A Broadway show is a wonderful and special night out, especially for first-timers to the theater. But before you click “check out” on those expensive tickets, you would be remiss not to double-check your seats’ location. Do you have the best seats in the house? Or did you find ones advertising an “obstructed view?”
There are many factors to consider when choosing Broadway seats, and each theater has its own idiosyncrasies. Some Broadway houses have tons of seating with grand views from the mezzanine and balcony, while others are known for a more intimate experience, putting patrons close to the action.
So, how do you know which seats are the best in the house, and how do you get the biggest bang for your buck? We’ll dive into locating the best seats on Broadway, which seats to avoid, and how you can have a comfortable and memorable night out at the theater.
Know your seating preferences
Before you dive into the seating chart, consider your personal preferences before making a firm decision. Are you itching for an aisle seat? Or do you require some extra legroom?
The seating chart will show you which seats are available in the Orchestra and Mezzanine and, depending on the theater’s availability, in the Balcony or Box seats.
The seating chart will tell you how close you’ll sit to the stage and your view of the action. Some patrons die to be in the front row to see every emotion on the actors’ faces, while others prefer to sit further back for a more well-rounded view of the entire cast and set design.
Consider your and your party’s personal seating preferences to avoid buyer's remorse and guarantee the best chance at a worthwhile theater experience.
Pros and cons of different theater seats
So, should you splurge on the Orchestra? Or enjoy the broad view from the Balcony? Here’s a short breakdown of the most common seating arrangements, including their benefits and downsides.
The Orchestra
The Orchestra is the largest section of seats in a theater. These seats are the most expensive because they’re closest to the stage and have great views. Some theatergoers prefer to be up close and personal to the actors, vying for the first few rows of the Orchestra. Meanwhile, the Center Orchestra is another popular choice, lying somewhere between rows five and twelve. Within the Orchestra, you’ll also come across “Premium Seating,” which is more expensive than other Orchestra seats because they offer the best views of the stage.
The Mezzanine
The Mezzanine is upstairs from the orchestra, split up between the front and rear. The Mezzanine is sometimes referred to as the First Balcony or Dress Circle. In the Mezzanine, you’re further back from the stage but with a better and more complete perspective of the action. Mezzanine seating is set up like a stadium, so each row is about a foot higher than the seats in front, so it’s ideal for the vertically challenged. The rear of the Mezzanine is further back but still offers a decent view, and these seats are usually the least expensive. In some theaters, the mezzanine overhangs the rear orchestra seats, meaning that the front of the mezzanine is closer to the stage than the rear of the orchestra.
The Balcony
Some theaters have additional seating above the Mezzanine, known as the Balcony. The Balcony is pretty high up, so if you have a fear of heights, then these may not be a great fit for you. However, it does offer a grand view of the theater itself and the stage, plus it’s more affordable. Don’t be surprised if you spot a few pairs of binoculars in the Balcony!
Specialty Seating
Specialty seating is becoming more and more common as theaters try to offer unique, theatrical experiences. For example, Moulin Rouge! The Musical now offers cabaret seating, known as the Can-Can Table. You feel like a nightclub patron, seated at a bar-top table near the front of the stage. It’s perfect for theater lovers who wish to splurge and have a special night out.
Boxed Seats
Boxed seats are becoming less and less popular in theaters because they offer an obstructed view of the stage. However, during Broadway’s glory days, many socialites and important persons sat in boxed seats so the audience could see them. These seats call back to previous social expectations but are guilty of offering poor stage views. They’re placed on the side of the theater, so some of the stage action gets blocked. Many theaters have stopped selling these seats or only sell them directly at the box office at a reduced price. You’ll likely see sound or lighting equipment taking up room in the boxed seats rather than patrons.
Where to avoid sitting in a theater
Long-time theater patrons do their best to avoid the dreaded obstructed view. Obstructed Views or Partial Views means part of the building or the auditorium may block some of the action. As many New York theaters are very old, you could have a structural pole in your sightline or be seated under the Mezzanine’s overhang. Even though these tickets will be cheaper, don’t get caught by surprise on opening night, and look out for any special notes about viewing obstructions.
