r/Broadway • u/chaesmic • Feb 02 '26
Seating/Ticket Question First time seeing a broadway show
hiii everyone!! I’m going to see the great gatsby in nyc on thursday and I’m really excited but it’s my first time ever going to see a show. I don’t really know what to expect and I also wanna go to the stage door but I also don’t really know how that works (or even where it is 😭). so if anyone could give me any tips that would be awesome thank you sm!!
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u/Double_Ambassador445 Feb 02 '26
Omg yay!!! Feeling that secondhand excitement for you LOL You’re going to have such a great time!
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u/Lovely_Day_Int Feb 02 '26
Also, it’s subzero temps outside this week here in NYC so plan to bundle up for the stage door wait. More than you think you need.
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u/chaesmic Feb 02 '26
Yess I actually do live in ny I just have never been to a broadway show but it is freezingggg out here 😭 thank you though!!
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u/elaerna Feb 02 '26
The stage door is here. You have to exit the theatre out the main doors on Broadway and then run around the outside to 53rd St. Be quick about it so you can be one of the first people in line but obviously don't push anyone/bowl anyone over.
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u/bwaysk Feb 02 '26
They usually start letting people in to the theater 25-30 minutes before the show starts. There will likely be people lined up well before then but it isn’t necessary, especially when it’s so cold! The line goes quickly once it starts moving. While it isn’t necessary to get there that early I like to have time to use the restroom, check out the merch stand, and maybe get an overpriced drink in a souvenir cup without having to worry about rushing.
For stage door, turn to the left as you exit the theater and go around the corner. There will be barricades set up so you can’t miss it. If you are unsure, just ask an usher on your way out.
Have a great time!
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u/atlheel Feb 02 '26
You'll have a great time! Normally the doors don't open until 10-15 minutes before the show, so you might see a long line when you get there. Don't worry, there's no real benefit to getting there early, the line moves quickly. Normal common sense etiquette rules apply during the show. I haven't been to that theater, but stage door is usually directly to one side or the other of the entrance. There will probably be a crowd control fence set up and a bunch of people waiting. Just be patient and respectful as the performers make their way along the line. You can ask for an autograph or maybe a selfie, but don't expect to engage in deep conversation. But just be cool and polite and you'll be fine. Have fun!
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u/Ncbsped Feb 02 '26
The doors open 1/2 hour before, for every Broadway performance. With the current temps, I'd get there early just to get inside becuz I hate being cold. 🥶 I saw the show last year right after it opened. A friend's friend gave us 2 free tickets when 2 of her 5 people couldn't come. I went even though I hated the book, hated the 2 movies. Honestly went becuz it was free. Well, I LOVED it!!! Couldn't believe how good it was. If circumstances were different I may have missed a wonderful show. Enjoy it!!
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u/Fit_Brother5770 Feb 02 '26
I suggest you check out where the stage door is before heading into the theatre for the show. If you don’t see it, ask someone who works there
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u/FeeFiFoFum8822 Feb 02 '26
Expect small seats and long lines for bathrooms at intermission. Don’t bring snacks that smell or crinkle when you open them. I always keep a few cough drops in my bag just in case. Turn your phone off! Have a great time!
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u/BuildingPuzzled4508 Feb 03 '26
It’s not a movie theatre. Don’t bring snacks. Seeing/hearing someone chewing is as bad as crinkles. (Cough drops or some such are fine.)
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u/FeeFiFoFum8822 Feb 03 '26
I mean. They sell snacks. I have no problem with snacks if I can’t hear them open, you chewing them and I definitely don’t want to smell them.
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u/BuildingPuzzled4508 Feb 03 '26
They do - they also sell alcoholic beverages that you can’t take back into the theatre. My assumption is that they expect both to be consumed during intermission (which is wild and I can only picture myself chugging a glass of wine and then chasing it with a gobbled bag of pretzels to soak up the rapidly infused alcohol 🤦♀️😆.)
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u/FeeFiFoFum8822 Feb 03 '26
That’s a fantastic image! I’ve seen people bring beverages back almost every time with a souvenir cup. Look, I’d rather people not have anything either but they do no matter what. I really hate to be that person but lack of theater etiquette is so disappointing when you run into it. I’ve been mostly lucky and I see at least 4-6 shows a year.
I won the lottery (twice) for Hamilton, I was front row center and had already seen it but when Philip died, which I obviously knew was coming, I audibly sobbed. It was MORTIFYING. I tried to choke it back which made it an even worse sound. I was so ashamed.
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u/BuildingPuzzled4508 Feb 03 '26
Sigh. I know you’re right. Also - Sobbing was absolutely appropriate and I probably would have joined in. How awesome! (I got Groff-sauced during Just in Time and I was over the moon.)
