Broadway's Best Seats in the House
Broadway Tickets 101 - TKTS and Beyond
A theatergoer's guide to purchasing tickets for the best seats (at the best prices) to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.
The 2007 theater awards season has drawn to a close, capped by the 61st Annual Tony Awards telecast on CBS. Every year, the Tonys spark interest in the newest offerings on Broadway, and now as the 2007-08 season begins, there are several ways to get great seats to see your favorite shows live in New York City.
Start by gathering information through Broadway.com, BroadwayWorld.com and Playbill Magazine Online. These websites provide production overviews, running times, theater locations, interviews with the stars, photo coverage and tickets to the shows. If you plan on bringing the family, check out Telecharge’s website for age appropriateness.
When you are ready to purchase tickets, try these steps to get great seats at the best possible prices. First, visit BroadwayBox.com to see a listing of discounts for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Check each offer for time limits and other restrictions. Playbill.com also provides special prices on select shows to their club members. The Playbill Club is free to join on the website. Many theaters make “rush” tickets available on the day of the show. Most rush tickets are offered during a designated time before the curtain and some are only open to students. Call the box office or check online to see each theater’s procedure.
If you are already in the city, visit TKTS at one of their two Manhattan locations: South Street Station or their temporary home at the Marriott Marquis Hotel (the traditional Duffy Square location is currently under renovation). A New York staple, TKTS offers up to 50% off of tickets to some of the hottest shows on Broadway and Off-Broadway. TKTS only accepts cash, traveler’s checks or TKTS gift certificates, so plan accordingly.
In order to secure tickets for the more popular shows on the Great White way, reserve your seats well in advance. Some productions, like Wicked and Jersey Boys, are sold out at least six months ahead. Certain shows (including Wicked) offer lottery tickets on the day of the performance. Seat location will vary, but these tickets are discounted and are often the best way to attend sold-out shows. Most lotteries are held in the two hours before the curtain and require a cash payment. Again, each show will vary on lottery policy, so contact the box office to confirm the details.
Complete your New York theater experience with a Broadway walking tour. These tours provide information and history on several of New York’s most famous theaters and theatrical hot spots and include a look behind the scenes on the Great White Way. Some even give visitors the opportunity to meet Broadway performers. Different routes are available; log on to Broadway.com and Playbill.com for details on their excursions.
