Dear Evan Hansen seating for teen/tween

[Susan24]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 1:17pm

Hi, never been here before, so please excuse any obvious questions that I should have searched for already.  My family is coming to NYC in August, want to see DEH.  Two sons, one is 13 other is almost 11 - the 13 yo is a HUGE fan of musicals, the 11 yo loves musicals, just doesn't realize it yet.  I want to get tickets to DEH and here's my thinking:

1) I should buy in advance - after a little searching on the interweb, getting 4 tickets together at the last minute to this show seems like madness.  Also,  would buy direct from telecharge to avoid worries of scam, etc.  Peace of mind more important than cost for me. Especially as I haven't seen great last minute deals for 4 tickets together yet. One ticket, yes, 4 tickets, no.

2) I'm thinking Mezzanine Center, right now telecharge has rows A,B,C pretty available the week we are there.  Thinking Row C, as it saves us a little money and very few heads to look over for my 11 yo.   I have read from many websites that "every seat is good" at the Music box, however my situation includes a 4'10' person whose height is mostly from his legs, so probably would be better to have fewer people in front of us.

Ok how's my thinking?  Is there something I'm not taking into consideration? Thanks for your time!

[(Insert Clever Name)]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 1:49pm

It is a show better experienced close up, so first few rows of the orch, but I’ve heard many people enjoy the mezz. I sat in orch center row G, and I loved my view. In addition, I would book in advance for this show.

[Eliza2]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 1:55pm

you can also get booster seats in the theatre that will help

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 1:55pm

Honestly, all it takes is one head in the row directly in front of you to ruin things. So, unless you're sitting in the front row of the mezzanine, there's always the possibility that will be an issue, regardless of which row it is. That being said, a seat cushion will usually help alleviate that situation, somewhat.

[Susan24]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 2:24pm

Thanks for the replies! I didn’t know about the booster seats, do we just ask when we get there or are these things one has to ask for in advance? Given our budget ($250/ticket max),would further back rows in orchestra be better than closer rows in mezzanine, if the cost is about the same?

[Eliza2]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 2:37pm

I'd go front mezz over rear orchestra. And you can ask an usher for the cushions/boosters when you get to the theatre.

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 4:07pm

I'd say the front of the mezzanine, as well, although row O in the orchestra has great sightlines. It's tiered above row N, so heads in the way aren't an issue.

[herewegoabc]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 4:53pm

You just ask for the booster seats when you get to the theatre. Having four tickets will give you a chance to play around with the seats and find the best option for your 11 year old. Even if there's a super tall person in front of one of the seats, you'll have 3 other options for your little one.

There truly are very few "bad seats" in the Music Box, and front mezz is a great view. I think your Row C option is fine. Better to save the money on tickets because you won't get a much different view at all from Rows A and B.

Updated On: 5/26/18 at 04:53 PM

[EllieRose2]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 5:10pm

I watched the show from the first row of the mezzanine center, and saw Ben Platt in all his glory.  God, what a show.  Anyway, there was an incredibly well behaved child right beside me, and didn't need a booster seat, he was about 10 years old.  He told me very proudly at intermission that this was his birthday present :)

[dearalanaaaa]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 6:06pm

I'm not sure if these are available, but $159 partial view first row orchestra is a very good idea! I sat there on lottery for $40 and it was AMAZING! Booster seat will really help you see over he edge, as well as your son. It's a very intimate show, so you want to be as close as possible. If it isn't, front row mezz is always the way to go.

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 7:49pm

We saw the show from Mezzanine Row C and wish we had been closer. Fortunately, I brought my binoculars with me (a common plan for us these days), and that made all the difference. 

[Avery Berlin]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 9:41pm

dearalanaaaa said: "I'm not sure if these are available, but $159 partial view first row orchestra is a very good idea! I sat there on lottery for $40 and it was AMAZING! Booster seat will really help you see over he edge, as well as your son. It's a very intimate show, so you want to be as close as possible. If it isn't, front row mezz is always the way to go."

I got a front row partial view seat for an upcoming performance that I’m going to!  I’m glad to hear that you thought it was a good seat.  I’ve already seen DEH once so I’m ok with missing a little bit if I have to.  What do you miss out on?  I’ll be in the right orchestra, first row, in the aisle seat closest to the center.  Also, I’m 5’6, but do you think I will need a booster seat/will be more comfortable with one?  Thanks! 

