Sometimes "Off" is the way to go

When visiting New York, one of the things that probably tops your list of things to do is to see a Broadway show.  There are many fantastic shows to see that range from the massive (yet seemingly dangerous) Spider Man, to shows that have big stars like Daniel Radcliff in How to Succeed in Business and then there are the shows that have been around for years like Chicago that are long-timers for a reason.  But if you want to treat yourself to something intimate and new, go see an Off-Broadway show.  There are so many theatres to choose from how do you know which one to go to?  Well topping my list of favorite companies is The Signature Theatre Company on West 42^nd between 10^th & 11^th.  I saw their production of “Angels in America” (Part I) last night, and what a great experience it was.

First, the theater is so intimate that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.  The acting was superb and the sets were amazing.  3 hours at the theatre flew by without once thinking that this was long.  The Signature dedicates a season to one playwright and this season they have brought in Tony Kushner.  They keep extending Angels, so try and get a ticket if you still can.  I can’t wait to see Part II next week.  

There are many great companies out there.  Here are a few of my favorites:  Playwrights Horizons, Keen Company, Barrow Street Theater, BAM, St. Ann’s Warehouse (more of a venue, but they often bring in really interesting shows and companies) and the Mint Theatre Company, just to name a few.  There are many more, but here is a place for you to start.  If you want to get a first rate theatre experience for a fraction of the price of a Broadway show, go see an “Off-Broadway” show.  You won’t be sorry you strayed.  

TKTS - It's worth the wait!

One of the great things to do when you come to New York is to see a Broadway or Off-Broadway show.  However, tickets can be really pricey.  My recommendation:  Don't buy your tickets in advance.  Wait to go to the TKTS booth.  The good news for us theatre-goers is that it is rare these days to see a show that isn't on TKTS at least some portion of the week.  There are some exceptions, Wicked being one - but I have seen it on there!  That means you can get 40-50% off regular ticket prices, and unlike the old days they accept all major credit-cards and not just cash.  If there is something that you really want to see that has been sold out for months, then get your tickets before you come.  But if not, good things come to those who wait.  Here are a few tips for your to make sure you get the ticket that you want.

1. Before you come go to playbill.com or some other website and figure out what you want to see.  If you have a list then you can check daily for those shows and make sure you are picking something that intersts you.  Off-Broadway is also a great way to see theater and there are some Off-Broadway theatres that list on the board as well.

2.  I have found that Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are some of the best days to go to TKTS and offer the most in ticket selection.  I am not sure why that is exactly, but it is true.  Start with Tuesday and you might be surprised as to how many choices you have.  Shows start at 7pm on Tuesdays so keep that in mind.

3.  If you are a real theater buff you will probably not want to see many of the shows that have been around for a long time.  Many tourists go for the stuff that has had big hype and has been open for a while; things they haven't had a chance to see.  If you are seeing something that is fairly new and doesn't have that "Wicked hype", then you don't need to arrive at 3pm when it opens.  You can get there a little later, not have to wait in line, and probably still get the ticket you want.

4.  Download the free TKTS iphone app that just came out.  It will give you all the board information for all the locations.  I am so excited about that!  Now if only Verizon would actually come out with the iphone I wouldn't have to rely on Skye's phone for everything fun!

It is great to be able to see what is on that day and not have to go to Times Square to get that information.  Or it might be at South Street Seaport, but already gone at Times Square (sometimes the 2 locations are different).   And did I mention it is FREE!!!  This is a must have app if you want to see theater in New York.

Go get some great theater tickets while you are here in New York, but get them at half-off and you can see twice as much theater.  Now what's better than that?