because all the above qualify to be members of TDF! TDF is the Theater Development Fund, and yep the same folks that run TKTS. TDF is different, however, from TKTS.
TDF has a website: http://www.tdf.org. For a membership fee (if you qualify) of ~$25 per year, you can get opportunities to purchase Broadway, Off-Broadway, and other event tickets at an extreme discount. Most Broadway shows are about $35, Off-Broadway $22-25, but it can vary. Again, seat snobs you cannot be. You will NOT know where you are seating until you pick your tickets at the theater 30 minutes prior to Showtime. (TDF will note in tickets may/are in the balcony mezz of theater with no elevators). There is the same $4 fee per ticket on TDF as there is at TKTS. All orders can only go through tdf.org, and there is not usually a limit (unless stated) on the number of tickets you can purchase.
The selection of shows varies, however, and it can slimmer pickings during heavy NYC tourist season. But TDF is great off peak. I saw Shrek, for example, on TDF for $35. TDF shows appear and disappear all the time, which makes it impossible to plan far in advance. But if you travel from Boston (inspiration for this blog), you can check TDF the week before and see if anything interesting has popped.
Note: Grab tickets when you see 'em for a show you want. TDF ticket quantities can sometimes be very limited.
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Be under 30 (or 35 in some cases). Theater is finally starting to cater to young professionals that don’t make the big bucks.
The Roundabout Theater Company runs a program called HipTix – http://hiptix.org – that offers each member 2 tickets per performance at $21.50. Registration is free, but you need to be under 35. You can purchase tickets over the phone or in person. The Roundabout has 3 theaters, and there show offerings are on the HipTix Website.
The New York Philharmonic offers a three concert package deal (called MyPhil) for those under 35 at $29 per ticket. See http://newyorkphilharmonic.org for details.
Some Off-Broadway Houses have under 35 purchase options. In today’s economic climate, I say it never hurts to ask at the Box Office if it’s Off-Broadway.
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Last, but not least: Don't be a seat snob. Yep, I've been saying it over and over again. But it you're willing to set in the rear mezz or partial view seating, you don't need to fork over $125 a ticket. All shows have a price range, with the last couple of rows usually falling into the more affordable range.
Now, rear mezz seating is actually pretty nice for some theaters, as is partial view. Others, not so much. Ticket websites are getting better at providing virtual views from each seat (Disney has a great set-up on their ticket website), but sometimes it can be difficult to determine.
I’m working on a complete list (as no matter where my seat is, I always check out other views at intermission to file away for future use), so check back. And readers, free feel to chime on certain theater views in you’d like!
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Well, that’s it folks! For now, at least. As always, if you’ve got a bargain I’ve not explored (!), drop me a line at JentheCityGal@gmail.com.
Welcome!
I was telling a few friends about deals I get during my many trips to NYC and its surrounding areas a year when someone said "You are a wealth of information. You need to start a blog."
And poof! Here I am.
Everything I post here is research pretty heavily and most likely tried directly by me. But I'll take suggestions as my wealth of information pool always has room for more.
And poof! Here I am.
Everything I post here is research pretty heavily and most likely tried directly by me. But I'll take suggestions as my wealth of information pool always has room for more.
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