[Eliza2]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 9:53pm

Avery Berlin said: "dearalanaaaa said: "I'm not sure if these are available, but $159 partial view first row orchestra is a very good idea! I sat there on lottery for $40 and it was AMAZING! Booster seat will really help you see over he edge, as well as your son. It's a very intimate show, so you want to be as close as possible. If it isn't, front row mezz is always the way to go."

I got a front row partial view seat for an upcoming performance that I’m going to! I’m glad to hear that you thought it was a good seat. I’ve already seen DEH once so I’m ok with missing a little bit if I have to. What do you miss out on? I’ll be in the right orchestra, first row, in the aisle seat closest to the center. Also, I’m 5’6, but do you think I will need a booster seat/will be more comfortable with one? Thanks!"

I've sat in that same seat but on the left orchestra side. The stage is very high and since there's no orchestra pit you're right up against it, but I didn't feel like I missed anything. The next time I saw it, I was front row of the mezzanine and I saw all the projections - I had missed a little of that the first time. But I didn't feel like it impacted the experience at all. I've bought a ticket to see it for the third time in the seat you have. I am 5'5" and didn't have the booster, but it was winter so I folded up my coat and sat on it. Next time I'll get the seat cushion.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 10:18pm

Susan24 said: "Hi, never been here before, so please excuse any obvious questions that I should have searched for already. My family is coming to NYC in August, want to see DEH. Two sons, one is 13 other is almost 11 - the 13 yo is a HUGE fan of musicals, the 11 yo loves musicals, just doesn't realize it yet. I want to get tickets to DEH and here's my thinking:

1) I should buy in advance - after a little searching on the interweb, getting 4 tickets together at the last minute to this show seems like madness. Also, would buy direct from telecharge to avoid worries of scam, etc. Peace of mind more important than cost for me. Especially as I haven't seen great last minute deals for 4 tickets together yet. One ticket, yes, 4 tickets, no.

2) I'm thinking Mezzanine Center, right now telecharge has rows A,B,C pretty available the week we are there. Thinking Row C, as it saves us a little money and very few heads to look over for my 11 yo. I have read from many websites that "every seat is good" at the Music box, however my situation includes a 4'10' person whose height is mostly from his legs, so probably would be better to have fewer people in front of us.

Ok how's my thinking? Is there something I'm not taking into consideration? Thanks for your time!"

I don’t know why, but your post is making me tear up. Your sons are so lucky to have you as their mom. DEH is a beautiful show and they are so lucky to be able to see it. There is a lost of nastiness in the world (and oftentimes on these boards) so it’s nice to be reminded there is good in the world.  As I have gotten older (just turned 54 y.o.), I’ve come to realize all the planning and sacrifices my parents made for me that I just took for granted. So on behalf of your two boys, I want to say thanks for giving them an experience they’ll never forget.

Okay, enough mushy stuff. lol. When I saw the show in November, I paid $250 and sat RIGHT MEZZANINE Row C, Seat 12. Great view of the stage. I’m 6’2” so while those behind me might’ve been cussing me, I could see just fine. Being closer would always be nice, but the emotion still hit me from the stage and I wasn’t willing to pay more than $250. 

One last caution. I made the mistake of listening to the cast recording repeatedly from when it was released until I saw it in November. I did this to point of imagining all the plot points. I think that did dampen some of the more cathartic moments for me a bit. However, I had full-on waterworks at the one plot point I didn’t see coming. It was around a song that had kind of left me cold on the OBCR. I can imagine it might have same effect for you. So if it’s not too late, don’t obsessively listen to the OBCR beforehand. Lol

Updated On: 5/26/18 at 10:18 PM

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 11:00pm

Avery Berlin said: "dearalanaaaa said: "I'm not sure if these are available, but $159 partial view first row orchestra is a very good idea! I sat there on lottery for $40 and it was AMAZING! Booster seat will really help you see over he edge, as well as your son. It's a very intimate show, so you want to be as close as possible. If it isn't, front row mezz is always the way to go."

I got a front row partial view seat for an upcoming performance that I’m going to! I’m glad to hear that you thought it was a good seat. I’ve already seen DEH once so I’m ok with missing a little bit if I have to. What do you miss out on? I’ll be in the right orchestra, first row, in the aisle seat closest to the center. Also, I’m 5’6, but do you think I will need a booster seat/will be more comfortable with one? Thanks!"

