Opinions on Phantom Seats for First Timer

[bonnie103]

Hello! 

My wife and I will be going to the Phantom of the Opera in late March at the Majestic Theater in NY. We've never been to a Broadway and she's a long time Phantom fan.  I've tried to read as many opinions as I can and I realize that once it's beyond obviously bad seats and obstructive views, it's always going to be subjective and a matter of preference for people. That being said, the best seats I see for when we're going appear to be....

Front Mez Row B 1 & 3

Orchestra Row K 10 & 12   (prefer aisle seats, but it appears that K has free space in front so guess it doesn't matter)

Orchestra Row N 1 & 3   ---   I'm guessing the other two options are better, but since it's an aisle seat and is (from what I understand) still safe from the obstructed view, I'm just listing it as well.

Thank you for any feedback you can give. Again, I understand they are both good seats and people have varying preferences, but just wanting to take in as much insight as I can to try and decide on which would be the best experience for my wife as a first timer. Thanks!

[AEA AGMA SM]

My personal preference for most shows is the first couple of rows of the mezzanine. I prefer to be looking down at the stage and find it easier to take in the whole stage picture from this vantage point  and still be close enough to notice finer details.

[Valentina3]

Take mezz seats, it's significantly better.

Or, y'know - go and see just about ANY other show on Broadway.

[Phantom4ever]

It's hard to get positive feedback about Phantom on this board, so be aware of the naysayers. 

Row K is an excellent row because it is raised quite high above the row in front of it and there is an aisle in front, so you have full views of the stage. 

But those front mezz seats are good too. At any other show I would recommend the mezz, but at Phantom I have found that the mezz has all of the talkers and the translators in the mezz every time I go. I have sat in K8 and K12 before and the view can't be beat. And enjoy the show! 

[Hairspray0901]

I sat in front mezz row A at Phantom and couldn't have asked for better seats. So, I'd recommend B 1 and 3. 

[ksilver117]

Go for the front mezz seats - it's one of the best views in the theater, particularly for Phantom. Enjoy!

[Lot666]

I have seen this particular show many, many times (I lost count long ago), and from different areas of the theatre, and its impact tends to vary depending on where one sits.

The Majestic is somewhat unique in that it does not have a balcony (third level). The mezzanine is steeply raked (it can be dizzying making one's way up and down the stairs) and overhangs the orchestra around row J, which obstructs the view of the proscenium (where the Phantom makes several appearances) from orchestra seats behind row N.

On the few occasions when I've sat in the mezzanine, I felt removed and detached from the action, as if watching the proceedings through a window. I also do not enjoy looking down at this particular show; there are numerous set pieces and effects that come up through the floor and I find that this perspective diminishes their impact.

I feel that the sight lines for Phantom are optimal when I'm looking slightly up or directly at the performers, which makes me favor the orchestra. The chandelier has a more powerful impact from here as well.

 

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There's nothing like that flash-pod moment when the overture begins and the chandelier starts moving out towards the orchestra!

You mentioned orchestra K-10 and K-12, which I believe would be in orchestra right (not center). Be aware that there is no additional leg room in front of this row. Rather, you must step up to get to row K (it's not on the same level as row H); that blank space you see where center orchestra rows I and J end is actually the access path into the center orchestra. I know the seating chart makes it look similar to those lucky airline seats where you get extra leg room because there's a seat missing in front of you, but this is NOT the case here. Also, there is a metal railing in front of the left and right side orchestra seats in row K (because otherwise people seated here could stand up and step right off the front of the landing).

If the aisle seats were available in row K on either side, I would recommend them because the step up to this row ensures that your view isn't blocked by anyone seated in front of you. However, seats further down row K (after about the first four or so) are, in my opinion, too far off to the side.

If the seats you mentioned are your only options, I would go with N-1 and N-2, which are on the aisle and therefore closer to the center than those in row K.

If you can get anywhere closer in center orchestra, or side orchestra within the first 2-3 seats from the aisle, I believe you would enjoy the show a great deal more. Premium seating in center orchestra usually starts around row B, but you can often get regular priced seats in row A, BB, and AA. AA and BB may be a bit too close, but A, B, and C are great.

 

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...and the chandelier will pass directly over your head in both directions!

Hope this helps. Let us know what you decide, and enjoy the show!

