I'm planning a trip to NYC in July, where I'll be seeing Something Rotten (so excited!). Since I've never seen a show at the St. James before, I was wondering if you guys could tell me: What do you consider to be the best seat in the house? I'm willing to pay whatever, but while I'm usually an orchestra girl, I've heard some people complaining about sitting up close since the stage is too high. So what do you think is better: a seat in the 3rd row of the orchestra, or first row in the front mezz?
I had first row in the mezzanine last summer for Bullets Over Broadway and the view was great. I was slightly off center, but no matter. Still a great view.
For Something Rotten I was about the same position in the mezzanine but back about 5 rows from my Bullets seat. Great view from there as well.
I used to be an orchestra guy, but now I prefer front of the mezzanine (or within a few rows back) if I can get it.
Someone else might have to give you information about the railing in the front of the mezzanine at the St. James. I'm about 6'3, so probably would have been able to see over it and didn't notice it. Can't remember too much about it.
I am a front orchestra person myself. I actually sat in the third row for Bullets Over Broadway. It was one row too close to being perfect, in my opinion, because the stage was very high.
I saw Side Show and I sat in the fifth row and it was great. The stage for Side Show was not as high as for Bullets.
If I were you, I would pick the 4th or 5th row in the orchestra if money is no object and you have your choice of many different seats.
^ Looking at the picture above, it seems like the first seat off the aisle on house left and right in row A mezzanine might be slightly obstructed by the higher railing on the aisle. I think they are Left Mezz, Row A Seat 1, and Right Mezz Row A, Seat 2.
I am guessing they have that higher railing at the bottom of the mezzanine aisle in order to prevent people from tripping down the stairs and falling into the orchestra level.
Does anyone have any experience with these seats? Does the aisle railing obstruct the view or is it distracting in any way?
I sat in Row B of the Mezz on the aisle seat left of the centre and the railing is a pain in ass. I spent the whole first act moving my head up and down to try to see round it, but I'm only 5'4 so maybe if you were taller it wouldn't be an issue. Thankfully, a lovely usher moved me during the intermission.