Even if you don't think you need a seat cushion, use one. It makes a huge difference. The first time I saw the show was from the front row, during previews, and I didn't know they had boosters. At that point, they weren't even calling them "partial view," and I definitely didn't love the seat as much as I could have. Then, I sat front row center for Ben's last show, and, this time, I used 2 seat cushions, and it was INCREDIBLE. I'm tiny, but I asked the person behind me if it bothered them at all, and they were fine with it. Pretty much everyone in the front row that day was sitting on one. It's totally acceptable.

Updated On: 5/26/18 at 11:00 PM

[Avery Berlin]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 11:25pm

CT2NYC said: "Avery Berlin said: "dearalanaaaa said: "I'm not sure if these are available, but $159 partial view first row orchestra is a very good idea! I sat there on lottery for $40 and it was AMAZING! Booster seat will really help you see over he edge, as well as your son. It's a very intimate show, so you want to be as close as possible. If it isn't, front row mezz is always the way to go."

I got a front row partial view seat for an upcoming performance that I’m going to! I’m glad to hear that you thought it was a good seat. I’ve already seen DEH once so I’m ok with missing a little bit if I have to. What do you miss out on? I’ll be in the right orchestra, first row, in the aisle seat closest to the center. Also, I’m 5’6, but do you think I will need a booster seat/will be more comfortable with one? Thanks!"

Even if you don't think you need a seat cushion, use one. It makes a huge difference. The first time I saw the show was from the front row, during previews, and I didn't know they had boosters. At that point, they weren't even calling them "partial view," and I definitely didn't love the seat as much as I could have. Then, I sat front row center for Ben's last show, and, this time, I used 2 seat cushions, and it was INCREDIBLE. I'm tiny, but I asked the person behind me if it bothered them at all, and they were fine with it. Pretty much everyone in the front row that day was sitting on one. It's totally acceptable."

 

Thanks for the response!  I'll probably end up asking for a cushion just to be comfortable.  Do you just ask the usher and they can get you one?  I saw Ben's second to last performance and it was amazing.  Can't wait to see DEH again.

[dearalanaaaa]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 11:34pm

Avery Berlin said: "dearalanaaaa said: "I'm not sure if these are available, but $159 partial view first row orchestra is a very good idea! I sat there on lottery for $40 and it was AMAZING! Booster seat will really help you see over the edge, as well as your son. It's a very intimate show, so you want to be as close as possible. If it isn't, front row mezz is always the way to go."

I got a front row partial view seat for an upcoming performance that I’m going to! I’m glad to hear that you thought it was a good seat. I’ve already seen DEH once so I’m ok with missing a little bit if I have to. What do you miss out on? I’ll be in the right orchestra, first row, in the aisle seat closest to the center. Also, I’m 5’6, but do you think I will need a booster seat/will be more comfortable with one? Thanks!"

I'm not good with the stage height, as I'm 5'11, but you won't miss much at all. I sat in ROrch A 6 and I didn't miss a thing, as well as my friend who is 5'6 in A5. We didn't even have boosters since I didn't know if it was proper to ask for one at that point. I'll link a photo of the view from my seat though! 

https://imgur.com/IdLKLwE

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 5/26/18 at 11:36pm

Avery Berlin said: "CT2NYC said: "Avery Berlin said: "dearalanaaaa said: "I'm not sure if these are available, but $159 partial view first row orchestra is a very good idea! I sat there on lottery for $40 and it was AMAZING! Booster seat will really help you see over he edge, as well as your son. It's a very intimate show, so you want to be as close as possible. If it isn't, front row mezz is always the way to go."

I got a front row partial view seat for an upcoming performance that I’m going to! I’m glad to hear that you thought it was a good seat. I’ve already seen DEH once so I’m ok with missing a little bit if I have to. What do you miss out on? I’ll be in the right orchestra, first row, in the aisle seat closest to the center. Also, I’m 5’6, but do you think I will need a booster seat/will be more comfortable with one? Thanks!"

Even if you don't think you need a seat cushion, use one. It makes a huge difference. The first time I saw the show was from the front row, during previews, and I didn't know they had boosters. At that point, they weren't even calling them "partial view," and I definitely didn't love the seat as much as I could have. Then, I sat front row center for Ben's last show, and, this time, I used 2 seat cushions, and it was INCREDIBLE. I'm tiny, but I asked the person behind me if it bothered them at all, and they were fine with it. Pretty much everyone in the front row that day was sitting on one. It's totally acceptable."



