Our March trip to New York City and its late August sequel
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bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#1Our March trip to New York City and its late August sequel
Posted: 1/26/23 at 8:52pm
It's been almost four years since I last visited New York City but my wife and I might actually go in mid-March (specifically, the week of March 13). We would almost certainly see just three shows, Tuesday through Thursday. As usual, I'm looking for shows that I can't experience as well if they go on tour later, either because the Broadway performances or the staging really stands out.
I'm also not looking to spend big bucks, with exceptions for something that's really worth it. So I'll spend $200 for one show but would prefer to find ways to spend a lot less for the other shows - unless I'm persuaded otherwise.
First, the one show I'm insisting on seeing is the Sweeney Todd revival, which may be quite a hill to die on, because no one has seen yet and it might be a disappointment. I'm trying to figure out the best seats, below $200, at the Lunt-Fontanne. This is a musical that seems like one I'll have to get tickets in advance for if I want decent seats. Am I correct in that assumption? I have specific seat questions on another thread on Lunt-Fontanne Theatre seats.
A few other things: While some shows require advance purchases, we like to keep a few options open on New York City trips, and I know there lotteries, in-person rush, or the TKTS booth. My wife usually favors musicals if the shows are comparable. I don't want to buy all our tickets in advance (only one, preferably), especially due to the possibility we might have to cancel and also because I would rather get a bargain. I also know there are shows opening in March, and who knows, maybe one of them will be something we don't want to miss.
Here's what I'm thinking now:
Funny Girl - The decision on this musical may affect a lot of our other choices. All I've heard about this show, over and over, was that it's a mediocre and kind of cheap-looking revival of a dated musical with a tiresome second act. And then Lea Michele took over, and the consensus seems to be that it's still a mediocre revival of a dated musical, but that Michele is so terrific that it's something you don't want to miss. Is this a show and performance we really shouldn't miss, even though it's now expensive?
Kimberly Akimbo - This feels like a relatively easy call, a mostly lauded musical with a much-praised lead performance that isn't wildly popular but is certain to be nominated for a bunch of awards. What's the best way to get tickets to this one? Lottery, in-person rush, TKTS?
Leopoldstadt - I assume this play will tour, but is it something we really ought to see on Broadway due to the quality of the performances? Again, this is a play where it seems like we can wait until we get there. Like Kimberly Akimbo, it's always on TKTS and I gather in-person rush is an option too.
I know there are other plays and musicals opening in March, including off-Broadway. I would certainly consider that. What if What Girl in Danger is really fun? On Broadway, what if something like Camelot is really good? If there are other shows I should be tracking, let me know.
And by the way, is there any reason to catch an early flight from the West Coast to see a show on Monday evening? I don't need to see Phantom one last time, and my wife doesn't want to see Chicago on Broadway. There don't seem to be many theater options. We can do something else that evening unless there's a compelling reason otherwise.
Thanks in advance. I'm off to see a local production of Assassins tonight.
NoItAll
Understudy Joined: 1/7/13
#2Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/26/23 at 9:05pm
Never trust the opinions of complete strangers on the internet about art or medicine. Check YouTube for live bootleg videos, streaming services for cast recordings, Wikipedia for the stories, and google for professional reviews.
#3Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/26/23 at 9:52pm
When shows are in previews, Monday night performances are common, so be sure to look ahead for schedules of newer shows.
"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop
#4Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/26/23 at 9:56pm
Glad you asked some of these questions, because we are coming into the city at the basically the same time, except we're leaving early Tuesday morning and heading back Sunday night.
I never commit to a show on the night we are supposed to get into the city in case something goes wrong with the flight (for example, last year our flight to NYC got cancelled and they couldn't rebook us til that night), but I do like to get into NYC early enough so that we can get last minute tickets to one via TKTS or the box office if all goes well. I don't know how much stuff is on Monday nights, though - that's why we are going on Tuesday.
