TKTS line question

[Merriwind]

Some of you may remember from an earlier post that my family is planning to spend a week in NYC later this summer-- . I asked for family-friendly suggestions and have a long list of things I'm trying to fit in in only one week.

We are thinking about trying to get show tickets at the TKTS, but I've got questions.

--is there a day of the week that's better than others in trying to get good tickets?
--any good family friendly show ideas? B&B and Tarzan will both close before our trip. Mary Poppins would be fine, I'm sure. I have friends who loved Wicked, but my Dmom thinks DD9 might still be a little young for it?
--how much are TKTS tickets? Some of these tickets prices are crazy . It could cost more than our plane fare to go to a show.

TIA again!

 

[jcc0621]

I used TKTS when I was in NYC 2 years ago. I got front row center tickets for a Beauty and the Beast mantinee for $50 each. They were $150 seats . You have to be prepared to wait in line, and if you are a large group (More than 3 or 4) I would plan on spliting up the group. Easier to get better seats. I went on a Sunday and the line was down the block.....

 

[MM27]

you have to go without your heart set on a certain show, because they may not have it available. I've had everything from front row seats to last row balcony. Most shows are 50% off but they also have some that are only 25%You can check out the TKTS page at the Theatre Development Fund website and see what was available the previous week. It's not a guarantee, but it is usually fairly accurate.

 

[Keara'sMom]

Not sure about the TKTS question regarding days that are better than others.
I will say that dd10 saw Wicked when she was 7 and LOVED it (we've since seen it another 3 times, but that's another story...). It's a little bit loud in the beginning, and there's a metal dragon head that blows smoke at the top of the stage, but other than that, it wasn't scary for her--just spectacular! Is your dd easily frightened?

Mary Poppins is supposed to be good as well. Stay away from "Spring Awakening" (just won the Tony), as it has adult content. There's also a new musical in previews (I think) called Xanadu (yes, like the movie). It's supposed to be funny, and the cast roller skates! Haven't seen it, so I'm not sure of the appropriateness for kids...

We go to NYC a couple times each year, most often with our dd. If you want other ideas or just have questions, pm me!

Good luck! You'll have a great time!

 

[Keara'sMom]

Oh, and I meant to add that you won't find "Wicked" on the TKTS board--it's still selling so well that tickets are not discounted. Actually, it can be a tough ticket to get!

 

[minijeanie]

you can also buy tkts at south street seaport and I believe they open an hour earlier than the one at the marriot marquis. Your best bet is to go to www.broadwaybox.com or www.playbill.com and see what discounts you can get.

The TKTS place is not always 50% off and they require cash only. IMO I think the absolute best play to see is Lion King. Hands down!! You missed nothing with Tarzan. what a disappointment.

My kids enjoyed Mama Mia as well as Hairspray. Hairspray the movie is coming out next month. I would also suggest Legally BLonde...terrific. I agree that Spring Awakening is way too young for your DD.

MP was wonderful and if you could snag a discount it will be online. If you choose to wing it, I would avoid wednesdays. Seems everyone in summer is on line on a wednesday.

Have you made any restaurant choices? would be happy to assist you. NYC is expensive as you well know. I also go to Broadway quite a few times a year as well as other poster. I am sure between both of us we can give you an honest opinion of a show.

and yes, I don't believe you will get discounts for wicked. still a strong selling show. BUt not my favorite.

 

[skjuls]

I bought my Tickets at the south street seaport location. You can get matinees there and the line is way shorter.

 

[Merriwind]

Wow! Thanks for all the info. I'm telling you, this trip is requiring much more planning and work than WDW. I really feel overwhelmed. I hope no one minds a few more questions.

--Does anyone know anything about the TheaterworksUSA free ticket program? This summer's show is Suessical at the Lucille Lortel theater (on Christopher St, near Bleeker). You have to wait on line for tix, first-come, first-served. I don't know. It's way downtown and I worry that we wouldn't even get tickets, since they do camps and such. But, the chance to see a real production for free is awfully tempting... Any info would be great!!

