Broadway shows are the holy grail of things to do in New York, both for tourists and New Yorkers alike. Other than the fact that these theaters are commonly believed to be located on Broadway, what exactly are these shows and how can someone experience them without breaking the bank? As a New Yorker who indulges in these shows often, with one or two a week being the norm and two Broadway shows and a movie in a single day being my all time record, before the pandemic of course, I am happy to share all that I have learnt about these shows along the way with you here.
Table of Contents
What is a Broadway show?
Most people I know – actually maybe even all of them – always believed that a Broadway show indicates a show performed in a theater that is located on Broadway, or around the Theater District area right off Times Square. In fact, shows in New York are classified based on the seating capacity of the theater they are being performed in! The theater classifications are –
- Broadway show for theaters with 500 or more seats
- Off Broadway show for theaters with 100 to 499 seats
- Off off Broadway for theaters with 99 or less seats
Today there are 41 Broadway theaters in New York, of which only 3 are actually located on Broadway. A really fun fact about these theaters is that Times Square actually has a floor mosaic of the actual location of Broadway theaters called the Great White Way. As you can see from this picture, not all the theaters are located on Broadway.
Are Broadway Shows Musicals or Plays?
Broadway shows can be musicals or plays, with or without an astonishing change of costumes and even the stage sets in real time during a performance. While the longest running shows tend to be musicals, Broadway shows can just as well be plays ranging from the classics like Shakespeare to more modern works, often limited engagement on Broadway based on the schedules of their famous cast. For instance, some of the Hollywood greats I have seen on Broadway include Denzel Washington, Cate Blanchette, Al Pacino and Tom Hanks among many many others. Plays tend to follow more of a traditional theater performance format with the acting being the star of the show, while Broadway musicals wow and delight audiences with their acting and production values.
I am often asked to recommend shows for visitors to New York City, and my answer for someone that is going to experience their first show is always a musical. I can never forget the first musical I experienced after moving to New York in 1999, and the grandeur of the experience lives on in my memory to this day. My parents love to go for as many musicals as they can when they visit New York, plays have never really been their thing. Ironically my taste has evolved over the years where I personally lean towards plays over musicals, but I am still not willing to let a good musical pass me by regardless!
Types of seats at Broadway shows
The seats at most Broadway theaters are classified into Orchestra and Mezzanine, though some theaters offer additional sections as well.
- Orchestra. This is seating at the ground/stage level, and usually divided into Center Orchestra and Side Orchestra. The seats in Center Orchestra are usually numbered consecutively, such as 101, 102, 103 etc. Left Orchestra tend to be odd numbers, so 1, 3, 5 etc, while Right Orchestra would be even numbers such as 2, 4, 6 etc. This can be a little confusing, but buying a pair of seats together in the Left Orchestra as an example could be numbered 1 and 3, which would be right next to each other.
- Mezzanine – These seats are a level above Orchestra. Most theaters have just these two levels. The numbering for these seats usually follows the same pattern as Orchestra seats.
- Balcony – There are very few theaters that have balconies, which if present are the third and highest level of seating.
- Boxes – Some theaters have boxes at the orchestra or mezzanine level, which are along the sides of the walls.
There are stairs to get to the higher levels of seating, and a number of theaters are very old and do not offer elevators. If climbing stairs is a problem, you should check with the theater before buying tickets.
Choosing good seats for Broadway shows
Seats that are too close to the stage sometimes don’t make for the best theater viewing experience, which is completely unlike at concerts where you want to be as close as you can!
If money is no object, then center orchestra – or even side orchestra aisle seats – about 10 rows from the stage are a great bet. Theaters have, unfortunately, recognized this as well, and have classified these seats as premium, often charging exorbitant amounts for these tickets at most theaters.
I have found that the more affordable options can often be a fraction of the price of these now premium seats, and the experience is not diluted considerably by moving back a little, or even to the mezzanine, just for the joy of experiencing the show without the tickets breaking the bank. In fact, for musicals, being on the mezzanine often elevates the experience by being able to catch all the action on stage. Front Mezzanine seats usually cost as much as Orchestra seats for this reason.
