We were in cat. 2 a few years ago and were in the back under the balcony. The theater is small, so we still had a good view of the stage. It did seem a little dark under there when eating, but overall it wasn’t bad. We’d rather sit in cat. 1, but 2 is fine if that’s sold out.
I no longer rush to book category 1.
As PP noted the theater is tiny (take a look at the seating diagram and compare it to photos) and there really are no bad seats. The only problem I have is category 3 isn’t accessible so I tend to book category 2 when available. Category 1 is great for people who hope to be chosen to get on stage by that’s not a want for me.
I'll tell you what, I'm the type that always grabs Tier 1 ASAP and always have sat up front and for as many times as I have gone the people chosen have not once been from the first few rows of tables. Seems Tier 2 and 3 and maybe back of Tier 1 are way more "lucky" in getting chosen to go onstage. Anecdotally from my experiences there anyway. But then again they're looking for specific types so I'm sure that plays a big part in who gets chosen on which nights. Either way...best all around dining/show experience on property!
we have been had tier 2 twice, once this year and once last year. Both times we had a nice view of the stage. Just have to say the show wasn't as great this year but was still worth going and will probably go again next year. oh, both time it was the 6:15 show
We have attended the show in all 3 tiers and I really liked the Tier 2 upstairs directly across from the stage.
It has a higher view (straight on) and the troupe comes upstairs at times to sing and perform which is very close to us (the stairs up/down are in the back corners). Serving staff did not ignore our needs up there for more beer and food.
Of course, best seats were Tier 1 in the front row of tables nearest the piano/banjo players in the front right corner next to the stage.
Please forgive the quality of the photos. They were from 2017 cell phone camera technology in low light conditions.
To me, if you can book early then Tier 1 gets you close to the action (tables are assigned in the order booked nearest the stage). But IMO the players do a good job of circulating around all the tables to put "every" guest close to the action.
I actually go more for the food than the show, and I am happy with category 3 seating. I actually prefer being upstairs and not having anyone blocking my view. I have had a few category 2 tables on the main floor that had me wishing I was upstairs in 3.
We’ve been in the first or second row from the stage, and enough of the action (audience participation) took place behind us that I wished we were further back so we didn’t need to turn around to see! We haven’t been upstairs, but the performers do go up there too.
How far in advance can I book HDDR and is it possible for me to get by the stage (I'll have a 5 year old that I would like to keep
engaged) or is that the luck of the draw?