Phantom Daily Digital Lottery!

[VonTrappFamilySinger]

Tomorrow, in honor of Phantom's 28th anniversary, they're creating a digital lottery! $28 tickets. 

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/THE-PHANTOM-OF-THE-OPERA-to-Reach-28-Years-Tomorrow-Launches-Daily-Digital-Lottery-20160125

[VonTrappFamilySinger]

Oh, and also it looks like An American in Paris is creating one as well.

[Phantom4ever]

Can't believe the front row of orch is included in the lottery.  I know other shows include the front row but Phantom only had the last row of the rear mezz as the cheap seats---as cheap as standing room.

[BrodyFosse123]

Front row at THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA/Majestic Theatre are the worst seats in the theatre.  I'd even refer to them as "partial view" seats as the stage is high and you can't see the actor's feet nor any of scenery that comes in from the stage floor.  The legendary labyrinth boat ride can't be enjoyed as the dry ice floats into the first few rows so you can "hear" it not see it.  The best seats are from the 5th-6th row back in the orchestra section and the mezzanine.  

[Phantom4ever]

The dry ice does not block any view from the first few rows. It is generally considered too close for  most people because you miss so much of the stage picture because you can't take it all in at once. But I have sat in the front row at Phantom many, many times, and I had no problem seeing the tiny candles come out of the stage, or the actor's feet. But still, the front row has normally been full price but not premium.  The worst seats in the house?   Not by a long shot.  Try anything in the orch past row M.  Now that is partial view. 

[Fosse76]

BrodyFosse123 said: "Front row at THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA/Majestic Theatre are the worst seats in the theatre.  I'd even refer to them as "partial view" seats as the stage is high and you can't see the actor's feet nor any of scenery that comes in from the stage floor.  The legendary labyrinth boat ride can't be enjoyed as the dry ice floats into the first few rows so you can "hear" it not see it.  The best seats are from the 5th-6th row back in the orchestra section and the mezzanine. "

 

I don't know if you've seen the tour more times than the Broadway production and are just confused, but the stage at the Majestic is not high. Not at all. Additionally, I cannot ever recall the dry ice pouring into the first few rows. It's all absorbed in the orchestra pit. Front row is fine. The only obstruction is when the Phantom is on top of the proscenium. And even that isn't bad.

 

[Kinky Boy]

It's now $40. Anyone know where the seats are

[Lot666]

Phantom4ever said: "The dry ice does not block any view from the first few rows. It is generally considered too close for  most people because you miss so much of the stage picture because you can't take it all in at once. But I have sat in the front row at Phantom many, many times, and I had no problem seeing the tiny candles come out of the stage, or the actor's feet. But still, the front row has normally been full price but not premium.  The worst seats in the house?   Not by a long shot.  Try anything in the orch past row M.  Now that is partial view."

Agreed, and the balcony is pretty crappy. too. While the front row of the orchestra isn't completely ideal, it does offer up-close views of the performers' faces and the chandelier goes right over your head!

 

[Lot666]

PThespian said: "There is no balcony, but the Rear Mezzanine is very high, very steep and has no handrails...It is very hard, if not impossible, to make out facial features or see gestures without the use of binoculars. Thosr are the worst seats in the house."

You're absolutely right; I meant mezz, not balcony. I've only sat up there once and it was for the 25th anniversary show, because I didn't get to choose the seats (the view was awful, but I felt quite fortunate to be there for the milestone). When I buy tickets, they're always downstairs.

 

[Justin D]

I personally love the boxes, esp price wise as they are usually only $50. + fees

 

as for the dry ice, they invented a system of nozells and jets that prevent that from happening (its all at the front edge of the stage, it was invented for this and the original Les Mis productions but Les Mis closed soon after installation)

[bwayphreak234]

I have sat all over the Majestic for Phantom. My favorite seats are the front mezzanine towards the center. I also loved sitting third row center. I did not think it was too close, and I do not feel like I missed a thing. Last time I saw the show, I was in the last row of the rear mezzanine. It is indeed quite far back, but I vastly preferred the view from up there to the horrible view I had in the boxes.

[@z5]

The two times ii did the lottery, I was seated in the front row of the orch.

