Phantom fans please help, what are THE BEST SEATS?

[Irenka]

Hi everyone!

My mom is coming to town - she's from Europe, first time in the US, first time on Broadway and it is very unlikely she will come back, so I want to make absolutely sure she has the best experience! Her English is not very good and she likes and knows Phantom so I thought it would be a good choice of a show for her to see.

When I saw Phantom it was from those $27 we up in the balcony and I am having a hard time remembering how the chandelier moves and where would be the best seats to see all the action on the massive stage? Center orchestra? Which rows? Front mezzanine?

Any help is appreciated! I hope to get the tickets as part of the 2 for 1 Broadway week.

[AJB2]

My wife and I went to Broadway and saw Phantom on 8/7/2014. I highly recommend that you sit in the first row Mezzanine. You will get an excellent view of the stage and be able to see some of the talented musicians. An added bonus is seeing the actor playing the Phantom appear in appear in front of you and then disappear.

[phantomcrazy14]

I have seen the show four times and I definitely agree with front mezzanine seats. You get to see everything and you can truly take in the full set. One time I did sit in the orchestra in the center. It was cool to have the chandelier rising above our heads and being so close. But I would take front mezzanine over orchestra. If you really want orchestra though, don't sit too far back because the mezzanine overhang may block some if the moments that happen at the top of the proscenium

[Phantom4ever]

I have see the show 50 times on broadway and I would recommend row k of the orchestra because it is very close but it is raised much higher than the row before it so it feels like a front row seat in a way, but you can see the full stage picture from K as opposed to the real front row

[Jarethan]

I was going to say the same thing re Rows K - O or so center orchestra. I think they are great seats, the closer the better. They are closer to the stage than the front mezz and have no one in front of you, unless the person is a giant. You look straight ahead and have to worry about nothing.

[FutureGM]

I have to agree with the Front Row mezzanine. Yes, it is cool to sit under the chandelier when it falls, but I love being able to see the whole set. Also, sitting in the orchestra, it is difficult to see the Phantom at the end of Act 1.

Also, keep in mind that if you would like to Sierra Boggess as Christine, she does not perform on Mondays or Saturday matinees.

[Elfuhbuh]

I second the Row K seating. I've never used the front mezzanine for this show, but we sat in Row K a couple of months ago when seeing the show, and as a rather short person I was able to see the stage pretty well without anyone blocking my view.

[broadwayguy2]

Front mezzanine.
K in the orchestra is mice for the open view of the stage, but you get that from the front mezzanine and, as stated before, a better view of things happening on top of the proscenium.

[Hairspray0901]

I saw Phantom for the first time last week and thought I had incredible seats; was in the first row of the front mezzanine, seats 8 and 10. I'd say front row mezz.

[Danielle26]

I've seen Phantom on Broadway 18 times. Two weeks ago, my family went on a whim and sat in the Center Orchestra, row J. It was good, but I love to sit closer - Center Orchestra, Row D or E. You can see everything and feel more engrossed in the story. Enjoy where ever your seats are!

[jkl011]

ORCHESTRA: You can't go wrong with center orchestra, rows D-P! The farther back you sit in the orchestra, the more will be blocked by the mezzanine, and there are parts of the show that are up high and if you are too far back you won't be able to see them. On the other hand, if you are closer than row D, it may be hard to really take in the entire stage and whats going on (especially if its your first time!) The orchestra seats elevate around row J i believe, so a seat there or farther back would be ideal if you are worried about someone tall sitting in front of you. Seats in the center are best, but if you have to sit on the sides try to be as close to the center as possible! Also, if you sit towards the front in the center the chandelier goes right over your head!
MEZZANINE: Row A of the front mezzanine is a great view, nobody is in front of you and you have the added bonus of extra leg room. You basically can't go wrong with the first few rows of the center front mezzanine. The rear mezzanine is farther back and i personally find it hard to really get into the show when i'm that far back. The tickets are cheaper, but i would definitely recommend splurging a little to get the best possible view! Hope this helps x

[Phantom4ever]

The only problem with center orchestra Row D and E is those are usually the premium seats, and there really is no need to spend that kind of money on tickets.

The first two rows of the mezz would be excellent choices, as they would be at pretty much any show, but especially Phantom because he does make appearances about the proscenium, and you get a bird's eye view of the chandelier ascent, chandelier shaking, and of course the chandelier drop.

Otherwise Row K or L in the orchestra is the optimal seating choice.

