I work for a London-based theater seating/ticketing website and we're currently working on an expansion into Broadway.**
The message boards here have been incredibly helpful as a resource (thanks, guys!) so I'm hoping you'll be able to give me a bit of guidance on the Richard Rodgers Theatre's Mezzanine(s.)
My main question is about the layout of the Mezzanines, namely - are the Front and Rear Mezzanines on separate balconies, or part of the same upper level split into two?
From photos, it seems like the latter but I'm having a little trouble finding specific information about how these two areas fit together. If anyone could give some tips, that'd be fab as we really want to be as accurate as possible for our users.
If you have any general comments about the views and seat quality, that'd be really helpful too :)
Thanks, guys!
**The basic premise of the website is to help theatergoers easily find information about seats - what each section is like, where the best views are and so on. Our West End venues feature interactive seat charts with user-submitted photos and reviews. This helps us generate an accurate resource for people visiting the site which they use when choosing and booking tickets. If you want a better idea of what we do, we're at www.seatplan.com or @seatplan on twitter!
Audience members submit photos of the, wait for it, view from their seat.
Usually if a theater has Front and rear mezz, the people enter a walkway and either go down a step into the front mezz, or up a step into the rear mezz. I haven't been up there for any shows, but that's most likely the score.
If they were separate levels, it would usually just be called Mezz and balcony.
Hi haterobics - thanks for the reply! I did check AVFMS, yes, although I wanted to make sure I was getting the right idea from the photos.
Thanks for the tip about names (Balcony vs Rear Mezz), that's really helpful. From looking at the photos it does seem like it's two sub-levels built into one like you suggest - I'll take that on board when I'm writing my copy.
Also, be warned. There is little legroom in the rear mezzanine. If someone has long legs or bad knees, they will be uncomfortable or even in pain unless they can get an aisle seat.
I'm hearing a lot about very cramped legroom in some Broadway theaters - some choice comments about the Walter Kerr's Balcony gave me a bit of a giggle yesterday actually! It's something I've not had much trouble with because I'm short and small-framed, but researching these venues has definitely raised the issue a lot. Thanks for letting me know.
Is legroom something you try to find out before you book a ticket for a new venue, or do you have a good sense of which sections and areas tend to be best generally?
I have started trying to sit in orchestra (or front mezzanine if orchestra isnt available/too expensive) although at some theaters people will tell you front mezzanine is roomier than orchestra. I also try to get an aisle seat although that isnt always feasible.
Alice147, I love Seatplan, and I've been waiting for it to include Broadway. Theatre seating is a hobby of mine, so I sent you a PM with my email address, in case you have any other questions. I'd love to help with your expansion!
Miles2Go2 said: "I have started trying to sit in orchestra (or front mezzanine if orchestra isnt available/too expensive) although at some theaters people will tell you front mezzanine is roomier than orchestra. I also try to get an aisle seat although that isnt always feasible. "
The Schubert mez had the worst legroom I think I’ve ever come across, and I don’t have particularly long legs. The two theaters that stick out the most in my mind for terrible legroom are the Schubert and the Broadhurst
A tip about the Richard Rodgers: Row A of the REAR mezzanine has lots of leg room. That's because Row A is situated behind a low curtain, not a wall. Anyone with long legs can dangle them down past the curtain.
Of course, getting tickets in Row A of the rear mezzanine isn't easy, but it's something to shoot for.
When I bought Hamilton tickets, a long time ago when there was actual availability, I sat my friend who is six-foot-four there, and he was quite comfortable.
joined:1/17/19
joined:
1/17/19
Posted: 1/17/19 at 11:07am