The only tickets I've bought so far were for Sweeney, which was also the only show I planned to spend over $200 a ticket on, but everything else seems waaaaaay more expensive than I was expecting - A Doll's House, Camelot, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, Leopoldstadt - and nothing is discounted yet. So for now I am gonna hold unless I see a good deal, I think. Good luck finding decently priced tickets!!
amiyagi
Understudy Joined: 5/5/17
#5Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/26/23 at 10:08pm
Leopoldstat is pretty easy to rush if you get there around 9:30-9:45 especially on a weekday.
I expect A Doll's House to have a discount code at some point. I've been looking at a trip in March or May and weekdays have lots of seats available especially the mezz and balcony.
Camelot will be tougher. I do agree though, prices are insane. I used to buy everything weeks to months ahead of time. Now, I can't afford it and just hope for the best when I get to the city.
#6Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/26/23 at 10:19pm
I am watching my budget, too, for an April trip, and bought a seat in the top row for SWEENEY TODD. Something like $59. I’ll grab a booster seat to sit on that night.
I almost always sit in the top rows of theatres, though the top row bargain low prices are rarer nowadays.
I liked FUNNY GIRL. Act one is stacked with PEOPLE and DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE, but the great overture is marred by tacky marquee lighting that turns on the high beams too often.
inception
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/13
#7Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/27/23 at 1:39am
Funny Girl Tuesday, March 14 has right side orchestra rows E, F, & G seats for $167. These may have an obstructed view briefly. I didn't check your other dates. Thursday may have cheaper tickets as the current lead performer doesn't play that night.
I saw the show last July with the previous performer & enjoyed it. All things going smoothly, I will be going again to see the current performer Wednesday March, 15.
I will be in the city the same week as you. I chose that week as the Encores production of Dear World plays that week. The OBC recording is a favorite, but I've never seen an actual production of the show.
Are Sweeney Todd ticket prices higher now? I got mezz seat during the pre-sale, and see I paid $155. I sat higher in the mezz there for Tina & thought the view was good.
Anthony Rapp is doing Thursday matinees of his off-Broadway show. I got a ticket for that week, and hopefully the show stays open until then.
I'm also seeing Camelot & Parade that week & am trying to keep my hopes in check.
I have more days than you, and still have room in my schedule for another show. I'll be interested in seeing what you choose to see.
I'm keeping my hopes in check for all the shows I plan to see. I hope the weather is ok. Mostly I just look forward to being in New York again ( & away from work) more than anything.
...
Updated On: 1/27/23 at 01:39 AM
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#8Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/27/23 at 2:16am
@sm33 said:The only tickets I've bought so far were for Sweeney, which was also the only show I planned to spend over $200 a ticket on, but everything else seems waaaaaay more expensive than I was expecting - A Doll's House, Camelot, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, Leopoldstadt - and nothing is discounted yet. So for now I am gonna hold unless I see a good deal, I think. Good luck finding decently priced tickets!!
HunterK posted this in the Broadway Discounts thread on 1/13:
A DOLL's HOUSE:
CODE "NORA"
Save 30% - Tickets start at $49
Orchestra from $89
Dress Circle From $69
Balcony From $49
Got to: ADollsHouseBroadway.com
#9Help and suggestions for my tentative March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/27/23 at 2:22pm
JasonC3 said: "@sm33 said:The only tickets I've bought so far were for Sweeney, which was also the only show I planned to spend over $200 a ticket on, but everything else seems waaaaaay more expensive than I was expecting - A Doll's House, Camelot, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, Leopoldstadt- and nothing is discounted yet. So for now I am gonna hold unless I see a good deal, I think. Good luck finding decently priced tickets!!
HunterK posted this in the Broadway Discounts thread on 1/13:
A DOLL's HOUSE:
CODE "NORA"
Save 30% - Tickets start at $49
Orchestra from $89
Dress Circle From $69
Balcony From $49
Got to: ADollsHouseBroadway.com"
I did see that after I posted, thank you! Definitely helps.
bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#10Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/28/23 at 4:54pm
Here's an update. The desire for more flexibility was outweighed by concern that tickets for a couple of hot shows (even though one hasn't opened) were only going to get more scarce and/or more expensive.