[nicnyc]

I'd definitely go for the orchestra! I loved seeing all the facial expressions, etc up close - it really draws you in! Hope you have a wonderful time.

[Irenka]

Thank you everyone for your comments! I am very intrigued by the mezzanine, can I have a couple of follow up questions?

I feel like first row mezzanine is sometimes tricky because of bars or lighting, so sometimes one must lean forward and cannot really relax and sit back. Is this not the case?
When you say the Phantom appears and disappears in front of you, in which section is that?

Thank you!

[Irenka]

Hello again, anyone has answers to the questions above? Many thanks!

[ajh]

I think front Mezzanine is the best place to take everything in for Phantom.

[Hairspray0901]

Irekna - my mom is usually bothered by the front row bars because she's 5'0 but she didn't have any trouble seeing over them, they were fairly low compared to other theaters. I didn't have any trouble either but I am a little taller at 5'2". we didn't lean forward for anything; we didn't have to :)

phantom was on my side often (i was in the right front mezz row A seats 8 and 10) but he was also in the center. probably on the left too, but not positive.

[jimmycurry01]

Front row mezzanine is best. If you are on a budget, front row balcony is nice if you get a center seat.

[FANtomFollies]

I splurged and got tickets since I'm having company in town in a few weeks. Got Orchestra, row A seats 1,3, and 5. Will these be too close? Too far to the side? I've seen the show before, but have always been pretty far away.

[SamanthaP]

Hi!!! I just saw Phantom two days ago and I would absolutely recommend sitting in the Front Mezzanine. I sat in the Orchestra under the Mezzanine and had a hard time seeing the chandelier (which is one of the best parts of the show) you also can see the Phantom in the catwalk a lot clearer. I hope you love the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ImAProphet]

FANtomFollies said: "I splurged and got tickets since I'm having company in town in a few weeks. Got Orchestra, row A seats 1,3, and 5. Will these be too close? Too far to the side? I've seen the show before, but have always been pretty far away."

I sat in that row last time I went, I want to say seat 9? Amazing view. Not too close at all.

If I had one nitpick it was that I couldn't see the Phantom when he first shows up in the mirror, because Christine's dressing room door was in the way from that angle. But that's all I can think of and you might be far enough in that it's not an issue anyway.

[FANtomFollies]

Amazing - thank you, I can't wait!

[JuneJune]

Got tickets for me and my mom just last week because we wanted to take advantage of Broadway week. After reading this thread, I feel like we made a mistake choosing Orchestra S instead of Mezzanine D (though, this was on the box office rep's recommendation).


It's our first time seeing this show, and my mom's been wanting to see this show for years, so I'd hate for her to walk out feeling like she missed out.

 

Does anyone have experience sitting in the rear Orchestra on the extreme sides? Do you feel like you miss much? (Asking specifically for the chandelier and the phantom supposedly appearing and disappearing)

[FANtomFollies]

JuneJune said: "Got tickets for me and my mom just last week because we wanted to take advantage of Broadway week. After reading this thread, I feel like we made a mistake choosing Orchestra S instead of Mezzanine D (though, this was on the box office rep's recommendation).


It's our first time seeing this show, and my mom's been wanting to see this show for years, so I'd hate for her to walk out feeling like she missed out.
 

I have sat a a few rows behind Row S and you will have a totally clear and close-enough view of the stage itself. That being said I'll be honest - you do get the top of the proscenium cut off and won't see the chandelier once it has risen into place. If I were you - I'd call the box office and explain your situation and would be so grateful if they could exchange your tickets. I know all theater tickets do 'no refunds or exchanges' but I've absolutely done it a couple times. If someone at the box office won't do an exchange, ask to speak to the box office manager or house manager - or simply call back and speak to another employee until you find a 'nice' one. 

 

Below is the view from Row T in the orchestra:



 

[JuneJune]

FANtomFollies said: "I have sat a a few rows behind Row S and you will have a totally clear and close-enough view of the stage itself. That being said I'll be honest - you do get the top of the proscenium cut off and won't see the chandelier once it has risen into place. If I were you - I'd call the box office and explain your situation and would be so grateful if they could exchange your tickets. I know all theater tickets do 'no refunds or exchanges' but I've absolutely done it a couple times. If someone at the box office won't do an exchange, ask to speak to the box office manager or house manager - or simply call back and speak to another employee until you find a 'nice' one.



Below is the view from Row T in the orchestra:



"

Thanks for going into detail and suggesting what we could do! Honestly, we might end up doing just that. And if all else fails, just try to upgrade our seats the day of.