Broadway on the (Relative) Cheap?
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Hey everyone,
So for some years now I’ve been wanting to go see a show on Broadway. My mom’s birthday is tomorrow and I was thinking in a few weeks I might take her to NYC for a weekend to see a show, maybe Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre.
At any rate, I don’t really like (or think she’d like) the idea of driving about in NYC so we’d probably take Amtrak or a flight in take available transit options from there. But that leaves the problems of lodging and I don’t know New York City from a hole in the ground, what neighborhoods are where, etc. I also know from my experience travelling in Boston and D.C. that with the available mass transit options staying close to your ultimate destination isn’t always necessary, but I have no experience with the MTA.
So I was hoping some who are better initiated with the ways and places of NYC would be able to recommend a neighborhood to try to stay in, any transportation options to avoid if applicable or recommendations thereof, and any must-see attractions. Look forward to hearing what people have to share.
/giphy broadway musical
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I almost hesitate to ask but… has anyone been to see Hamilton? I know it’s the latest media darling, but is it worth $400+ per seat?
/giphy hamilton tickets
I always thought Rent would be a good option because you’re not buying the tickets, but Jimmy McMillan showed my the error of my ways.
/image the rent is too damn high
Just found out while reading that Wicked was just on tour in Boston ending late last month… kicks himself
/giphy wicked tour
Does your Mom like Bette Midler? She is currently on Broadway doing Hello, Dolly!
She’s the real deal, imo.
I was watching Live with Kelly one day and she had recently went to a play she raved about and I’m pretty sure the name was Dear Evan Hanson. School of Rock sounds good and of course, Hamilton if you can swing it. I’m sure you already have this but on the off chance, www.broadway.com has some great info. One of my favorites is there now, Phantom Of The Opera.
/giphy phantom of the opera
Broadway on the cheap. Those words don’t go well together.
Traveling into the city can be had many ways. As an east coaster for all of my adult life here are the cheapest ways.
1)a bus like mega bus or bolt bus, you can find buses that we call China town buses, but I stay clear.
2) A bus like greyhound or coach USA. Which is funny because they owen mega bus and bolt bus but charge more this way.
3) Trains. Really amtrack is your only option, unless you live in NY suburbs, or NJ.
5) fly in. Where to you live? This option can beat trains hands down.
Cheap shows. There are lots of websites offering discount tickets for long running shows and plays. But my favorite is TKTS in Time Square. You will have to wait in line and this can eat up a couple of hours, but can be very worth it for last minute tickets. Check out their website for more information.
Hotels. Depends on what is cheap to you. I’ve stayed in some really nice places and some really questionable ones.
Some of your best options can be staying in NJ and nyc metro it into the city. Other options are to stay in other nyc burrows. Queens, Brooklyn… yadda yadda. If staying in nyc stay away from times square. I’ve rented in some small hotels near NYU they were private places where you could pay extra for a private bathroom. It worked for us on a budget, but have not stayed there is recent years.
I’m a marriot snob now (full disclosure ), mainly because of brand rewards and timeshare ownership ship. I stay on west 37th street. There are 3 marriott hotels here. A pulse, fairfield inn and a spring hill suite. They are a block away from the metro, empire state building, and Madison Square Garden. They are priced average for nyc hotels.
One could also try air b and b. For a little more local and possibly cheap stays.
We stay in jersey city and take the path in…the doubletree and the sheraton are right above the path station…we stayed at doubletree both times and loved it…will think more
Metro north from Brewster is a good option for rail travel…can park your car in a commuter lot for a while…or backbay to penn/union station is a nice ride…
Rush/lottery tickets can be a risky (as in you’re not guaranteed a ticket, or the ticket might be standing room only, or the tickets won’t be near each other) but cheap way to see shows.
http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-rush-lottery-and-standing-room-only-policies-com-116003
As a native, I only go to Times Square for Broadway shows if I’m invited to one. I don’t like the environment around the square itself.
Definitely take advantage of public transit, but be prepared to walk as well. Almost every subway line goes to midtown Manhattan, so you have the pick of the litter in terms of staying locations, as long as you’re near a train line. Wear good shoes!