TDF vs. TodayTix

[elephantseye]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 9:57am

Hello, all.

I'm making my annual trip up to New York mid-June and wanted to save a bit of money this time, as there's only a couple of shows I'm really enthusiastic about seeing. I believe I'm going to buy my tickets to Angels in America and Three Tall Women beforehand, but am willing to wait for discounted tickets for everything else. Is TDF or TodayTix the best option for this? I haven't used either in the past, and would love some guidance.

For reference, I'm interested in: Carousel, Once On This Island, Boys in the Band, Mean Girls, My Fair Lady, Come From Away, Hello Dolly, and The Band’s Visit. Any advice on which of these shows to see, or suggestions for shows not on this list, would be greatly appreciated as well!

[HogansHero]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 10:08am

Do you mean TDF (a restricted membership deep discount acquired in advance) or TKTS (the "booth" in Duffy Square or elsewhere operated by TDF)? TKTS is the most last minute, TodayTix may or may not be relatively last minute, and logically you should include online discounts (Playbill, Theatermania, etc) in the mix. 

[blueshadows]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 10:20am

I have never used TodayTix before so can't say how it is.

I have used TKTS (which I guess is related to TDF but not exactly sure what the difference is between them) I would suggest to download the TKTS app, it shows you all the shows that are currently on sale and the % of discount.

The app is updated live during operating hours. If it's before they open and it's relatively close enough to the time the booths open it'll show you the shows that will be on the board once they open. If it's too soon before they open it'll show you the shows that were recently on the board (so those from the previous day). It has happened that shows I wanted to see are sold out if I come too late but it has also happened that at the last minute I got amazing seats. So a bit hard to say which would be the best time to buy.

As for the shows you've listed, the only one I saw is The Band's visit which was very enjoyable. I got tickets for that show last Sunday from TKTS. I got to the booth at around noon and got last row of the orchestra at 50%. For other shows I would highly recommend Dear Wvan Hansen if you haven't seen and if there are tickets available.

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 11:04am

TodayTix usually isn't any cheaper than what's already out there.

You shouldn't have trouble getting discounted tickets at the TKTS booth for Carousel, Once on This Island, Hello Dolly, and maybe The Band's Visit. If you want to see Mean Girls, My Fair Lady, or Come From Away, you should buy your tickets in advance (and there probably aren't discounts for those shows).

Angels in America is actually at the TKTS booth fairly regularly (including for today's 2 shows at 50% off), but maybe their sales will pick up by Tony time.

Updated On: 4/7/18 at 11:04 AM

[elephantseye]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 11:24am

Thanks, everyone!

I should have specified, I was looking at the TDF membership. I believe that, since I’m out of state, I can buy a membership for $20 and gain access to those discounts, but I wasn’t sure how good the seats were/how early I could buy them.

I’m essentially trying to find a balance between price and planning in advance. TKTS makes me nervous because I’m not a big fan of queueing for tickets day-of (which is why rushing when I only have a few days in the city also stresses me out), but the pricing is reasonable. So I’m trying to figure out the best median between cheap/on the fly and expensive/peace of mind.

I also have a few thousand points on Audience Rewards, but the selection there doesn’t seem great.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 11:42am

The tdf seats are everywhere. I sat second row for Dolly and upstairs for The Children.

I love my tdf membership. I thought it was going to be hard to get but I applied, sent my ID proof in and was approvd within a day or two.

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 11:53am

TDF is great, especially if you will be seeing shows on weeknights. (It can be hit-or-miss on the weekends.) Sometimes tickets will be on TDF weeks in advance, other times it's a day or two ahead of time.

If you're doing TDF, maybe wait to get ANGELS and 3 TALL tickets until closer to your trip, since they've been on TDF in the past. Aside from those 2, you could probably also expect to see Carousel, Island, and Dolly on TDF. (And occasionally Come From Away is on it for weekday perfs.)

[R. GreenFinch]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 1:17pm

I use both, depending on the fees and timing. Others have been correct that TDF is best for weeknights.

I check out TDF daily for deals, and find that TodayTix has some deals earlier in the week (Monday/Tuesday). Occasionally there are some good same day TodayTix prices (I saw Waitress in the pre-Sara B Jason Mraz run for $40 on a Tuesday evening). 

I recommend TDF memberships to everyone I know. Use it once, and it's worth it. I've had some truly excellent seats through TDF-- think the worst I've had so far was front of the mezz, and the best center orchestra for Bandstand. 

I saw ANGELS through TDF, and it was definitely the best deal I could find. I recommend purchasing through there if you can. Once on This ISland pops up for the occasional Wednesday (particuarly for the matinee), Dolly's there at least a few days a week, and Carousel has been up quite a few times. 

[cjmclaughlin10]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 1:29pm

Also, the TKTS booths in Brooklyn and Lincoln Center (both easily accessible by Subway) sell matinee tickets the day before and often have less of a line

[Dollypop]

Posted: 4/7/18 at 5:03pm

I've seen HELLO, DOLLY! eight times with TDF seats. Almost every time the seats were mid-orchestra. The one exception was in the rear mezz. The balcony overhang cut off the top of the staircase. Dollypop was not pleased.