Front Mezzanine overhangs the Mid or Rear Orchestra seats, and the theater seating map specifies which Orchestra row the Mezzanine overhangs at. In some theaters, the top of the stage is not visible from the Rear Orchestra seats due to the Mezzanine overhang.
I always thought boxes were the best seats in the house from all the movies I watched growing up, especially if there was an opera being watched by say royalty as they were always in boxes, but these tend to cut off visibility on one side of the stage, and are not my favorite for Broadway shows.
When you are looking to buy tickets through the authorized ticket sellers online, they often show a map of the available seats, and you can see the price of the available seats by clicking or hovering your cursor on them. Some theaters even offer a view from the seat before making a purchase. The seats I personally like to avoid are the extreme side on the orchestra – these are cheaper for a reason as you often miss the action on one side of the stage – the first row of the mezzanine as there is sometimes a bar that blocks your view, and balcony seats, as these are just so high up that it is very difficult to enjoy the show. I often find that mid – and sometimes even rear – mezzanine offers the right balance between budget and experience if you want to plan ahead for the show. It is really important to check the price for each row in these sections, as moving back by just one row can change theater sections and often save a lot of money! If you are open to taking a chance on last minute tickets, there are ways that you may or may not be able to get cheaper tickets for a show you are interested in.
Here is a really fun installation of Broadway show snow globes in Times Square in November 2022.
How Long Is a Broadway Show?
Broadway show lengths differ from one show to another, and there is no set standard for the length of a Broadway show.
Broadway musicals typically run for about 2-3 hours, including one intermission. The intermission length is usually around 15-20 minutes, allowing the audience to take a break and stretch their legs before the show resumes.
Broadway plays can range from 90 minutes and longer. There is usually one, sometimes two, intermissions in the longer shows. Shorter shows, often plays, do not have an intermission. The number of intermissions is given in the show description while buying tickets, or on the website of the show.
However, it’s important to note that the specific duration can vary depending on the production, so it’s advisable to check the show’s running time when planning your visit. I have been for shows as short as 90 minutes, and the longest one I have been for was over 5 hours!
Dress Code for a Broadway Show
There is no official dress code for a Broadway show. It is common to see people that choose to dress up for the show and make an occasion of it along with dinner before or after the show, while others choose to attend in their everyday clothes. I usually make a mad dash after work if there is a 7pm performance just to make the show on time! The least you should aim for is business casual, though no one is usually turned away based on the way they are dressed.
Matinee shows theater goers tend to be more casually dressed as these are in the day time.
Opening nights usually tend to have people more dressed up, though there is no guideline about this.
Theaters tend to get cold in the summers, so it is best to be prepared with a light sweater or covering.
Caps and hats should not be worn during a performance as they could block the view of people seated behind you.
Broadway Show Etiquette
When attending a Broadway show, it’s essential to adhere to certain etiquette guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. One key rule is to maintain respectful behavior throughout the performance, which includes refraining from talking, using electronic devices, or engaging in disruptive activities. Additionally, arriving on time and being seated before the show begins demonstrates consideration for the performers and fellow audience members. Dressing appropriately for the occasion and adhering to any specific theater policies, such as regarding photography or food and drink consumption, also contribute to a harmonious theater environment. Lastly, displaying appreciation for the cast and crew through applause and positive feedback reinforces the mutual respect that is integral to the Broadway theater experience.
Broadway Show FAQs
Broadway Show Locations
Broadway shows are performed in theaters that are located in Midtown West in Manhattan. Most theaters are located in the Theater District between 41st and 54th Streets between 6th and 8th Avenue, Al Hirschfield Theater is a little bit of an outlier on 45th between 8th and 9th Avenue, and Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center is on the Upper West Side at 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.
Difference between Broadway, Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway shows
Shows in New York are classified based on the seating capacity of the theater they are being performed in –
- Broadway show theaters have 500 or more seats
- Off Broadway show theaters have 100 to 499 seats
- Off off Broadway theaters have 99 or less seats
Broadway show performance timings
Most Broadway shows have 8 performances a week. Shows are usually ‘dark’ or take a break on Mondays, though you can always find shows that choose to have performances on Monday.
The schedule for evening shows is usually at 7pm or 8pm, and there are matinees at 2pm or 3pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is usually one show on Sundays, which can be in the afternoon at 2pm or 3pm, or in the evening.
