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Broadway = Big Bucks

February 18th, 2012 at 07:45 pm

My wife and I have always been theater fans. We both did theater work in college and beyond. In fact, it is because of theater that we got back together in 1989 and ultimately got married. I was working as a lighting designer and invited her to come be on my lighting crew.

Despite our love of theater, a love we have also passed on to our daughter, we don't often go to see live shows. The cost is a definite factor.

My daughter recently heard about a new show on Broadway called "Seminar" starring Alan Rickman (Professor Snape from Harry Potter). We decided we'd go up and see it. I ordered tickets today for next Saturday for the low, low price of $404.75 for 3 tickets. Of course, that doesn't include transportation to and from NYC, parking, meals, subway passes, etc. We are also planning to spend the night. Fortunately, we're using Marriott reward points for the hotel so no out of pocket cost but they still have monetary value. So by the time we're done, we'll probably spend at least $800 for an overnight stay and the show.

I'm happy to do it, and my daughter is thrilled, but it is a lot of money. Yes, we could see a touring company production of a show in Philadelphia which wouldn't be quite as pricey and wouldn't have the travel costs, but it isn't the same and if you want to see a new production, like this, NYC is your only choice. My wife and I did see "Rain" 2 weeks ago in Philly and it was great but still wasn't cheap. I think we paid over $90/person for that.

Any other Broadway/theater fans here?

11 Responses to “Broadway = Big Bucks”

  1. KellyB Says:
    1329595875

    Hi Steve,
    I am also a big theatre fan, and about a 2 hour drive from NYC. Cost is obviously the biggest factor of why I don't see many shows up there. I see a lot of local theatre and sometimes a tour show, so I get my fix that way. Every time a see a show, I always say to myself "why don't I do this more often" because I so thoroughly enjoy it! sigh.. Enjoy your trip and tell us all about it!

  2. MonkeyMama Says:
    1329597065

    Yes - more on the musical side as a musician. I've seen several big musicals in SF and LA.

    Reminds me, we have a great program called Music Circus. I've never been but have heard so much about it. Affordable musicals. They do 5 or 6 musicals over the summer, here in Sacramento. Thing is my dh is so *not* into the theatre and I don't really know anyone who would be interested in going. Reminds me I should take my eldest this year or next - try one out and see how it goes. OF course - we have several theater options, but this one might fit my budget. When the kids are older I will delight to taking them to a big production in San Francisco. & Broadway would be great to hit one day too, but a wee bit extra expensive considering it would involve a flight across the states.

  3. NJDebbie Says:
    1329599211

    Steve, I'm a big Broadway fan and as a matter fact, I'm headed to NYC tomorrow to see The Lion King. In April, we are going to see EVITA and we are hoping to see WICKED pretty soon. I live 55 minutes from NYC and we take the train in for about $38 round trip. Yes, Broadway is pricey but I love everything about it!

  4. mjrube94 Says:
    1329603715

    Did you look into half-price or discounted tickets, or is the show too new for that? Enjoy!

  5. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1329608899

    When my family lived in NJ I got to see on Broadway: Cats, Sweet Charity, and Miss Saigon; off Broadway: Wrong Turn at Lungfish. We also went to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular several times.

    When we/I lived in other large towns we saw many various former Broadway plays, some of them on tour, and others performed by various groups.

    I enjoyed both the Broadway and the non-Broadway, but if I had a choice (and money was no object) I'd definitely go for the Broadway play before a non-NYC based play!!

  6. rob62521 Says:
    1329612054

    This summer will be the first time dh and I will see a true Broadway production and we are looking forward to it...after the sticker shock subsided. We are looking forward to our few days in the Big Apple and decided seeing a professional program will make it worth the extra money. Hope you enjoy your show too!

  7. QueenOphelia Says:
    1329672956

    Sign up for Playbill.com. They had an offer for Seminar that was 40% off. It has also ben on the TKTS booth board for 50% off...it is not a big hit so you can get lots of discounts for that show.

  8. disneysteve Says:
    1329747354

    Glad to hear I'm not alone. KellyB, I now exactly what you mean about thinking, "Why don't we do this more often?" We say the same thing every time.

    QueenOphelia, I didn't check Playbill. I did check Theatermania but they weren't showing any discounts for the dates we wanted. As for TKTS, we've never done that. I just don't like having to stand in line for however long in hopes of getting tickets for the show we want to see. Maybe if we lived in the city we would do that but to drive 90 miles only to find out no tickets were available would be a waste.

  9. kv968 Says:
    1329839835

    I don't go to many shows but I'm due for one. I'm thinking maybe Rock of Ages or something deep like that LOL. When I go I just take the train (central NJ) and huff it up to Broadway from Penn Station. No driving or parking for me.

  10. disneysteve Says:
    1330304428

    We're back from our NYC weekend. We had a great time. The show was very funny and my daughter loved it. So it was costly but worth it.

  11. Jerry Says:
    1330726293

    Yes, Steve, we are theater fans, as well. My wife is a singer and actress and was in the Broadway Tour of "The King and I" and a bunch of other stuff in NY and Boston before we moved overseas. There is no question that it is an expensive proposition, but you are right... seeing a show in NY is the best. It leads to the total experience, and that is hard to recreate elsewhere, even in cities with nice theaters. Broadway offers the insurance of excitement and there is nothing like it. Glad you had a great time!
    Jerry

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