[broadwaygirl89]

Has anyone won the lottery recently? Half the places I read say that the lottery should be $28 (even the lottery website ad after I've entered) but that when I enter, it says that the tickets are $40. Just curious about the discrepancy. 

[greatwhite2017]

Won it last evening. $40 and my seat was front row, AA2. Amazing seat. And yes, the fog gets obstructed because of the jets in place and blows into the pit and upwards avoiding everyone in the front couple of rows. You can even see the system in place if you stand up at all before, during intermission, or after. They are right in line with the stage lights that rise and fall during the opera numbers. I love seeing what's happening in the wings and there's plenty of opportunity stage right. Only obstruction is not a perfect view when the phantom is stage left of the angel. Otherwise, you can see everything. You can also see the Phantom rising in place and his "double" during "Why So Silent." 

[singerunlimited]

Sorry to bump an old thread! I didn't want to start a new one for this small question.

The last few days, when I've attempted to enter the Phantom lottery (between 7-9 AM), it's said that tickets were not available. Does this happen when performances are mostly sold out? Do they sell the seats normally reserved for lottery seats in these situations?

[labellaragazza1]

singerunlimited said: "Sorry to bump an old thread! I didn't want to start a new one for this small question.

The last few days, when I've attempted to enter the Phantom lottery (between 7-9 AM), it's said that tickets were not available. Does this happen when performances are mostly sold out? Do they sell the seats normally reserved for lottery seats in these situations?"

That usually happens around busy times of the year. It’s still spring break time, so it has been selling well. I think they sell them because they know they can get $150+ for them because of limited availability. You can always check st the BO for box seats day of, but they might be more expensive than normal. I think I was quoted $85 for Easter week boxes. I went last week and paid $90 at the TKTS booth (because no lotto) but there was a very limited ticket pool that day. 

[singerunlimited]

I figured as such. I live in the city, so it's not a question of urgency - just curiosity. Thank you for your response!

[TheatreRocks]

That lottery website has looked like that for a looooonnnnnggg time. Very frustrating...

[greenifyme2]

Won the lottery for tonight. Has anyone won recently and are the seats still front row?

[labellaragazza1]

greenifyme2 said: "Won the lottery for tonight. Has anyone won recently and are the seats still front row?"

They are as far as I know. I went 2 weeks ago when the online lotto wasn't happening and had asked at the box office about box seats. Was offered front row seats for $45 (very on the side, but still great view) and was told that those are the seats you'd win in the lotto anyway. I'm not sure why they didn't do the lotto, but it seems like they're still front row seats. 

[greenifyme2]

labellaragazza1 said: "greenifyme2 said: "Won the lottery for tonight. Has anyone won recently and are the seats still front row?"

They are as far as I know. I went 2 weeks ago when the onlinelotto wasn't happening and had asked at the box office about box seats. Was offered front row seats for $45 (very on the side, but still great view)and was told that those are the seats you'd win in the lotto anyway.I'm not sure why they didn't do the lotto, but it seems like they're still front row seats."

Awesome, thank you! I'll report back after I go tonight.

[greenifyme2]

It was indeed front row, right on the aisle. Fabulous seat!

[FANtomFollies]

Any recent luck with this? Thinking about trying for the Thursday matinee. 

Kind of unrelated - but I know talking tourists are an issue sometimes, especially in a long runner like Phantom. I'm thinking of taking my a mom to see it, and wonder if there are any tips to avoid this issue?

[somecheapfrenchthing]

I've had decent luck with this lottery over the past 2 years - but availability of lottery tickets has been extremely spotty and unpredictable lately. I think availability is affected by influx of summer tourists, so hopefully this will change as people return to school/work. I'd say Thursday matinee is a good one to try. 

Also, it's true in my experience that audiences at Phantom are a bit more disruptive. Thankfully, the lottery seats are so up close, it really doesn't matter... I think you'll feel immersed enough to mute the minor disruptions. For me, the closer I've been to the stage, the better, and (if you end up buying regular tickets) I would also recommend aisle seats since you'll be less surrounded. 

I hope that helps and I hope they have a lottery for you on Thursday! 

[FANtomFollies]

Thanks for all the advice! Do you know where your seat is after you purchase online, or not until you pick it up at the theatre? Would you end up with a better seat if you pick up the ticket sooner rather than later?