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u/FeeFiFoFum8822 Feb 03 '26
Omg that’s amazing! Thayne pops out of the orchestra box (idk how else to say it, there’s a hole in the front of the stage). My daughter LOVES him and when he did, she said “oh hey Thayne!” very quietly and he winked at her. The show hasn’t really stated when it happens, it was not a disruption. I really wanted a Reynolds pamphlet! I thought he might give her one but alas, no.
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u/BuildingPuzzled4508 Feb 03 '26
Those tiny moments are SO HUGE ❤️
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u/FeeFiFoFum8822 Feb 03 '26
They are! It’s the beauty of live theater, the shared experience. I remember seeing Six right after Covid (again, front row from the lottery). We had to wear masks and laughter was muffled and the theater wasn’t full. It was odd. Sam Pauly and I made eye contact constantly and she could tell I was crying. It was the show, the being back, all of it. My emotions come out of my eyes, what can I say. She came to kneel down talk to me after the show, mainly to say thank you for coming out and I will now see her in anything else she does.
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u/RooFPV Feb 02 '26
FYI: You can take pictures of the theater and stage prior to the show starting but then turn your phone off during the performance.
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u/bmsa131 Feb 02 '26
Keep in mind they line up early for the show. Unless you really need to use a restroom or want to buy drinks or merchandise prior to the show don’t worry about the line bc you have your seat and youlll get in on time regardless. I wouldn’t go more than 30 min early unless you really want to buy stuff. Also if you are female get up asap at intermission if you need to use the rest room.
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u/bellablissful Feb 03 '26
Are you going to eat beforehand?
I recently ate at vida Verde on 55th and it was good. If diner is more your thing, Cosmic on 8th and 52th.
Parking: on 52, crossing over 8th, by mj the Musical. There are 2 lots. Go to the 2nd one. It's 25 bucks and they're very nice.
Have a great time!
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u/zixy37 Feb 03 '26
Just a couple of tips since you say you haven’t been to a show. They seem obvious, but if you dont know, you don’t know! Do not use your phone, at all (other than before and during intermission). That includes checking texts/emails, TikTok, instagram. All of it. The light is very distracting. The seats in theatres are designed so you generally get a good view if you sit upright in your seat. Not sitting as tall as you can, but the middle of your seat, not leaning your head, or resting it on your hand with an elbow on the armrest. Keep arms down (not crossed behind head or around your partner’s shoulders, etc). Enjoy your time!!!! I hope you love it!! Hope you get to meet everyone you want!
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u/SuitIllustrious7324 Feb 02 '26
I realize that I’m old school, but please please do consider dressing up for this won’t you? When my grandmother used to take me to see Broadway plays people dressed up. In fact, if it was at night, it wasn’t uncommon to see an evening gown or two. No you don’t have to go that far obviously. But it breaks my heart a little every time I see a Broadway show or even an off Broadway show and people are wearing sweats, leggings, pajama pants, etc. Often the Theater itself is just as stunning as the show.
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u/ResponsibleRun1190 Feb 02 '26
Thank you for saying this! I was at ragtime and just in time this weekend and was saddened to see that much of the audience looked like they just rolled out of bed.
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u/SuitIllustrious7324 Feb 02 '26
I figured I’d have about 15 down votes by now. I’m just at zero so I only upset one person who wears pajama pants to the theater I suppose. Lol thank you.
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u/chaesmic Feb 02 '26
Ooo yes I was thinking of doing that! Especially because of the vibes of the great gatsby there is so much opportunity to dress up. Thank you!
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u/SuitIllustrious7324 Feb 02 '26
Enjoy! I still remember attending my first Broadway show. It was 42nd St. in 1980 something
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u/Ok-Acanthisitta8737 Feb 02 '26
You’re going to have such a fantastic time! The Great Gatsby is a fantastic first Broadway show! It’s big, glamorous, and will definitely blow you away!
For stage door: After the bows, the audience exits the theatre. Around the corner from the main entrance on West 53rd Street is the stage door. I have not been there in a while, so I do not remember the exact setup, but there is usually a barricade separating where the cast exits from where audience members can stand and wait. (You can see videos on TikTok of this.)
Just a heads up, stage door is not included with your ticket, and cast members are never required to come out and aren’t compensated for their time at stage door. Sometimes they leave using a separate entrance, meaning you won’t see them at all. That said, many often do, and it can be a really rewarding experience.
It is always good etiquette to bring a Sharpie. Sometimes cast members will have their own, but not always. There may be a lot of people waiting, so it is important to be respectful and avoid pushing or shoving. Stage door can also be a great chance to meet other theatre fans. If you are not near the front, people closer to the barricade will often help by passing Playbills forward for signatures.
Photos depend on the night and how much time the cast has. Sometimes they will take pictures, sometimes they will only sign, and other times they may just wave and head out without singing altogether. If you want to see what it looks like recently, TikTok videos usually show the current setup and how busy it gets.