Discount tickets for B'way shows

[JH4HJ]

I need some feedback/info/thoughts from theatergoers in the NYC area . . . um, Ellen? 

I'm in the final planning stages for a trip to see Hugh, old friends, some of you (local/Metro OZalots ), and a few other shows.

I was just getting set to call TeleCharge to pay (full price) in advance for some of my "must see" shows - when I discovered that almost ALL are already available at TKTS! What's up with that? Gentleman's Guide, If/Then, Love Letters, It's Only A Play, and You Can't Take It With You are all discounted. The only one NOT up there is Hugh's show (or course) - so, maybe that's the only one I will spring for now.

Confused - I did not think (other than Gentleman's Guide) that I had a chance for discounts - especially on those "limited run" shows. Wassup? Are they doing poorly??? Is September "The Doldrums" - and they'll NOT be discounted in Oct/Nov/Dec?

Current list from the TKTS website - -
8:00PM 40% A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder
8:00PM 40% Cabaret
8:00PM 50% Hedwig and The Angry Inch
7:00PM 40% If / Then
8:00PM 30% It's Only A Play
7:00PM 50% Jersey Boys
8:00PM 40% Kinky Boots
8:00PM 40% Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
8:00PM 50% Les Miserables
8:00PM 40% Mamma Mia!
8:00PM 50% Matilda The Musical
8:00PM 50% Once
8:00PM 50% Pippin
7:00PM 50% The Country House
8:00PM 50% The Curious Incident of the Dog
8:00PM 50% The Phantom of the Opera
8:00PM 50% This Is Our Youth
8:00PM 50% You Can't Take It With You

[mamaleh]

I've noticed that from the beginning of September to at least early October, demand for tickets--especially to family-oriented shows--generally diminishes somewhat, as vacation is over and the kids are back in school. Example: the red-hot ALADDIN participated in Broadway 2-for-1 Week, as did THE LION KING. (That's how I saw ALADDIN earlier this week.) Then demand whooshes up again, culminating in a frenzy of ratcheted-up ticket prices for some shows during holiday time. Some once-hot titles have cooled off and are offering discounts, such as Cabaret, If/Then, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, Matilda, Mamma Mia, Once, Pippin, and Phantom; as will any newcomer getting off to a slow start, such as This is Our Youth. Lady Day is closing Oct. 5 (making room for THE RIVER). That's not much of a discount for IT'S ONLY A PLAY, but I'm pretty sure its star-studded cast may be enough for the producers to end that discount at the booth once it officially opens Oct. 9. You probably won't find discounts for THE ELEPHANT MAN (Bradley Cooper) or the upcoming THE AUDIENCE (Helen Mirren) either. Well, previews for the latter start Feb. 17, so that's probably past your travel schedule. In general, I'd say try to come before the Thanksgiving-to-New-Year's crush, and check out TKTS every day. You're pretty sure to find good stuff on discount. And of course, if you want to plan ahead, try Broadwaybox.com; and TDF, if you're a member. I think they mow have memberships for those from out of town who come in only sporadically--a great idea and service.

Actually, some of the hottest tickets in town are Off-Broadway in the Village this winter. I'm doubtful I'll be able to snag one for CSC's A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY (Jan.-Feb. with Peter Dinklage and Taylor Schilling), or its ALLEGRO (Nov.-Dec.), which I've never seen performed. Subscribers got there first!

Ellen

[JH4HJ]

Thanks, Ellen. That was my thought - September Doldrums. The kids are back in school and the tourist crush has subsided.

I will get tickets for Hugh's show in advance, but so long as nothing else is SRO I'll wait on the others. Even if they don't turn up at TKTS I can always pay full price at the box office. I have a couple of friends with TDF memberships, as well as other options.

I appreciate your thoughts. . . and I'm looking forward to a great trip, wonderful shows and time with friends.

[foxie]

I know the day I have Hugh's show isn't giving out those tickets he talked about until that day it was big bucks I would like to see it a few times but not this time maybe at the end I will come in and hang around till someone lets me in or the last show if I get an inheritance!!