In order to stimulate attendance at non-musical productions, Theatre Development Fund (TDF) maintains a special ticket window at its TKTS Discount Booth in Times Square - "under the red steps" at Broadway and 47th Street. Until now, this special window has been called the "Play Only" window. As of today, this window will be called the PLAY EXPRESS window. At the PLAY EXPRESS window there is rarely a wait for theatergoers to purchase same-day discount tickets for dramatic and comedic productions on and Off Broadway during regular TKTS hours.
"We have found that having a dedicated window to sell same day tickets to non-musical productions has been of great service to New Yorkers and tourists who enjoy seeing the newest plays on and Off Broadway, but are sometimes daunted by the lines at TKTS when we first open in the afternoon," said
Victoria Bailey, TDF's executive director. "With the old name, 'Play Only,' many customers thought that they couldn't purchase tickets to plays at the other eleven TKTS windows. The fact is that tickets to plays may be purchased at ANY ticket window - but using the PLAY EXPRESS window will shorten their wait time considerably. We feel this new name helps to clarify that."
With the current influx of so many non-musical productions, there have been a record number of shows available at this dedicated ticket window. Last week alone there were 8 Broadway productions and 19 Off Broadway productions available at the PLAY EXPRESS window.
How to use the PLAY EXPRESS window at TKTS Times Square:
When you get to TKTS, check the board that displays what shows are on sale. Any show with a "P" next to the title is also available at the PLAY EXPRESS window. At busier times there is a dedicated PLAY EXPRESS line. At less busy times, you may walk up to the window with the sign PLAY EXPRESS above it and get your tickets! Of course, you can buy tickets to plays at any TKTS ticket window, but why wait if you don't have to? (unless you want to chat with other TKTS patrons about what they've seen!)
TKTS Times Square hours: Monday - Saturday - 3pm - 8pm for 8pm performances (on Tuesdays open at 2pm for 7pm performances); Wednesday and Saturdays from 10am - 2pm for 2pm matinees; Sundays - 11am - 3pm for matinees performances; 3pm - 7pm for evening performances.
For even shorter waits for tickets to all shows, you may want to check out TDF's Lower Manhattan TKTS Booth at South Street Seaport (corner of Front and John Streets) or TKTS Downtown Brooklyn at 1 MetroTech Center at the corner of Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue Promenade. For more information and hours go to:
www.tdf.org/tkts