Sunday, June 5, 2011

Discounts to Broadway Shows

The other day I posted information about discount tickets to Broadway shows on TripAdvisor.com, my favorite site for seeking travel information and recommendations. With the summer tourist season about to begin in New York, I thought it would be helpful to reprint the information here.

1. The TKTS half-priced ticket booth in the middle of 46th and Broadway has A LOT of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows discounted up to 50% (there are also locations at the South Street Seaport and in Brooklyn). The booth sells same day tickets to shows, opening at 10am for matinees and 3pm for evening productions (you cannot buy evening tickets during 10am - 2pm). You always want to get in line with 4-5 choices. Sometimes you will find some of the hits up there, mostly Tuesday-Thursday nights, but don't count on finding Wicked, Lion King, or The Book of Mormon. The queue can be long, but goes fast. It is also a very friendly line. You meet the most interesting people from all over the world. The TKTS Booth now accepts credit card payment. There is a $4.00 per ticket surcharge for each ticket purchased.

2. Almost every Broadway show has a lottery and/or rush policy. You could score VERY inexpensive tickets.

3. Go to Broadwaybox.com. Choose a show and print out the discount coupon code page. Shows can be discounted up to 50% (again, not the most popular ones). You can order online, but the problem is they add an $8-$10 PER ticket surcharge. It is better to print out the coupon code page and bring them to NYC. I would suggest printing out coupons for 4-6 different shows. Go directly to the box office. There is no surcharge doing it this way, you get to choose your seat location, and you can purchase tickets when the box office opens which is usually around 10am. Check the coupon page, but for most shows you can purchase up to eight tickets per page.

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