Monday, March 13 is a largely a travel day.
Tuesday, March 14 -- Funny Girl (side orchestra seats - tickets bought)
Wednesday, March 15 -- Sweeney Todd (side orchestra seats - tickets bought)
Thursday, March 16 -- uncertain, leaning toward Kimberly Akimbo but not buying tickets in advance
We'll be returning late Friday afternoon.
I know some of you are thinking, "What about a Wednesday matinee?" We usually try to avoid two-show days and do other things while we're in New York City during the day. If the weather is terrible, we may reconsider, as there are other shows I would be interested in seeing.
Despite some headaches dealing with Seat Geek, and a decision to switch our Sweeney Todd seats, it's still fun to be planning a New York City trip - albeit a fairly short one - for the first time in nearly four years.
#11Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/28/23 at 5:27pm
I wouldn't count on Leopoldstadt touring. Plays rarely do and ones with large casts like this and dense material even less so.
Pick up matinee tix at TKTS. Throw your "no 2 show days" rule out the window. It's Broadway!
EvvieDrake
Swing Joined: 12/4/22
#12Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 1/29/23 at 4:07pm
Wee Thomas2 said: "I wouldn't count on Leopoldstadt touring. Plays rarely do and ones with large casts like this and dense material even less so.
Pick up matinee tix at TKTS. Throw your "no 2 show days" rule out the window. It's Broadway!"
The play itself is worthy of being produced regionally, but it would be tough to put on with all those kids. And the scenery on Broadway is grand in a way that would be hard to match.
I second the recommendation to see a Wednesday matinee while you can. I got my matinee tix at TKTS the day before - half price for an amazing seat. Incredible play and so worth seeing.
valeriialol
Swing Joined: 7/28/22
#13Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/17/23 at 6:50am
Funny Girl, Lea Michele is a great performer, but if the show isn't your cup of tea, I wouldn't go out of my way to see it just for her. Kimberly Akimbo is worth checking out and if you're feeling lucky, you can try your hand at the lottery or in-person rush for tickets.
#14Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/17/23 at 1:29pm
have you considered
SHUCKED. ??
I am looking forward to seeing it even tho I have no idea about it.
bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#15Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/17/23 at 11:24pm
OP here. For better or worse, I already have tickets for Funny Girl and Sweeney Todd (see post above). I have never seen Funny Girl (not even the movie, aside from a few clips) so I’m curious. I have seen a (quite good) local production of Sweeney Todd but would like to see the big spectacle this promises to be.
That leaves one (or possibly two, if my spouse and I decide to see a Wednesday matinee) open slot. We’ve been inclined to see Kimberly Akimbo, which is only available Thursday. (The Wednesday matinee is sold out for reasons I don’t know, which eliminates one option.) A number of shows have opened or will open between now and our scheduled trip, but we want to keep things flexible. I’ll be checking out everyone’s thoughts on the shows that are opening since almost all of them will be in previews except for the play and musicals that opened last year.
Phillyguy
Stand-by Joined: 8/27/22
#16Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/18/23 at 8:10am
bear88 said: "OP here. For better or worse, I already have tickets forFunny GirlandSweeney Todd(see post above).I have never seenFunny Girl(not even the movie, aside from a few clips) so I’m curious. I have seen a (quite good) local production ofSweeney Toddbut would like to see the big spectacle this promises to be.
That leaves one (or possibly two, if my spouse and I decide to see a Wednesday matinee) open slot. We’ve been inclined to seeKimberly Akimbo,which is only available Thursday. (The Wednesday matinee is sold out for reasons I don’t know, which eliminates one option.) A number of shows have opened or will open between now and our scheduled trip, but we want to keep things flexible. I’ll be checking out everyone’s thoughts on the shows that are opening since almost all of them will be in previews except for the play and musicals that opened last year."
Glad you bought tix to Funny Girl. It is an absolute must see. I've seen clips with other leads, but she is in a completely different league, both acting and singing. Whatever reviews you read about the book and staging truly didn't matter because she is that good. I will try to see it again before Lea leaves.
bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#17Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/18/23 at 4:03pm
That might all be true, but one concern I always had about getting advance tickets to see Funny Girl with Michele is that I paid a premium to see the musical when she is scheduled to be in the show. While she has missed few performances, people do get sick.
