From Where We Sat: The Helen Hayes 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 Helen Hayes Theatre

The Theatre: 

• 240 W. 44th Street
• Current capacity: 581 seats
• Orchestra and Mezzanine

What We Saw There:

• Becky Shaw (review HERE)

Where We Sat: 

• Right Side Orchestra Row J, Seats 12 & 14. The seating in this theater has average leg room. The seats themselves were comfortable and in excellent condition.

What We Paid: 

• $99.00 (Today Tix offer) These seats are normally $214.00 at the box office. 

The Location: 

• Upon entering the theater, we were directed to the second door immediately to our left.
• Row J is the ninth row from the stage.

Seat Amenities and Exiting the Theatre:

• These seats are comfortable and well maintained.
• Exiting the theatre is particularly easy and simple from here. The door to the street is about 30 feet away straight ahead. Getting out is pretty painless.   
• We were out of the theater and on our way in less than 5 minutes post curtain call.

So how was the view*?

• We were against the wall, right at the point where the wall angles in. These were definitely partial view, with everything stage left of the proscenium out of view. I don't think we missed much, but it was annoying, especially considering that they were not designated as partial view.
• I don't think people in the orchestra seating in the first couple of rows fared much better, as the stage is pretty tall from there.
• Facial expressions and set and costume details were crystal clear as we were at an otherwise perfect distance from the stage.

The bottom line:

• I would not choose these seats specifically, unless there was nothing better available. The view is definitely partial. Having been there again after all these years (it's been about 20 years), and it's fresh in my memory, even the very back row of the orchestra is considerably better.

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

Other seating at The St. James Theatre

• We have seen several productions at this theater and we've sat in various locations in the orchestra, and mezzanine areas. (We even sat on stage once for Xanadu!)
• A couple of times, we sat in the center orchestra section. The seats had an average 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 is less generous in the orchestra, but it isn't uncomfortable. The seats there have a typical rake, so seeing over others can be difficult if someone tall sits in front of you. Do with that information what you will.
• The mezzanine view is pretty great throughout, with the normal limitations of the extreme sides. Oddly, the closer you are to the front of the section, the more cramped the seating.