Ultimate Broadway Show Guide: Tickets & Tips

Broadway vs. Off-Broadway vs. Off-Off-Broadway

• Broadway: Large theaters (500+ seats) in the official Theater District, featuring major productions, often with star performers. Highest production values and ticket prices.
• Off-Broadway: Smaller theaters (100-499 seats) located throughout NYC (not just the Theater District). Often features more experimental works, new plays, and intimate musicals. Can be a launching pad for future Broadway hits.
• Off-Off-Broadway: Very small venues (under 100 seats), often showcasing avant-garde, non-commercial, or emerging artists. Highly experimental and budget-friendly.

This guide focuses primarily on the Broadway experience, but exploring Off-Broadway can offer exciting discoveries for adventurous theatergoers.

Tips for Selecting a Show

• Consider Your Interests: Do you prefer uplifting stories, thought-provoking drama, dazzling spectacle, or familiar music?
• Read Reviews & Synopses: Check reputable sources like the New York Times, Time Out New York, or official show websites for summaries and critical reception.
• Watch Clips Online: Many shows release performance clips or trailers that give you a feel for the style and music.
• Check Runtime: Shows typically run 2.5-3 hours with an intermission. Consider this for timing and attention spans (especially with children).
• Look at Awards: Tony Award winners and nominees often represent high-quality productions, though many excellent shows don't win major awards.
• Audience Recommendations: Ask friends who have seen shows recently or check online forums for audience feedback (but take individual opinions with a grain of salt).
• Consider Family Friendliness: If traveling with children, look for shows specifically recommended for families (e.g., The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked often suitable for older children/teens). Check age recommendations on official websites.

Still undecided? Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from taking a chance on a show you know little about!

Avoiding Ticket Scams & Scalpers

Always purchase tickets through official channels (show website, Telecharge, Ticketmaster, TKTS, theater box office, official lotteries/rush). Avoid street scalpers and unofficial third-party websites, which often sell tickets at inflated prices or may sell fraudulent tickets. If a price seems too good to be true on an unfamiliar site, it probably is. Stick to authorized sellers for peace of mind. Our local tips guide offers more advice on avoiding common tourist pitfalls.

Theater Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

• Do Arrive Early: Aim to arrive 30 minutes before curtain time to find your seats, use restrooms, and settle in without rushing. Latecomers are typically held until a suitable break in the performance.
• Don't Worry About Dress Code: While some people enjoy dressing up, there's no formal dress code for most Broadway shows. Smart casual is perfectly acceptable. Comfort is key!
• Do Silence Electronics: Turn off phones and any other devices completely. Even vibrating phones can be disruptive. Texting or checking messages during the show is unacceptable.
• Don't Take Photos or Videos: Photography and recording are strictly prohibited during the performance due to copyright laws and respect for performers and fellow audience members.
• Do Be Mindful of Food & Drink: Most theaters sell drinks and snacks, often allowing them into the auditorium in approved cups. Avoid noisy wrappers or strong-smelling foods.
• Do Applaud Appropriately: Applaud at the end of songs (especially showstoppers) and at curtain call. Enthusiastic applause is welcome, but avoid excessive noise during dialogue scenes.
• Don't Talk During the Show: Keep conversations for intermission and after the performance. Even whispers can carry and disturb others.
• Do Stay Until the End: Remain seated until the final curtain call is complete to show appreciation for the entire cast and crew.

Following these simple guidelines ensures a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone in the theater. For more general NYC etiquette, see our local tips guide.

Accessibility Information

Broadway theaters are committed to accessibility. Most offer:

• Wheelchair Seating: Designated accessible seating locations are available; book these in advance directly through the official seller or box office.
• Assisted Listening Devices: Headsets amplifying show audio are typically available free of charge (ID may be required as deposit).
• Captioning & Audio Description: Many shows offer scheduled performances with open captions, closed captions (via handheld devices), or live audio description for visually impaired patrons. Check services like TDF Accessibility Programs (TAP) or individual show websites for schedules.
• Accessible Restrooms: Most theaters have accessible restrooms, though locations vary.

It's crucial to book accessible services and seating in advance. Contact the theater's accessibility services department or the official ticket seller for specific information regarding the show and venue you plan to attend.

Pre- & Post-Theater Dining

The Theater District and surrounding Midtown area offer countless dining options:

• Restaurant Row (W 46th St between 8th & 9th Aves): Concentrated area of restaurants offering pre-theater menus designed for quick service before showtime. Reservations highly recommended.
• Hell's Kitchen (West of 8th Ave): Offers a diverse range of cuisines at various price points, often less crowded than restaurants directly in the Theater District.
• Times Square Restaurants: Many themed restaurants and familiar chains, convenient but often crowded and tourist-focused.
• Upscale Options: Numerous fine dining establishments nearby for a special occasion meal.
• Quick Bites: Plenty of delis, pizza places (Joe Allen's slice window), and fast-casual spots for a quick meal.

Tip: For pre-theater dinner, make reservations for 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM for an 8:00 PM show to allow ample time without rushing. Many restaurants offer post-show menus as well.

Exploring the Theater District

• Shubert Alley: Famous pedestrian alley between 44th and 45th Streets, lined with theater posters.
• Times Square: Experience the dazzling lights and energy before or after your show.
• Drama Book Shop: Legendary bookstore dedicated to theater scripts and books.
• Sardi's Restaurant: Historic theater hangout known for its caricature-lined walls.
• Guided Tours: Consider a guided walking tour focusing on Broadway history and landmarks.
• Nearby Attractions: Combine your show with visits to Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, or the New York Public Library, all within walking distance.

Why See Off-Broadway?

• Discover New Works: Off-Broadway is often where new plays and musicals premiere before potentially moving to Broadway.
• Intimate Settings: Smaller theaters (100-499 seats) provide a closer connection between audience and performers.
• Diverse Programming: Features a wider range of styles, including experimental theater, edgy dramas, and unique musical concepts.
• Lower Prices: Tickets are generally more affordable than Broadway shows.
• Neighborhood Exploration: Theaters are located throughout NYC, encouraging exploration of areas like Greenwich Village, the East Village, Brooklyn (e.g., BAM - Brooklyn Academy of Music), and more.

TKTS booths also sell discounted same-day tickets for many Off-Broadway shows. It's a fantastic way to experience New York's vibrant and diverse theater scene beyond the main stem.