I know plenty of people think Benko is great, but I wouldn’t have had to pay so much to see her. It’s the inevitable risk you take, even moreso during the pandemic.
It’s also possible Sweeney Todd is a huge disappointment (no one has seen it) but I’m not as worried about seeing the standby/understudy instead in the lead roles. That show has other attractions for me.
inception
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/13
#18Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/18/23 at 7:24pm
If she has to call out ask for a refund & see something else. If you paid a premium to see her, almost anything else will be cheaper day of. Anyways, that's my plan right now for the same week, but a different performance.
...
bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#19Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/18/23 at 8:02pm
That seems like a good plan. I’ll have to pay attention that Tuesday. Nothing against Benko, but I could see her in Funny Girl on Thursday for less money (or wait to see it on tour).
Phillyguy
Stand-by Joined: 8/27/22
#20Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/18/23 at 9:12pm
bear88 said: "That seems like a good plan. I’ll have to pay attention that Tuesday. Nothing against Benko, but I could see her inFunny Girlon Thursday for less money (or wait to see it on tour)."
It’s also going on tour soon and you may get Julie on tour. She’s supposed to be great, especially if you don’t have the Lea comparison.
#21Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/18/23 at 10:46pmUnfortunately, Sweeney Todd, doing only 7 shows a week, will be a tough ticket to grab this year.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#22Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/19/23 at 4:41am
You might be right. On the night I’m seeing it, a Wednesday in previews, the show is basically sold out. But looking out a month or two, it’s not quite so bad. Don’t these Sondheim revivals have a built-in audience, combined with the fact that Sweeney Todd is one of his more acclaimed musicals? Plus, Josh Groban brings his own fan base. But is that enough to bring in the big bucks by October or so? Will it be selling out then?
Positive word of mouth about the revival would certainly help, but it’s still a revival and Sweeney Todd still has some, uh, unusual plot elements. Sondheim shows, as much as I love them, don’t have a history of being big financial successes. The Company revival got lots of praise and faded quickly. Sweeney looks like an expensive revival so it will need to do better.
I would be thrilled if this Sweeney Todd is an artistic and financial success, especially because I already have my tickets (and it will be the first time I see a Sondheim show on Broadway). I just wonder if it will have staying power.
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#23Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/19/23 at 6:51amSome of the current Ticketmaster pricing (not resale tickets) for Sweeney certainly suggests someone thinks it will be a big hit. $400+ for mezzanine prime seats. Please. Updated On: 2/19/23 at 06:51 AM
Collingswood
Understudy Joined: 5/7/11
#24Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 2/19/23 at 10:05am
bear88-We’ve been inclined to see Kimberly Akimbo, which is only available Thursday. (The Wednesday matinee is sold out for reasons I don’t know, which eliminates one option.)
I hope you get to see KA.It is heartwarming, funny, and highly charming. It has some of the finest singing and acting on Broadway now!
bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#25Our March trip to New York City
Posted: 3/2/23 at 4:26am
OP here. I have a Kimberly Akimbo ticket question for those who've seen it at the Booth Theatre.
I have been inclined to explore lottery, rush, and TKTS options for the show, which we can only see on Thursday, March 16. Trying to save a little money, keep options open, and Kimberly Akimbo rarely sells out 100 percent.
But the week we're there seems a little trickier. The Wednesday matinee is sold out for whatever reason. The Tuesday show is doing good business (not relevant for us, but I noticed it). On Thursday, most of the tickets in the center section, not counting premium seats, are gone too.
I've been inclined to wait it out but don't want to outsmart myself. There are side orchestra seats for $125 and center rear orchestra seats for $135. That's more than TKTS, and certainly a lot more than the lottery or rush, but I get to pick my seats and not waste time in line.
Are those side orchestra seats, close to the center, a good deal for this particular show? Same question about the rear seats in the center.
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