Miles2Go2 said: "This is similar to complaints about Network. Valid complaints for certain. That was my first time to see a van Hove production. I was able to see certain scenes on monitors throughout the theater so I still felt like I had a compelling experience. I’m curious. I know use of live video is common in his productions. Has he used them in every one of them and if so have they all had a lot of partial view seats as a result?"
In Network the video screens were an integral part of the storytelling and theme of the production; I rarely got the sense that they were there to show the audience what they couldn’t see on stage (with the exception of the one scene that took place out on the street). I sat in right mezz and could see almost everything, though I had a couple of “aha” moments that added to the effectiveness of the play - a play about the ubiquitous and consuming power of television - when I realized that I was watching the screens despite the live action playing out in front of me. I haven’t read anything about WSS that suggests that the extensive use of video plays a similar thematic role; rather, it seems to exist here because the show is staged in such a way that large sections of the audience can’t see the actors on stage, even in critical scenes and regardless of the price point of the seats. That is problematic to me. If anyone who has seen the production can shed light on any other purpose of the video screens, I would welcome it.
Thanks smidge! I bought a K18 ticket earlier this weekend, and then saw your post! I chose this after seeing a picture from K18 on aviewfrommyseat.
Thanks Miles, for keeping this discussion going. I was following it closely, to help inform my ticket selection. I really debated on do I want to be closer up but further left, or back a bit further but slightly closer to the centre, as well.
I have tickets for the end of Feb after opening. They’re Row F orch center. Seeing the pictures and reading this thread is making me nervous about the stage height. Would it be worth it to call Telecharge and see if I can move a couple rows back? Considering I payed the premium prices I would like to make sure I can see everything. Thanks!
You'll be fine in row F, orchestra center. I sat there for Cinderella, and loved the view. The stage is higher than several others; however, row F is back far enough! Check out aviewfrommyseat, someone posted a picture from row E center, and it's a perfect view.
BdwayLife said: "You'll be fine in row F, orchestra center. I sat there for Cinderella, and loved the view. The stage is higher than several others; however, row F is back far enough! Check out aviewfrommyseat, someone posted a picture from row E center, and it's a perfect view."
The picture from row E you are referring to is from King Kong. I assume you are aware the stage height can change dramatically in a specific theater from one show to the other. The stage height for West Side Story may be much higher than it was for recent shows at the Broadway like Cinderella, Dr. Zhivago, Fiddler, Miss Saigon and King Kong. And it also sounds like they have added some extra visual encumbrances with the set for this production.
There is a single photo on aviewfrommyseat for this production. We all wait with bated breath for more people to post photos from their seats!
Dan6 said: "Miles2Go2 said: "This is similar to complaints about Network. Valid complaints for certain. That was my first time to see a van Hove production. I was able to see certain scenes on monitors throughout the theater so I still felt like I had a compelling experience. I’m curious. I know use of live video is common in his productions. Has he used them in every one of them and if so have they all had a lot of partial view seats as a result?"
In Network the video screens were an integral part of the storytelling andthemeof the production; I rarelygot the sense that they were there to show the audience what they couldn’t see on stage (with the exception of the one scene that took place out on the street). I sat in right mezz and could see almost everything, though I had a couple of “aha” moments that added to the effectiveness of the play- a play about the ubiquitous and consuming power of television - when I realized that I was watchingthe screens despite the live action playing out in front of me. I haven’t read anything about WSS that suggests that the extensive use of video plays a similar thematic role; rather, it seems to exist here because the show is staged in such a way that large sections of the audience can’t see the actors on stage,even in critical scenes and regardless of the price point of the seats. That is problematic to me. If anyone who has seen the production can shed light on any other purpose of the video screens, I would welcome it."
I'm sure they'll fix the video issues as previews go along.
Thanks so much for this info! I've gotten right front mezz seats (in row A as well). Does the show play more to the left, or do you think right would be fine as well?
Also, did you find the bar in front of the mezz to be an obstruction at all? I'm pretty short ( 5'3" ), so that sort of thing always concerns me lol.
Okay. It’s me again. Found another possible seat for my performance. Right Orchestra U 15. With discount, it would be $50 more than my current Left Orchestra G 18.
So my options are:
Left Orchestra G 18 (current seat) Left Front Mezzanine D18 ($10 more than G 18) Right Orchestra U 15 ($50 more than G 18)
Does one seat offer me better overall view of stage and backstage video? If so, which one?
Thank you very much for the photos and comments, flying fan!
Flying fan, I’m looking at either the side mez front row, row A, basically where you sat, versus the second row but in the center mez. Which would you choose? More centered in the second row or further to the side but in the front row. One problem with the A1 and A2 seats in the front row is that big golden hand rail that sticks up an extra foot between each section. That probably didn’t affect your view in A4. The seats I’m looking at in the second row wouldn’t be next to an aisle so that big rail wouldn’t be an issue.
joined:8/7/10
joined:
8/7/10
Posted: 12/15/19 at 3:01pm