Full Price for Broadway Tickets...NEVER!!! The 2017 Edition
The Broadway show has become a staple to the NYC tourist or a regular pilgrimage for the Broadway faithful. Tickets can be expensive, but if you know the ins and outs, you can see two to three shows for the regular price of one.
Right now a lot of favorites and new shows are en route to Broadway, making the next few months a great time to see a show or three. Here are some of the most anticipated shows of the season:
Sunset Boulevard - Starring Glenn Close, this Andrew Lloyd Weber classic comes to Broadway after a successful run last year in London. Previews begin in February.
Miss Saigon - The 13th longest running show in Broadway history returns for only a one-year engagement. Previews begin in March.
Groundhog Day - Based on the famous Bill Murray movie of the same name this musical adaptation features Broadway veteran Andy Karl. Previews start in March.
Hello Dolly! - Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce star in the revival of the 19th longest running show in Broadway history. Previews start in March and tickets may be hard to come by.
Anastasia - The popular 1997 animated movie is now a full-scale musical starring Broadway veteran Ramin Karimloo. Previews start in March
Lots of great shows on Broadway now too. Here’s what you need to know:
PREVIEWS
Before a show officially opens, there is a “previews” period. Lasting usually 4-6 weeks to make adjustments and before official reviews can be made, they’ve become standard practice. Discounts are widely given in this period. While the shows are full performances, there are rare occurrences of technical difficulties in more complex shows or shows that end up complete flops and don’t even make it to opening night. I’ve never had an issue seeing a show in previews.
DISCOUNT CODES
There some great websites that offer discount codes for Broadway shows. Playbill.com, BroadwayBox, and NYTix are my go-to’s. You aren’t going to get a discount for popular shows that are selling out, but there are plenty of shows to see at a discounted price. Plus, you don't have to wait in the long TKTS lines. You may have to set up a free account for some of these sites. Here are the links you need:
TKTS
The famed discount ticket booth in Times Square with three other locations in Downtown Brooklyn, Lincoln Center, and the South Street Seaport. While the lines may be long, your options may be better as some shows release tickets to TKTS that aren’t offering discount codes or promotions. Download the app and see what shows are available each day. For more information, visit their website:
TODAYTIX
Download the app and buy discounted tickets right on your phone up to a week before the show and last minute. Easy to use and expanding to other NYC venues and London, TodayTix could revolutionize the discount ticket market. No lines to wait in and you just pick up your tickets at the box office. Check it out:
LOTTERIES
Lotteries for discounted, rush, standing, and student tickets are opportunities to see shows at heavily discounted prices. There is a little bit of luck needed as many people try to win the chance to purchase these tickets. What used to be drawings at the theaters two or three hours before the show is now moving online. For information on each shows policies, use the link below. Always have a backup plan ready though in case you don’t win and still want to see a show that night.
BROADWAY WEEK
Did you know its currently Broadway Week? Through February 5th, you can buy tickets and see over 25 shows at a price of 2-for-1. Tourism in NYC dies down at this time of year, so it's the perfect time to take a trip to the city as hotel prices drop significantly as well. There is still some time left if you want to take a quick getaway. For ticket information, use the following link and remember this is an annual event, so keep it in mind for next year.
AUDIENCE REWARDS
Audience Rewards is the official rewards program of Broadway and the arts. Sign up and when you buy tickets online or at the box office, give your Audience Rewards number at checkout. You can earn points and use them towards tickets, special experiences, merchandise, etc.
GOLDSTAR
Goldstar allows you to buy tickets online to selected performances of Broadway shows although you don't get to pick your seats. When you show up to the box office before the performance, you will be given your tickets. They offer deals for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway.
TIPS
- Most ticket websites allow you to use your American Express Points towards free tickets or a discounted price. Look for the feature at checkout.
- Many deals are for shows mid week Tuesday – Thursday as theaters fill up on the weekends. That doesn’t mean you can’t find deals on the weekends, but they may be gone if you book too late. A few shows have Monday performances as well.
- If you are staying in Times Square and seeing a show that probably won’t sell out in advance, walk to the theater and buy your tickets. Many box offices accept discount codes (you may have to print them or show on your phone), you won’t have to pay online service charges, and you won’t have to wait in line to pick up the tickets before the show.
- Hotel concierge’s and ticket desks may be convenient, but you wont receive much of a discount. You may be able to score tickets to a popular show, but you will pay a hefty price for it.
- Is it ever ok to pay full price...of course. People may want to see a certain performer, a new mega-hit, a show with a limited run, etc. If you do, make it a wonderful evening, save the playbill, tell your friends, remember it often, and get your money's worth!
Broadway shows are an incredible form of live entertainment. GO...SEE...MAKE MEMORIES...REPEAT!
