From Where We Sat: The Longacre Theatre

Today, we have the next in our series of seating articles based on many of your emails requests and questions, namely "how were your seats?" Sure, I'm aware of another website that provides a similar service that covers New York theaters, national theaters and concert and sporting venues. I hope to provide a bit more information and insight. That said, if there's anything more you'd like to know or want to share your own experiences please feel free to contact us on social media at JKsTheatreScene.

From Where We Sat:

The Longacre Theatre

The Theatre: 

• 220 W. 48th Street
• Current capacity: 1047 seats
• Orchestra, Mezzanine and Balcony seating

What We Saw There:

• Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) (review HERE)

Where We Sat: 

• Orchestra Center Row G, Seats 112 & 113. The seating in this theater has average leg room. The seats themselves were comfortable and in excellent condition.

What We Paid: 

• $88.00 (Show Previews special discount price) The same seats on a Sunday evening post-opening are currently $277.00 each at the box office. We saved a bundle!

The Location: 

• Upon entering the theater, we were directed to the left center aisle immediately after entering the Longacre. It was super easy to get to - maybe 15 feet from the ticket scanner. It is also convenient to the listening devices stand and the stairway down to rest rooms and merch stand. 
• Row G is the seventh row from the stage.

Seat Amenities and Exiting the Theatre:

• These seats seem relatively new and are comfortable.offer additional comfort.
• The rows of the orchestra here have a very good rake, and for this show at least, the stage isn't too high. From here you are looking at everything straight on. That said, a fairly tall person sat in front of us, and it took a little adjustment to look around them.
• Exiting the theatre is simple. Straight back up the aisle and out the door. It is a little slow going, as everyone converges on the thin aisle and lobby at the same time. 
• We were out of the theater and on our way in about 7 minutes post curtain call.

So how was the view*?

• We had a full view of the action, including the front of the stage and upstage.
• The seats were pretty close to dead center, and with the rake of the seats, we were pretty much seeing it straight on, with the actors in view from head to toe at all times. I don't think people in the orchestra seating on the extreme sides or too close to the tall stage can say the same.
• The seats are also close enough that facial expressions and set and costume details were crystal clear.

The bottom line:

• I would choose these seats specifically. The view is perfect, and they are comfortable.
• TIP: We have sat in the back rows of the center orchestra and they were excellent - view-wise and pocketbook-wise. Those seats, without discount, are currently $162.00 each at the box office. That's $115.00 less per ticket than where we sat.

* - Your seating preferences may vary, of course. And these seats may not be as ideal for a different production.

Other seating at The Longacre Theatre

• We have seen several productions at this theater - plays and musicals - and we've sat in various locations in the orchestra, mezzanine and balcony areas. Everywhere we sat afforded a full view of the stage.
• A couple of times, we sat in the center front mezzanine section. The seats had a fair amount of leg room. You could see the whole stage at once, but it isn't too far from the stage, so you can still see the details and facial expressions. The legroom here is less generous than in the orchestra, but it isn't uncomfortable. The seats here are also closer to stadium seating, so seeing over others is not a problem. I did, once, sit in the front row, and the space between the seat and the wall was a little less than the space between the other rows. Do with that information what you will.
• The view from the balcony is full, but the angle is steep and the stage feels pretty far away. The leg room is not great. There are also some odd support poles up there that can interfere with the view. If stairs are an issue for you, I do not recommend sitting up there. That said, the price difference in these seats may make sitting there a great economic choice, if that's an issue for you.