NYC Trip Advice

[gordi_92]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 4:50am

Hello :) 

So Im in a bit of a Dilemma. I already planned a Trip from Germany for End of May until beginning of June. I basically want to see all the new Shows as well as some of the others (Wicked, Merrily, Spamalot). Now this morning Spamalot announced its closure for April 7th. Im not sure if I should plan my trip now for beginning of April instead. I would then also be able to see Sweeney. But if I would go from April 2nd on, 8 of the new Shows will still be in Previews and some of them only have their first few performances. Do you think that will affect my chances on Lottery/Rushtickets for these new shows because the demand is higher? Is it smart to watch so many Shows so early in Previews when I could watch them after their Opening Night when they are frozen (and maybe better chances for rush/Lottery)? But also: what are the chances that all of these new Shows will still be open by end of May/early June? 

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 8:59am

What are your other shows you’re wanting to see. I’m in the city April 2 week and that’s my same fear is everything is still in previews.  I’m going to say unless you’re wanting to see Caberet. You should be good for tickets. With rush and lottery.  It still will have yet to reach the big crowds. But you may run into some spring breakers.  
my current list is 

merrily ( already booked)

caberet (already booked)

sweeney Todd ( was going to rush)

water for elephants ( was going to rush but aldd so I heard it’s terrible)

then either tommy (would rush), gatsby ( would rush) or outsiders ( would rush) 

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 9:55am

Note a lot of the new shows already had pre-Broadway tryouts in other cities so their first week of previews on Broadway should hopefully be ok or at least go smoothly. 

I actually think it's easier to rush for shows while in previews before reviews are out.  Producers also tend to open up more seats for rush during previews. 

 

[gordi_92]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 10:18am

Theatrefanboy1 said: "What are your other shows you’re wanting to see. I’m in the city April 2 week and that’s my same fear is everything is still in previews. I’m going to say unless you’re wanting to see Caberet. You should be good for tickets. With rush and lottery. It still will have yet to reach the big crowds. But you may run into some spring breakers.
my current list is

merrily ( already booked)

caberet (already booked)

sweeney Todd ( was going to rush)

water for elephants ( was going to rush but aldd so I heard it’s terrible)

then either tommy (would rush), gatsby ( would rush) or outsiders ( would rush)"

I would go for 12 days. I want to use all the doubleshow days and try to see all the new Musicals. I would like to see Cabaret but it also wouldn't be the end of the world if I don't see it. I think (and hope) this will next year as well. Probably diffferent cast but that doesn't matter. I am more worried that other Shows could close early. Harmony closed 15 weeks after first Preview and How to dance in Ohio after 12 weeks. But I guess they will try to keep the Shows opening Feb, March and April open until the Tonys? 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 1:00pm

But I guess they will try to keep the Shows opening Feb, March and April open until the Tonys? 

Hi Gordi, after Broadway opened again after the pandemic, shows have been a lot more willing to pull the plug almost immediately. I enjoyed Almost Famous but it opened in November of 2022 and closed in January of 2023. There are a million more examples of this. Basically if the show doesn't catch on immediately, it will be closed shortly. The only show I can think of which was given ample time to "catch on" was Some Like it Hot. I think that's why so people who travel here don't buy their tickets in advance anymore. I would advise you to skip Water for Elephants since a teenage couple in Central Park fighting is far more entertaining and free :)

Enjoy your trip! 

Updated On: 3/6/24 at 01:00 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 1:17pm

I'd rush or try lottery for all the new shows. Demand might be higher, but not by much, so you'll have a great chance of snagging seats. And pro tip, if you aren't pleased with your seat, try sneaking over to an unsold seat with a much better stage view at intermission of a two-act show. (Consider this, as new titles tend to sell poorly these days.) 

Trust me, that's more than worth it when it's this cheap. :)

 

Updated On: 3/6/24 at 01:17 PM

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 1:25pm

I would say book your must see's in advance and leave the rest to rush/lottery. Also, definitely see if any shows are offering discount codes so you can book in advance and save. 

I have The Notebook and Water for Elephants next weekend that I bought via discount codes, then I have both The Great Gatsby and The Outsiders in April that I got via Audience Rewards with a mix of points and a discounted price. 

The only show I'm really excited to see but haven't booked yet is Heart of Rock and Roll because I'm trying to pick a day and awaiting more discounts/rush/lottery. 
 

Updated On: 3/6/24 at 01:25 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/6/24 at 1:34pm

I personally love going to new shows during the first week of Previews. There may be some shows that you will get to see things that are cut later on. I went to the 2nd preview of MJ and the show ran very smoothly. Same with a few other shows.

I agree with others here, go for rush on the shows you are not booking in advance and book the shows that are a must see for you. Maybe keep an eye on some off-Broadway shows as a back-up. A lot of good stuff off-Broadway.