--All the websites seem to have the same discounts. The best for our week at this point is Hairspray for about $70 orchestra. Is it worth standing on the TKTS line? Will prices be much better than that? I hate to spend that $$, but I like the idea of knowing I have decent tix to an appropriate show.

--Has anyone been to any of the Central Park Summer Stage performances? There's a dance company that I think DD would like to see while we're there. I didn't see any mention of cost. Is it free? A family friendly crowd/event?

--Restaurant ideas would be grand. I would like to do one fun place everyday, but hopefully not break the bank. On our list of to do's right now are the Met, Central Park zoo, Staten Island ferry plus Historical Richmond Village, South Street Seaport, Empire State Bldg, Rockefeller Ctr, Times Square shops, Nat Hist museum. Maybes are B'way show, Seussical free show, Central Park Summer stage (evening), Chinatown/Little Italy. We are staying in Times Square.

I'm getting my spreadsheet (modified my WDW one) pulled together. I may share it in a day or two and ask for critiques. Our plan is to send it to our NY-based family and friends and invite anyone who wants to see us to come in and join in on activities.

Thanks again so much!!!!!

 

[3PRINCESSMOM]

was a Circle Lince Harbor Cruise. This is a narrated sightseeing cruise in New York harbor. It is also a bargain, $15 adults and $10 kids tickets. Check it out here: http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/harborCruises.asp

My kids and DH really loved it!

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[minijeanie]

There is the ESPN zone right in times square. At least 3x bigger than the one at wdw and so so much better Down the street is Planet Hollywood and across the street is Hard Rock Cafe. Also right there is the huge toys r us store. there is a 2 story ferris wheel inside the store to ride. really cool to see. One of the other OP's is right. Millions of restaurants to choose with so many many types of food. If you have a speciality, I might be able to guide you.

As far as $70 tickets to Hairspray...if you are not 100% certain you even want to go to a Broadway Show, wait on the ticket line and see what you can find.

Do not know your religious affiliation but the off Broadway show Altar boys was absolutely hysterical. About 4 catholics and one jewish boy who sing and tell stories. The whole premise is to save your soul. very cute. Appropriate for your DD. I would definitely recommend this if it appeals to you. You can get tickets for $39.

As far as the circle line, I would avoid it..very boring after the first 15 minutes. Your better off to be first in line for the statue of liberty.

My recommendation would be to do the red double decker bus tours. You can hop on and off the bus all day. Believe price is a 2 day price and you can zip around the city and see it all.

btw, what hotel are you staying at?

 

[DeeCeeSW]

B&B and Tarzan will both close before our trip. Mary Poppins would be fine, I'm sure. I have friends who loved Wicked, but my Dmom thinks DD9 might still be a little young for it?

Since when is Tarzan closing? I know that Beauty is closing to make room for Little Mermaid, but I know nothing about Tarzan closing.

As someone stated earlier, you will not find Wicked on the tkts board/at the booth, nor will you find Mary Poppins. I have been purchasing discounted tix directly from TDF (Theatre Development Fund that runs the TKTS booth).

Here's what was up at the booth last week:
BROADWAY
110 IN THE SHADE****
A CHORUS LINE****
AVENUE Q
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
CHICAGO
COMPANY
CURTAINS
DEUCE
FROST/NIXON
GREY GARDENS
HAIRSPRAY**
INHERIT THE WIND
LES MISERABLES**** A MUST SEE
LOVEMUSIK
MAMMA MIA!**
MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT
OLD ACQUAINTANCE
RADIO GOLF
RENT
SPRING AWAKENING
TALK RADIO
TARZAN
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
THE COLOR PURPLE
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
XANADU