Broadway Matinee Days
A Matinee is an afternoon performance of a show. Most Broadway shows have Matinee performances (in addition to evening performances) on Wednesday and Saturday, and shows on Sundays are often Matinee performances only.
If you are visiting New York and have flexibility with when to watch a show, matinee shows will often give you the most available options for tickets.
Are Broadway show tickets refundable?
Broadway tickets are final sale and not refundable. There are usually insurance options offered while buying tickets, but be careful to read the fine print for all the exclusions if you plan to buy insurance.
Broadway Rush Tickets
Broadway Rush Tickets are sold day of the show, often at very low prices such as $20. Each buyer can buy only 2 tickets. The websites of the shows often list out the price and policy for buying these rush tickets, and whether they are available in person at the Box Office or through a digital app or link. If these are in person, be prepared for lines that form before the Box Office opens, and tickets that may sell out if you are too far back in line. If they are digital, the website will give details of how to apply for these. Rush tickets can be –
- Regular Rush, which anyone can buy
- Student Rush, which requires a student ID to buy
- Senior Rush, which are often for over 65+ year old ticket buyers
- Under 35 Rush, which are for ticket buyers under 35
Buying Broadway Show tickets for someone else
You can totally buy Broadway show tickets for someone else. Broadway tickets make great gifts, or they can be a fabulous way to collect credit card points when you are buying them for someone.
When you attend a Broadway show, they just check that each person has a valid ticket, never whose name it is under. So you can order under your name and transfer online for electronic tickets, share PDFs, hand over hard copies of the tickets, or give their name as the person picking up tickets at the Box Office. There may be a small charge if you are ordering them for pick up under someone else’s name at the Box Office, which can be specified at the time you order the tickets. Broadway Grand Gallery, an Art Installation with 10 foot tall Playbills in Times Square in April 2022
Broadway Show Previews
Broadway show previews are performances of a show before it officially opens to the critics for their reviews. This allows for any changes or improvements to be made before the show officially opens for reviews.
Previews don’t mean rehearsals, these are full fledged performances that have an audience. I have seen a ton of shows in previews as tickets are often more easily available and/or discounted for these shows, especially if they have a well known star cast. I believe a few of the shows I have seen in previews made minor changes after I saw them, but this did not take away from my experience of watching them in previews. In fact, there is only one show I have seen in previews where the show was halted for a few minutes due to a technical difficulty, but to be fair I was aware I was going for a preview and it was not a surprise at all when it happened.
Be aware that theater critics cannot write reviews of Broadway shows before the opening night, so if you’re looking to get feedback on a show in previews before booking tickets, the best you can hope for is a couple of online user reviews, if any.
Limited Engagement Broadway Shows
Limited Engagement shows are shows that run for a limited number of weeks, often 12 to 16 weeks, based on the availability of the cast. These typically have recognizable lead actors from the likes of Hollywood. I tend to see these often, it is a real treat to watch these stars perform on stage.
Broadway Show Opening Night
Opening Night for a Broadway show is when critics are invited to see the show, and officially review it. Reviews are published on the following day.
Time to Arrive at the Theater for a Broadway Show
In my experience, Broadway shows tend to start a couple of minutes after the stated show time. However, it is usually a good idea to arrive about 20 minutes before the performance is scheduled to begin so you can comfortably be seated and use the facilities if needed. This is especially relevant if your seats are in the middle of a section as a number of people will need to stand up for you to reach your seats.
Some shows specifically announce that theatergoers will not be seated after a performance begins, in which case you will be seated at their discretion, often towards the back or another section of the theater irrespective of the seats or section you paid for. Other shows may make you wait for a scene or musical number to end before seating you to minimize disruption for other patrons. Regardless, arriving after a show begins is a big no no in general, so plan ahead.
Managing Broadway Show tickets for a Group
If you are going for a Broadway Show as a group, and know in advance that you will be arriving at the theater at different times, especially in the winter when waiting outside can be cold, you have a couple of options depending on the kind of tickets you have. Just remember that if someone is running late and get to the theater after a performance begins, they may or may not be seated next to you based on theater policies for late seating.