Thanks for the response! I'll probably end up asking for a cushion just to be comfortable. Do you just ask the usher and they can get you one? I saw Ben's second to last performance and it was amazing. Can't wait to see DEH again."

Yeah, just ask an usher. They keep them in a closet in the corner behind the right orchestra section.

[Susan24]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 11:43pm

Thanks to all who replied and I'm very grateful for everyone's sage advice.   Miles2Go2 thank you very much for your kind words!  I really want the boys to see DEH as I think it will mean a lot to them esp this will be their first Broadway show.  Duly noted to not over do it on listening to the show before the show.

I did finally get the tickets (with a LOT of overthinking!) but now that's done and I can't until we get to see it! Thanks again.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 12:24am

That’s awesome. Did you end up getting mezzanine seats? I do so hope you will check back in afterwards with a report of you and your sons’ reactions to the show.

[Br0adway]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 10:42am

We just saw DEH yesterday front row. It was amazing! The only thing I missed was Evan putting his shoes on right at the beginning and in the second act when Jared is laughing at the beginning of Jared/Conor’s reprise of Sincerely Me. Other than that, I could see everything. Sitting front row really spoiled us. The actors came so close to us! I honestly thought they were going to fall on us when they were running around. When Evan falls near the end of Act 1, he was within feet of me and we made eye contact several times. (But with front row they do spit on you so fyi).

I’ve also saw the show rear Mezz. It was amazing then too! Any seat will be great unless you have a tall person sitting in front of you (me being just under 5 ft and sitting front row really helped).

Sitting front row vs Mezz changes things. It’s a different level of emotion sitting closer. The arguments are more intense, the tears- you can see them, and the atmosphere is different. I’m not an overly emotional person but everyone in the orch was crying where as when I sat Mezz there were a few sniffles here and there. Like I said before, I made eye contact with Taylor Trench a few times, Michael Park, and Rachel Bay Jones near the end. That didn’t happen in Mezz. Because of the lights, the actors can see you and your emotions sitting in orch. If your kids love theatre, get them orch seats. They’ll love you forever. Totally worth the money!

[Susan24]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 10:44am

I ended up going with front center mezzanine.  I think that will work best for our family - view will be great, though not as great as orchestra in some ways.  With getting 4 tickets, I just can't swing the cost of front center orchestra and there are too many variables for my youngest if we go further back or way up front on the sides. 

I'll let you know their reaction after we see the show - I'm actually trying to downplay my excitement, so their experience is more of a surprise - we've seen some lovely theatre here in town, but I actually think they will be blown away by Broadway and DEH.  Too bad we missed Ben.

I'm actually grieving that Angels will be closed by the time we get to NYC.  Not that I'd take the kids, but I saw the original during previews when I was working in theatre out East long ago - I sat in the balcony, HIGH above the stage and it was still one of the most memorable shows I've ever seen. I'd love to see it again, but it is not to be, sigh. 

[herewegoabc]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 11:08am

You will enjoy the mezz seats. Sure, you're not as close to the emotions, etc., but there are also certain things you can see from the mezz that aren't really visible anywhere in the orchestra.. Plus, from the mezz, you get the FULL effect of the projections, which is a nice bonus that you don't get from the first several rows of the orchestra. However, if you ever have the opportunity to see the show again later, try sitting toward the front of the orchestra because you get a much more intimate production up there. There are different pros to all the seats (except extreme sides of the first few orchestra rows- never sit there if you can avoid it).

 

Updated On: 5/28/18 at 11:08 AM

[Lauren2]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 5:28pm

I am from out of town and am coming up to NYC in July. Really want to see the show but can’t afford 250 dollar seats. What is the best way to try to see it. Is there a good chance if I try the lottery I will win? I just don’t know what to do!

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 6:10pm

Lauren2 said: "I am from out of town and am coming up to NYC in July. Really want to see the show but can’t afford 250 dollar seats. What is the best way to try to see it. Is there a good chance if I try the lottery I will win? I just don’t know what to do!"

When in July? I just checked, and there are a lot of non-premium seats available for many dates, and several still have $159 front row orchestra partial view seats. I'd recommend one of those.

Updated On: 5/28/18 at 06:10 PM