[Dover]

I'm a big fan of seeing the show from the orchestra. As someone else said, K has a great view because there's no one in front of you. Also it's about eye-level with the actors which is a natural way to watch a show.

[bonnie103]

Thanks for your responses.  

Really helpful.  But of course as soon as I'm sold on the Front Mez, I get persuaded on O seating.  Lot, thanks for the elaboration on K right O.  I have seen some conflicting opinions on section N as to whether that's too far under the overhang for a few scenes. I''m assuming that it is an unobstructed view since you suggested it as well, correct?

Valentina, thanks for the feedback. I realize that the Phantom is an eye-roller for many, especially for those that can frequent shows....however, when it comes to my wife, our first Broadway when visiting from Tennessee better be Phantom. :)

[Lot666]

bonnie103 said: "Lot, thanks for the elaboration on K right O.  I have seen some conflicting opinions on section N as to whether that's too far under the overhang for a few scenes. I''m assuming that it is an unobstructed view since you suggested it as well, correct?"

What the mezzanine overhang (potentially) does is block the view of the upper proscenium, where the Phantom occasionally appears briefly to terrorize the denizens of the Opera Populaire. An argument could be made that these fleeting glimpses are not an absolutely essential part of the experience (your mileage may vary).

 

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The overhang can also block the uppermost part of the chandelier's ascent during the overture and its initial descent at the end of the first act.

I believe Telecharge designates row Q and back as "obstructed", but I wouldn't go any further than row N to be on the safe side. As a disclaimer, let me say that I have not personally sat in row N and consequently cannot say from experience that there is no obstruction, but I do have it on good authority.  I have, however, sat in row K on more than one occasion.

bonnie103 said: "I realize that the Phantom is an eye-roller for many, especially for those that can frequent shows....however, when it comes to my wife, our first Broadway when visiting from Tennessee better be Phantom. :)"

For every Broadway regular who rolls their eyes, there's another like me who visits NY several times a year to see new shows, but also blocks a space on their itinerary for this show every time. Please tell your wife that she's in good company. There is a reason why Phantom has been playing The Majestic for almost 30 years now.

[Scarywarhol]

Front mezz is best for Phantom, no question! 

[PatrickDC]

"Valentina, thanks for the feedback. I realize that the Phantom is an eye-roller for many, especially for those that can frequent shows....however, when it comes to my wife, our first Broadway when visiting from Tennessee better be Phantom. :)"

I've seen PotO five or six times now and loved it every time. Doubt I'll see it again, but that's not the show, just me wanting to fill my theater slots with other shows. Everyone has and is entitled to an opinion, but hey, it's a landmark B'way show and absolutely nothing wrong with going, especially as you say it's your first Broadway show. It's been ages since I saw it at the Majestic, but from the reports I read here, despite it's age, the show is kept fresh and vibrant, so you'll be seeing very much the same production we saw a long time ago -- different actors, or course. My brother, as tough as they come, a champion wrestler and football player in school, was dragged to see the tour in San Francisco by his wife. His first big musical show. It ignited a continuing love of theater in him. When their kids were old enough they became season tickets holders of the Broadway tour season in Sacramento and continue to go quite often. It's still kind of odd to discuss musicals with him because growing up he snubbed my interest in the artform. 

[PThespian]

I worked the Majestic as a regular for two years and have done both extended and sporadic subbing there. 

When the show is going on the ushers sit next to Row K (if they are working the front of the orchestra) or next to Row G on the far side if they are working upstairs. 

I have seen the show hundreds of times from both spots. 

Everyone has their preferences. All I can say is if I were buying seats for my family I would go with Row K. 

It is slightly elevated so more or less on the same level as the stage. 

It's great having no one sitting in front of you. All you need is the person in front of you to start leaning forward in the Mezzanine and your entire experience will be ruined. 

The Rear Mezzanine has a iot of inexpensive seats. A lot of tourists, students, etc buy them up. 

The problem is they either don't understand English well enough to understand what is being said or they get bored because the view is so terrible. 

Either way they love to talk and text during the show. 

Of course this happens downstairs as well, but not nearly as much. 

The side rows for K thru P downstairs are short. You won't be too far away from the center at all. 

As far as the naysayers go Phantom is a great introduction to Broadway. It is full of spectacle, emotion and beautiful music. 

And yes, they keep the show in great shape.