TKTS: Great Broadway seats to the latest shows - around $40
Written: Nov 09 '03 (Updated Nov 11 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Half-price tickets to Broadway shows
Cons: You must pay CASH, lines can be long and they are outside
The Bottom Line: If you are in New York and want to see a show - stop by TKTS to see if they have seats at half price.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: TKTS |
I spend a wonderful few days in New York City in November 2003. One thing I always look forward to is seeing one or two shows while I am there since we don't really get that many options in Boston. I always get my tickets through TKTS since the prices are more affordable than going to the theaters or buying in advance.
HOW IT WORKS
You must know this up front: You must pay CASH. They do not take credit cards. This is not posted in any obvious way so don't wait in a long line only to be disappointed when you don't have enough cash to pay.
The tickets sold are for the same day. So, on the day you plan to go to the theater, stop by TKTS to see what they have. I strongly suggest doing a little bit of research up front. Have some idea of which shows you are interested in. Plan on several options because TKTS doesn't have tickets for every show.
When you get to TKTS, check out the message board up front that shows the choices and the discounts. Almost all shows are discounted 50%, but a few were only 25%. Keep in mind that they only list the discount, not the price of the tickets. You won't get that information until you get to the window. In addition to the ticket price, you also pay a $3 service fee. The choices might change throughout the day as some shows sell out and others add tickets. I generally wait until 6-7:30 pm for 8:00 shows and always have a range of choices.
Some of the shows had the theater listed. Some did not. While most shows are within a 7 block radius of TKTS, some could be across town. If you don't know where the show is and it matters to you (or it is 7:45 and the show starts at 8) be sure to ask before you buy.
TKTS is only a ticket booth. The ticket sellers are inside but everything else is outside including the infamous line. There is almost always a line at the booth that wraps around the back. This is not obvious from the front. So, upon arrival, just follow the lines to the back of the booth. The line can be long, but it moves pretty quickly. I advanced a block in about 10 minutes. You also have to spend the entire time outside so dress for the weather and bring an umbrella if it is raining.
WHAT SHOWS DO THEY HAVE
On Thursday night at 7pm, there were about 30 shows to choose from. A few big blockbusters did not have half price tickets available, including Aida and Mama Mia. Other than that, almost everything had half price tickets including Thoroughly Modern Millie, Gypsy, Rent, 42nd Street, Chicago, Cabaret, Beauty and the Beast and numerous others. On Friday night, the pickings were a bit thinner but there were still many options to choose from including several of the large blockbusters.
The other thing to know is that many of the seats sold by TKTS are balcony seats. I have gotten great balcony seats, but never down in the Orchestra. This doesn't bother me in the slightest but if you can only appreciate a show from the Orchestra, don't wait for TKTS.
MY EXPERIENCE
I bought tickets for Rent on Thursday night at 7pm. I got a seat halfway up the 1st balcony for $45. I suspect that the full price seats not too far behind me were about the same price so I don't know if I got a great deal for Rent.
I purchased tickets for Gypsy on Friday night at 7:30pm. The seats were in the middle of the second row in the second balcony. The view was great but we were high up. The seats cost $41.
LOCATIONS AND HOURS
TKTS is located at 47th Street & Broadway right in the middle of Times Square. There is another office at the corner of Front and John Streets at the rear of the Resnick/Prudential Building at 199 Water Street. I have never been to this second location.
This is information from the web site:
TKTS Times Square hours of sale:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
for 8pm performances: 3pm - 8pm
Wednesdays and Saturdays
for 2pm matinees:
10am - 2pm
Sundays for all performances:
11am - 7pm
MORE INFORMATION
There is lots of information on the TKTS web site at: www.tdf.org/programs/tkts/.
THE MANY REASONS TO SEE SHOWS IN NEW YORK
I think the quality of the New York shows is almost always higher than touring companies. This includes the quality of the acting as well as the entire staging of the show. It is almost always better in New York.
The theaters are small and ornate. Seeing a show in New York can be a very intimate experience. Some theaters are so small there are no bad seats.
The many choices: New York has dozens of theaters and the Times Square area has at least 15 options on any given night.
Times Square with its restaurants, lights and street vendors is a unique experience.
Prices: TKTS can get you seats for some of the best shows for around $40. This is much cheaper than we could ever find in Boston.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I think TKTS is a great option for anyone wanting to see a play in New York. If you have your heart set on one show, don't wait to get seats at TKTS because you may not get that show. However, if you are open to a number of choices and are willing to sit in the balcony, TKTS is a great choice.
MY MINI-GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY
Things to Do:
The Metropolitan Museum
Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty
Places to Eat:
Lucky Cheng’s has Chinese food for adults.
Ruby Foo’s has Chinese food for families.
Pipa is next to Manhattan Mecca ABC Carpet & Home.
Starlight Diner is where singing servers bring your burgers.
Rue 57 fuses French and Japanese cuisine in Midtown.
Places to Stay:
The Roosevelt Hotel
The Hudson
The W on Lexington
Sheraton Manhattan
Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers
New York Hilton
Broadway:
Gypsy is Broadway at its best.
Rent is an unusual Broadway rock musical legend.
Wicked is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz.
Chicago is a classic.
Sweet Charity has a 60’s vibe.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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modernmarvel
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