In this article you will find the answers to the questions you frequently ask us about the production of a musical on Broadway. Can we take photos? Is there an intermission ? When should you applaud? How to choose your place? Here are some more details about musicals in New York.
HOW TO DRESS WHEN GOING TO A SHOW IN NEW YORK?
To put it simply: there is no dress code for attending a Broadway show. There are simply two pieces of advice to follow. First of all, dress normally. Indeed, the time when you had to come well dressed (in a suit or evening dress) is over. Second, dress comfortably as you will be watching a show lasting over two hours. All theaters are air-conditioned and offer changing rooms, which is very practical in winter.
HOW LONG DOES A BROADWAY MUSICAL LAST?
Better to check on our site, but the shows most often last two and a half hours , including an intermission of around 20 minutes. Some shows may be a little longer. Rest assured, even if you take an evening session that starts at 8 p.m., you will be able to find a metro or bus that will take you back to your accommodation without any problem!
IS THERE AN INTERMISSION?
There is an intermission between the two acts of the show , lasting around twenty minutes. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs by visiting the theater or buy a souvenir at the official show store.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOS OF THE SHOW?
Videos and photos are strictly prohibited during a Broadway show for copyright reasons, but also to keep a bit of mystery about the work. On the other hand, photos of the room and the stage before the start of the show or during the intermission are often tolerated.
WHEN SHOULD I CLAP?
When you go to see a musical on Broadway for the first time, you often feel a little lost, and you don't know when to applaud the singers. The audience usually applauds at the end of each song. You can applaud at these moments and also at the end of each act. The salutes of the actors at the end of the spectacle are much shorter than in France, and the ovations, when the audience stands up to applaud, rarer. The orchestra accompanies the audience's exit by continuing to play after the curtain falls.
CAN I SEE THE ARTISTS AFTER THE SHOW?
Of course, but you shouldn't wait too long after the end of the show. Meet at the Artists' Entrance Door, also known as the Stage Door . Don't hesitate to ask the theater staff where this entrance is located. You can speak with the singers, congratulate them on the show, ask them for an autograph, a photo, or even offer them something.
HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MORNINGS AND EVENING SESSIONS?
Theaters most often offer evening screenings at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. but also afternoon screenings at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and/or Sunday, which are called "matinees". Depending on your schedule, it may be difficult to attend these matinees. However, there are often more free seats during these sessions and therefore more chances of being able to reserve a better seat!
A SHORT DICTIONARY OF NEW YORK THEATER VOCABULARY
Generally speaking, a theater will be organized in this way on a plan: Stage, Orchestra, and Mezzanine. Everything will depend on the construction of the theater. The Circle In The Square Theatre, for example, only offers Orchestra seats, as it does not have a balcony. On the contrary, the Majestic Theater, which has two balconies, will offer Front Mezzanine and Rear Mezzanine seats.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR CHOOSING YOUR SEATS
All New York theaters are recently built or renovated. Visibility is quite good from most places. The best seats, but also the most expensive, are often located at the orchestra. Located in the first rows, on the same level as the stage , you will be able to see and hear the singers and the orchestra very closely.
Some will not like this proximity and will prefer the balcony or Mezanine. Here too, these seats offer advantages: by being a little elevated, you will have an excellent overview of the stage.
Overall, the comfort of placement will depend on your budget: the more expensive the places, the better they are placed. By booking using our site, you will benefit from our exclusive seating algorithm, which offers you the best seats for the chosen price category as a priority. It's the best way to get the most out of the show!