- If you have ordered through Ticketmaster, you can transfer specific tickets through your account to others for them to print or use mobile versions.
- If you received tickets as attachments, all the tickets are likely to be in one PDF so you share with your friends and manually assign seats for printing, unless you have the software to separate the PDF into individual tickets as needed.
- If someone is running late or you have all the paper tickets for any reason, you can always leave the paper tickets at the Box Office right before a show starts with the full name of the person that each ticket is for, or all under one name. This is a very common practice and does not cost you anything extra to do.
Will Call Tickets
One of the options to get your tickets is at Will Call, which means you need to pick them up at the Box Office, usually between 10 – 60 minutes before a show begins. You will need to give your name to pick tickets up, but some theaters require picture ID or the credit card used for payment before handing your tickets over to you.
The line for Will Call is usually separate from the line to get seated for the show, so be sure to check if you are in the right line outside the theater if you’re picking up tickets from Will Call.
Permitted Items in a Broadway Theater
Most Broadway shows allow personal items/small bags to be carried into a show. Food and drink are not permitted, though in my experience you can carry small snacks such as nuts in your bag to eat before the show or at intermission. The leg space tends to be very limited, so it is recommended not to carry any extra bags such as shopping you may have done into the theater.
Food and Drink in Broadway Theaters
All theaters offer a limited selection of snacks and drinks for sale before a show or during the intermission. These can be somewhat pricey to buy so plan accordingly! If you plan to buy chips or something crunchy, it is best to eat these only during the intermission as the sound of eating these during the show can be distracting for other theatergoers.
Can Children attend Broadway Shows?
Shows have different policies around children attending their performances, which can usually be found on the website of the shows. As an example, Lion King’s website states that it is recommended for children 6 and up, but children that are 4 and under will not be admitted.
Children do require a ticket to attend.
Most theaters offer booster cushions for children so they can see the stage from their seats, you can ask an usher when you are being seated for these.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Broadway theaters offer two types of seating for wheelchair accessibility. The first is an empty wheelchair spot, and the second is transfer seating from a wheelchair. Each of these has a companion seat next to them. Most theaters permit one companion ticket with accessible seating, even if there is a larger group planning to attend the same show. The actual location of the seating varies by theater.
Wheelchair accessible seating is specifically reserved in each theater, and tickets can often be found for this even for sold our shows.
Most online sites for the purchase of tickets have an option to select wheelchair accessible seating, or these can be requested while buying tickets over the phone or at the Box Office. Always check by calling in or with the Box Office if tickets are not available online as they are often able to assist with these requests.
I have attended a couple of shows with a wheelchair user, and theater ushers are incredibly helpful in facilitating the seating and accommodating requests.
If you are a regular Broadway show patron as a wheelchair user, you should check out the Theater Development Fund Accessibility Membership for people with disabilities.
Listening Devices
Various assistive listening devices can be offered by theaters, some of which have also upgraded to handheld captioning devices.
It is recommended that you confirm the availability of options supported by the theater by calling in or visiting the Box Office before buying tickets as tickets are non refundable after purchase.
If you are a regular Broadway show patron and require hearing assistance, you should check out the Theater Development Fund Accessibility Membership and/or options for people with disabilities.
Coat Check at Broadway Theaters
Some shows offer a coat check in the winter, but lines can become long for collecting these at the end of a show. Most people tend to either sit on their coats or hold them in their laps during a show.
Changing a Broadway Show Seat
Seats at Broadway theaters are numbered and assigned, and are not changeable which is why it is very important to research the seating options when you commit to a ticket.
If you see an empty seat and decide to sit in it – even if it is after the show starts – you should expect to be asked to move back to your seat if the ticketholder arrives a little late.
NYC Broadway Week
NYC Broadway week is a program to offer 2 for 1 tickets to some Broadway shows. Broadway week happens twice a week, the first time early in the year in Jan/Feb, and the second time in September. This is a great way to get discounted tickets!
Closing Thoughts if you are Broadway Bound
Experiencing a Broadway Show is an amazing experience, and one that is very highly recommended if your schedule and budget permit. There are ways to get cost effective tickets for these shows, and with a little planning and understanding of Broadway etiquette you can fit right in as a regular theater goer, even at your first show.
