Purchasing Broadway Tickets
Published: November 27th, 2014“New York, New York! It’s a helluva town!” New York City is known for many different things, but I would say New York is most famous for their amazing Broadway musicals and plays. Whether you are looking to see a New York Classic such as On the Town and the Lion King, or you would rather an ‘adults only show’ like Cabaret or Kinky Boots, there are many different ways to purchase these tickets. Library Hotel Collection would love to help you find the best ways to get tickets to the show!
ONLINE PURCHASES
There are many different websites that sell Broadway tickets. I always recommend checking Ticketmaster and Telecharge for show tickets. With both of these websites you can search through the inventory and if you look early enough, you can usually have your pick of fairly good seats. I also recommend using BroadwayBox. BroadwayBox offers discounted tickets for limited shows. If it is in an option on the website, I always recommend having your tickets sent to the will call window at the theater. This way you can pick up the tickets right before the performance and all you will need is a picture ID and the credit card you purchased the tickets on.
Pros of Online Purchases
Buying tickets used to be a tad harder as you weren’t always aware of what your view of the stage would be like. Now almost all sites offer pictures from your seat so you will have a general understanding where you will be sitting. These websites can also show you a range of dates and give you the best priced shows during that range.
Cons of Online Purchases
Sadly, you will pay for the convenience of being able to shop from the luxury of your home. All online ticket sites will charge a service fee for purchasing tickets. These prices can range from $10 to $20 per ticket. Also, they seldom offer discounts on TicketMaster or Telecharge.
TKTS Booth
Courtesy of TKTS
The TKTS Booth is perfect for anyone that is indecisive of what show they would like to see as not every show on Broadway will make it to the TKTS, but they always have a wide selection. Normally, the tickets at the TKTS Booth will be reduced by 20% to 50%. There are two locations in the city where you can purchase these tickets. The only catch is the tickets must be purchased the same day.
Their most convenient spot is their Times Square location. They are open Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. for all evening performances. Wednesday and Saturday they open at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m and
Sundays they open at 11 a.m. for same day matinee shows. Please expect lines especially if the weather is a bit nicer out.
The 2nd location is at the South Street Seaport which is a little off the beaten path for guest staying in the midtown area, but usually has less of a wait to buy tickets. They have the same inventory as the Midtown location. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. for all evening performances and on Sundays they are open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
VISIT THE BOX OFFICE
You can always buy tickets straight from the box office. Each show has its own box office and are generally opened at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you purchase ticket at the box office directly, you avoid service charges that you see with websites. If the show is sold out, you can try your luck at arriving early in the morning and attempt to wait in line for cancellations. Also, some shows offer a same day lottery that is done 2 hours prior to the performance and can offer tickets at a deep discount. You can also try your hand at rush tickets and standing room tickets. They aren’t very popular, but are excellent to help cut the cost of tickets! For more info on the lottery, rush tickets and standing room only tickets, check out this helpful tip on PlayBill.
VISIT YOUR CONCIERGE
The Library Hotel Collection Concierge love to help our guests find the perfect show for them. If you are interested in getting help picking out a show, we are here to help you! We can also help securing tickets for your shows as well. Normally, the concierge has to go through a ticket broker, which is a little bit more expensive but, it may be worth it if you really have your heart set on one show!
The Library Hotel Collection also has our very own, Theater Critic in Resident, Shari. Shari is our go-to-girl on anything Broadway related. For some excellent Broadway show reviews, please visit Shari on the Aisle, and if you need assistance, the concierges at the Casablanca Hotel in Times Square, the Library Hotel, the Hotel Giraffe and the Hotel Elysee will all be delighted to help you with any arrangements you need to make your stay memorable.