I want to take my daughter to see Wicked and have a question about seating. Orchestra seating, is that a good choice? Are you looking up at the stage? I don't want to look up or at a severe angle. I can't really tell by the seating chart and I always hear people mention orchestra seats, but can't remember if it's positive or not.
I don't know if it matters, but its the Benedum Center in Pittsburg, Pa
Oh or would you suggest trying to see it in New York?
Thanks all!
I prefer first row balcony if possible. Especially with kids, they will have a hard time seeing over/around the people in front of them. The orchestra seats tend not to be stadium seating.
We saw it in the balcony and it was wonderful.
I saw a travelling performance of Wicked at Gammage Auditorium, it was great! Fiyero was only so-so, but Elphaba and Glinda were both fab. If you can see it in NY, LA, or London that will always be your best bet. But you can have a great experience at a travelling version! My favorite seats are first balcony, first few rows. I think the view is superior and the acoustics are often better as well, as the sound has time to rise and swell, if that makes sense. The best thing about orchestra seats is that the actors are really playing to you, so you may feel more involved in the story. I like the view from above better, especially during large numbers and dance scenes, because you can really get the big picture that is being presented. Definitely personal preference! If you are going to NY, I would spend less money on the tickets and go to more than one show :)
I am taking my son to Lion King tomorrow night for his B-day, and I can't wait!!
My daughter's dance finals were in a professional stage area like this one over the summer. We preferred sitting in the first few rows of the balcony for the same reasons stated below. We also felt like we had a much better view of the whole stage, and the kids could see everything - no heads right in front of them.
Orchestra seats are great! My girls and I loved Wicked!!!
I don't care where I sit as long as I'm in a Broadway Theater. I love that feeling!
I'm with AZneomom. I prefer the first seats in the balcony over the orchestra seating. Same reasons she gave.
I don't know about your specific venue, as far a seat vs stage height. I'm 5'2" and if I'm going to buy orchestra (floor) seats, I never buy closer to the stage than ten rows back. Otherwise I end up with a crick in my neck.
A lot of folks are advising front row of the balcony which is truly great - but for a popular show like this one, it is very possibly already sold out, even at a non-New York theatre! Does the theatre's online seating chart show what seats are sold already? Most do that, so you should be able to see what's still available. The chart also gives you a good idea of things like which seats have "restricted view" (the theatre term for seats that are behind a pillar or so far off to one side that your view is partially blocked). And finally -- front row balcony is usually considered a prime seat and can be very expensive.
You can call the theatre and ask how "raked" the seats are -- raked seats means the floor of the audience section is at an angle so you have a better shot at seeing around and over the folks in front of you because your row is slightly higher than theirs. A really raked theatre is a good thing, basically. I would also just tell the box office that you have a kid with you and ask advice on best seats for a short person!
Orchestra seats about eight rows or more away from a stage (depending on the size of the theatre) usually are fine. One thing I know from a lot of experience taking a kid to theatre and ballet -- a tall person almost inevitably has the seat in front of your kid. I always bring a shawl to fold up and put under my kid's backside to elevate her a bit. Orchestra seats on the aisle help a lot too -- your kid can lean out just a bit to improve her view, and it's easier and faster to get out during the intermission to head to the bathroom.
I would think New York tickets would cost a fortune. I'd see the road show in Pittsburgh instead.
We saw wicked in Chicago. How old is your daughter? Orchastra seats are on the first floor usually up close you may be looking up. We like the first row of the first balcony. If that is an option you have very good view.
I am probably in the minority on this but for my husband and myself this show was a waste of $200+ My husband went to sleep 20 mins in. I did not enjoy it.
Stay away from first six rows of orchestra. For that show definitely orchestra. How old is she. Hoping at least 10.
We saw Motown in NYC a few weeks ago. I was chatting with the woman next to me (we were center, about 8 rows back) and she said once they had the brilliant idea to get front row seats. Well apparently they put the wheel chairs in the front and they couldn't see! She said it was horrible and they paid a fortune for the seats. So I think anything mid-center or balcony is good. Good luck.
I like to sit by the directors window in a lot of theaters. They have the best view. I also like sitting by the isle so I can get out if I need to.