OFF-BROADWAY
10 MILLION MILES
A GARDEN FETE
A ONE MAN PROTEST
A PAGEANT
AFFAIRS IN A TENT
ALTAR BOYZ*** FUNNY!
CRAZY MARY
CRICKET MATCH
ELVIS PEOPLE
EURYDICE
EVENTS OF A HOTEL TERRACE
FORBIDDEN BROADWAY
GASLIGHT
GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW*****
GONE MISSING
I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE******
IN THE HEIGHTS
MAYUMANA'S BE******
MY MOTHER'S ITALIAN, MY FATHER'S JEWISH
NAKED BOYS SINGING!
PERFECT CRIME
RABBIT
RADIO
RULES OF CHARITY
SPALDING GRAY: STORIES LEFT TO TELL
STOMP*****
THE BUTCHER OF BARABOO
THE FABULOUS LIFE OF A SIZE ZERO
THE FANTASTICKS*******
THE J.A.P. SHOW
THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL



I strongly recommend "Gazillion Bubble Show" at New World Stages. It is a great family friendly show. I paid $25 a ticket from TDF. I also saw "110 In The Shade" last weekend and it is a fun musical (there is some adult content but nothing like "Spring Awakening").

I recommend Havana Central for great Cuban food (they have a kids menu too) on 47th St., off of Times Square (6th & 7th), also Virgil's BBQ (may have already been mentioned), Viva Pancho for Mexican (it's a little hole in the wall right next to Virgil's and the food is GREAT) and Ollie's for Chinese. I would avoid TGIFriday's, Applebee's and Red Lobster, ESPN Zone, Hawaiian Tropic...this is NYC, folks! SO many restaurants, so much diversity, don't waste it on chains that you can frequent in the suburbs!!! Although, I hear that Bubba Gump is pretty good.

Have fun!

 

[skjuls]

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is hilarious!!

I highly recommend that one but it's not a "grand" musical. The stage is small, set up like a Gym. I saw the majority of the original cast and had second row because I won the lottery for tickets for that show.

 

[poohfriend]

I think it's well worth it to stand in line. The majority of tickets are half off. (But as some one pointed out Wicked is not available.)

We saw Grey Gardens (strange, but very good. The actresses in the leads both won TONY awards.) I don't think I'd take dd.

We also saw Curtains. IT was great! David Hyde Pearce (Niles on Frasier) won best actor TONY. If you wouldn't be upset about your daughter seeing a murder-mystery-musical it would be a great choice. A lot of adult humor that would float over a DD head. Tons of traditional broadway musical numbers and traditional staging and choreography. The musical is set in the early 50s. The "musical within the musical" is a silly western with a Robin Hood theme. I have an 8 year old and I don't take her (generally) to see PG movies. I would tell her that there were some pretend murders (I'd probably have to tell her what that was too) and be fine with taking her. There was no nudity and any suggestiveness wasn't any worse that what the cheerleaders look like on a Friday night high-school football game.

I would look at the site4s that were displayed earlier...have a list of your top 8 or so that you'd be willing to see. If it's on the board when you get in line you'll be in great shape. Mary Poppins was on the board when we went, but B&B was still on...

We showed up on a Friday night at 5:15 and had less than a 3 minute wait. On Saturday at noon we had a 20 minute wait. I have waited in a TKTS line for 1 hour and longer before. This past trip we were able to see two shows that we REALLY wanted to see for the price of seeing one. (Great for the pocket book!)

Have fun!

 

[ntink]

Just got back from NYC with my DDs ages 9 & 5. We stayed with my sister & her DH - they live at 104th & BWay. Thursday, we went to American Girl (have been here a few times before - best tip is to go after 5pm if you are just seeing the store; it was not crowded, walk-ups were being taken for hairstyles and it seemed like we could have gotten into the cafe for dinner as it was only about 1/2 full)

Friday we went to the Central Park Zoo - penguin chicks will be hatching in 10 days and I would have loved to see that. Admission includes Children's Zoo also. We also went to the Central Park Carousel. My DD has an illustrated children's book of NYC that includes the carousel and she got to ride on the horse highlighted in the book. We went to Top of the Rock - beautiful views. That day ended at Dylan's Candy Bar - DD9 loved it - I did not think it was anything special.

