Photo by Dimitris.s12.
Booking a trip to see a Broadway show is a popular activity for millions of people every year. If you haven’t done this before, there are a few things you’ll need to know in order to get it right and have the time of your life. If you want to avoid additional stress when going to Broadway, here are some common mistakes people often make.
Arriving Without Booking Tickets
You can arrive to Broadway without booking tickets in advance and buy them on the day of from the TKTS booth in Duffy Square, but availability isn’t guaranteed and you might not be able to get to see the shows you want to see, especially the high in-demand ones.
Popular productions sell out months in advance, meaning you need to book your trip once you’ve booked the tickets so you’re not missing out, especially if there’s only a specific one you want to see. If you’re not bothered and would be happy to see anything, this won’t be a problem, but it’s wise to book ahead.
Staying Too Far From the Theatre District
A hotel that’s a 30-minute subway ride away from Times Square might not seem far, but it can add additional time and hassle to the night that won’t wait for you if things are running behind schedule. The curtain won’t wait for a delayed train!
A hotel near Broadway puts you close enough to walk so you’re not relying on transportation to get to the theatre. And if you have other reservations, this is even more beneficial as you have more time to get to where you need to be on time without worrying about delays.
Not Checking the Show’s Run Time Before Booking Dinner
Broadway shows vary widely in length, from 90 minutes with no intermission to well over two and a half hours for larger musicals, and booking dinner without checking this first is a common way to end up missing any reservations after the show. While you might have checked the start time, booking after-show dinner or tickets for evening entertainment without checking when it finishes means you might end up missing out and losing money on tickets or deposits, as you’re not able to arrive on time.
Assuming Every Theatre Has the Same Dress Code
Broadway doesn’t require formal wear anymore; but not all theaters have the same dress code. You need to check theater websites when you book so you know what to wear and what is considered appropriate for the show you’re going to see. A big budget musical in a large modern theatre draws a fairly casual crowd, but a straight play in one of the older smaller houses might see more people dressed up. Take the time to see what people generally wear for the show you booked so you can dress appropriately. While this won’t always be enforced, it’s better to know before you arrive just to be safe!
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