New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [98]
Check the electronic listings board near the ticket windows to mull over your options while you’re in line. At the spiffed-up Duffy Square location (look for the red glass staircase), there is a separate “Play Express” window (for nonmusical events) to further simplify—and speed—things.
Duffy hours are Monday and Wednesday–Saturday 3–8, and Tuesday 2–8 (for evening performances); for Wednesday and Saturday matinees 10–2; for Sunday matinees 11–3; Sunday evening shows, from 3 until a half hour before curtain. Seaport hours are Monday–Saturday 11–6, Sunday 11–4.
Brooklyn hours are Tuesday–Saturday 11–6. With the exception of matinee tickets at the Seaport and Brooklyn locations, which sell these for next-day performances only, all shows offered are for that same day. Credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks are accepted at all locations. TIP Planning ahead? The TKTS Web site lists what was available at the booths in the previous week to give you an idea of what shows you’ll find. Note: Ticket booth hours may vary over holiday periods.
THE BEST TIPS FOR BROADWAY
Whether you’re handing over a hundred bucks for a top ticket or shoestringing it in a nosebleed seat, seeing one show or seven, you’ll have better Broadway experiences to brag about if you take our advice.
Do your homework. Remember—your friends’ “must-see” may not be yours. If you’re new to theater, or not a regular, try to discover Broadway for yourself. Subscribe to online services ahead of your trip; you’ll get access to show synopses, special ticket offers, and more. If it’s a classic play, try to read it before you go; for a musical, listen to the score.
Reserve ahead. The TKTS booth is great when you’re up for what the fates make available, but for must-sees, we recommend booking early. While you’re at it, don’t forget to ask whether the regular cast is expected. (An in-person stop at the box office is the most reliable way to score this information ahead of time, but don’t hold them to it unless it’s the day of performance. If there is a change then—and the replacement cast is not acceptable to you—you may get a refund.) For musicals, live music will always add a special zing; confirm when ticketing to avoid surprises on the rare occasion when recorded music is used.
Check theater seating charts. Front mezzanine is a great option; with seats that overhang the stage, they can be better (though not always less expensive) than many orchestra locations. Always book with a seating chart at hand (available online and at the box office); although even the priciest seats might be tight, it is always worth splurging for the best sight lines. Check accessibility, especially at older theaters with multiple flights of stairs and scarce elevators.
Know when to go. Surprisingly, Friday evening is a good option; Saturday night and weekday matinees are the most difficult. Do as the locals do and go on weeknights. Tuesday is especially promising, and typically an earlier curtain—7 or 7:30 instead of the usual 8 pm—helps ensure that you’ll get a good night’s sleep for your next day of touring.
Dress right. You can easily throw on jeans to go to the theater these days, but personally we feel Bermuda shorts have no place on Broadway. Bring binoculars if your seats are up high, leave behind the heavy coat (coat checks are not the norm), and drop packages off at your hotel room in advance.
Travel smart. Trying to get to the show in time? Unless you don’t mind watching the meter run up while you’re stuck in traffic, avoid cabs into or out of Times Square. The pre- and post-theater crush will render Broadway virtually unwalkable, but that