Saturday we went to Chinatown. If you like ice cream I highly recommend Chinatown Ice Cream Factory - delicious www.chinatownicecreamfactory.com . We ate dim sum at Grand Harmony Palace on Mott Street. We went to the Children's Museum of the Arts http://cmany.org/intro.php?pn=home just a few blocks from Chinatown and both girls loved it - it is more of a hands on art studio than museum

For restaurants, if you like Thai food I highly recommend Regional Thai which is on Broadway between 22nd & 23rd - I love Thai and go here with my sister everytime I visit. The other restaurants I have eaten at are on the upper west side by my sister's place. However, we did eat at a great italian place last year that had live opera music. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name but we stayed at the Residence Inn Times Square and they recommended the restaurant.

Have a great time - NYC is great to visit.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

we live nearby and use tkts often, last month we saw BB using tkts booth(no line, decided to see BB just 20 min before the curtain went up ) and had tenth row center DD4 and me, wonderful show, tkts cost $80 each.
Google Serendippity 3 and make ressies to eat(dont get huge meals,get huge amazing desserts here!), then visit Dylans Candy Bar(store) after u are done - be sure to have dessert at serendippity tho!
Take a bicycle taxi at some point, not cheap but priceless! Enjoy and welcome! When ya comin?

 

[mugsy]

A Show for the Kids/Family: Try The Drowsy Chaperone. It reminded me a lot of the old Carol Burnett show -- very broad characters, great slapstick/vaudeville type scenes, and some nifty dancing and songs. Mostly clean (as far as language), but there is some implied (but farcical) sex between certain characters (everyone gets married in the end, though). The set is also incredible -- the way it is used in the musical has to be seen to be believed.

Restaurants in the Times Square Area Right near the Marriott, try the Brooklyn Diner -- a bit touristy and expensive, but a fun experience and the food is O.K. In the same vein, try Bubba Gump's Shrimp. There is a decent sit down pizza place on West 44th Street called John's Pizzaria. I would check out menupages.com (menus and prices are available, along with user reviews)or chowhound.com and find a few restaurants to try.

Don't Miss F.A.O Schwartz (on 5th Ave) and the giant Toys-R-Us store in Times Square. Not that you could any way -- it will call to a 9 year old like a super magnet.

 

[MM27]

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is hilarious!!

I highly recommend that one but it's not a "grand" musical. The stage is small, set up like a Gym. I saw the majority of the original cast and had second row because I won the lottery for tickets for that show.

I second that. I didn't stop laughing the whole show. I caught the National Spelling Bee when they showed it on TV and it's amazing how they capture all the little habits that these kids have. I got my tickets for this at TKTS on a Saturday.

 

[Keara'sMom]

I forgot all about Drowsy Chaperone! My dh saw this and said it's laugh-out-loud funny. He also said that our dd10 could see it. Dh also saw Spelling Bee and said he would take dd to that, too.

Talking about all of this is making me long for a trip to the city!!

 

[Princess Stitch]

me and DBF went in February ( I had only been once before that) and we ate at this really neat restaurant called Mars 2112. You take a motion simulator ride to "mars" then go into the restaurnt seating where the waiters are dressed as space men. The theming is really neat and lots of fun! Food isn't anything fantastic but it was certainly good enough.

Also, don't forget the World of Disney store! Check out the character meet and greet times/days to see who you want. The store is aweesome and HUGE!

One more tip. If you plan to see the statue of liberty, trips to the crown are given on a first come, first served basis and only a limited amount are given out each day. Plan to get there early if you want to be able to do that. When my dad took me the first time it was completely closed to the public because of 9/11 and in February we weren't there early enough to get tickets, so I'll have to wait until next time.