From Where We Sat: The Broadhurst 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 Broadhurst Theatre

The Theatre: 

• 235 W. 44th Street
• Current capacity: 1160 seats
• Orchestra, Mezzanine, Boxes and On Stage seating

What We Saw There:

• Cats: The Jellicle Ball (review HERE)

Where We Sat: 

• I sat in Orchestra Right Row H, Seat 16. Mike sat in Orchestra Right Row L, Seat 18. The seating in this theater has average leg room. The seats themselves were comfortable and in above average condition.

What We Paid: 

• $118.50 (Show Discount) These seats, at the Box Office, are $159.00 each. 

The Location: 

• Upon entering the theater, we were directed straight ahead to Aisle 3. My seat in Row H was roughly two-thirds of the way down the far side aisle, while Mike's seat in Row L was just past half way down that same aisle.
• Row H is the sixth row from the stage on the house right side section; Row L is the ninth row from the stage on the house right side section.

Seat Amenities and Exiting the Theatre:

• These seats are well maintained and comfortable, if a little tight depending on who sits next to you.
• The rows of the orchestra are on a fair rake, and it was not difficult to see in front of us. The seats are far enough back that the stage is fully visible.  
• Exiting the theatre is particularly easy and simple from here. Back up the aisle, a quick left, and immediately into the side alley which leads out onto 44th Street.  
• We were out of the theater and on our way in less than 5 minutes post curtain call.

The view from H16

The view from L18

So how was the view*?

• The height of the deck is a non-issue from this point. 
• The seat H16, where I sat, was an excellent view, though I couldn't see the upstage left corner. I don't really feel I missed much there, as that's where the onstage seating was, and I could see the same seating configuration across the way. Mike, who sat in L18, had a very similar experience.
• It should be noted that seating for this production is not typical for the Broadhurst, at least down stairs. As staged, I don't think there's any seat where 100% of the action is visible at all times. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, as it felt like we were really a part of the event. We were close enough to see facial expressions and set and costume details were crystal clear. We were also far enough back to appreciate the entire staging, especially the lighting, video and projection elements.

The bottom line:

• I would definitely get these seats again. In fact, if anyone were to ask, I'd say house right orchestra is ideal. The upstage judges table/Old Deuteronomy's throne is fully in view at all times. Action directly in front of that is also fully in view. I suspect seeing it straight on would make seeing all of that at the same time would be nearly impossible. Also, by seeing the runway at an angle not only allows you to see all of the competitions, but also the reactions/moves of the cats also watching the action. Finally, from this side, you have a perfect view of DJ Griddlebone's booth and everything that happens there.

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

Other seating at The Broadhurst Theatre

• We have seen several productions at this theater and we've sat in various locations in the orchestra and mezzanine areas. 
• Aside from obvious view differences, the orchestra section seating offers slightly more leg room, while even the back row of the mezzanine offers a full view that doesn't feel very far away. An advantage to the mezzanine is that the seats are virtually stadium style so seeing over and/or around people in front of you is mostly a non-issue.