Seating advice for famous Broadway theaters
Broadway is known for its beautifully designed, century-old theaters, which take our breath away. However, each theater has its own peculiarities, like structural poles or low-hanging chandeliers. Here are a few details about some famous NYC theaters, including their unique seating.
Shubert Theatre
The Shubert Theatre is decorated in old Venetian style, with mythological motifs painted throughout the auditorium. The theater’s seating consists of an orchestra, two balconies, and some box seats at balcony level. It is recommended to avoid the last row of the Center Balcony or the sides of the lighting booth, as structural poles block your view. Currently, Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen is playing at the Shubert Theatre.
New Amsterdam Theatre
The New Amsterdam Theatre was affectionately named “The House Beautiful” when it first opened in 1903 and still holds that title to this day. The interior is designed in the style of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the walls are curved, the ceiling domed, with two balcony levels over the orchestra. The Second Balcony is suspended from the ceiling and recessed from the First Balcony. Try to choose seats in the Center Mezzanine (the First Balcony) to get the best value for your tickets. Aladdin has been playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre since 2014.
The Gershwin Theatre
The Gershwin Theatre is newer to Broadway, opening in the 1970s and is designed in the modernist Art Nouveau style. It has one of the largest stages on Broadway with the current largest seating capacity of 1900 guests. The Gershwin has almost no sight issues, and you can grab decently priced seats at the rear and sides of the Orchestra. Wicked has been running at The Gershwin Theatre since 2003.
August Wilson Theatre
August Wilson Theatre is known to be an intimate venue with great acoustics and sight lines. Some patrons believe there’s not a bad seat in the house, and the lack of box seats means there’s a wider view. The August Wilson Theatre has an Orchestra and Mezzanine section, with great views from the rear of the Mezzanine. Currently, Cabaret is playing at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre.
Al Hirschfeld Theatre
The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is one of Broadway’s most notable and stunning theaters in the city. It was decorated in Moorish and Byzantine styles with many decorative motifs throughout the house. Many famous actors have graced its stage, from Elizabeth Taylor to Daniel Radcliffe. The Hirschfeld has two levels of seating, the Orchestra and the Mezzanine, and can seat 1,424 guests. Currently, Moulin Rouge! is playing at Al Hirschfeld.
Extra tips for choosing the best seats on Broadway
So, are you ready to get the most bang for your buck and grab some of the best seats in the house? Here are a few useful links and some handy tips when it comes to choosing your seats.
Consider the show
Before you select “check out,” it’s important to consider what type of show you’re seeing on Broadway. Are you choosing an intimate play with only a few cast members? Or a full-scale production with large set pieces? Considering the show’s style can help you choose which seats are best. A more intimate play may call for the first few rows of the Orchestra with a clear view of the actor’s expressions. Or, a flashy production with large dance numbers may be a better fit for the Mezzanine with a wider view of the stage.
Check out Seat Plan
Seat Plan or A View From My Seat are the keys to seat success. These websites offer pictures and a visual aid of almost every single seat at major theaters and concert venues in America. You’ll find your show/theater and enter a seat’s location to check out the view. These visual aids can help check for obstructed views and height differences.
Enter a ticket lottery
If you’d like to get some great seats for cheap, then why not enter a ticket lottery? Broadway ticket lotteries offer up seats at greatly reduced prices. Exact seat location varies by show - Hamilton lottery winners are usually seated in the first two rows of the orchestra, while for other shows you may end up in the mezzanine or balcony. Check out Bwayrush to find your show’s ticket lottery, including that theater’s rules and policies.
Call the box office
Why not go for the tried-and-true method of speaking with a ticket agent over the phone? Theater employees will have the best advice about your prospective seat choice and can describe the view from those seats. Plus, if you’d like to book a cheap ticket with a partial view, they can advise on whether they’re worth it.
