When it comes to seeing a hit Broadway musical like The Book of Mormon, getting the best seats is key to having an optimal experience. However, with different pricing levels and seating sections, it can be confusing trying to figure out which seats will give you the best view and value. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get the perfect seats for The Book of Mormon.
Orchestra vs Mezzanine
The two main seating levels to choose from for The Book of Mormon are the orchestra and mezzanine. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each:
Orchestra
The orchestra section is the seats on the main floor level, closest to the stage.
Pros:
- Up close view of the performers and set
- Can see facial expressions and costumes up close
- More immersive experience being closer to the action
Cons:
- You may have to crane your neck to see action at the top of the stage
- The sound quality can be less clear/defined
Mezzanine
The mezzanine section is elevated seating in the mid-level range.
Pros:
- You’re above the action so you can see the whole stage
- Great sound quality and acoustics
- Less neck straining than orchestra
Cons:
- Further away from the performers than orchestra
- Won’t see intricate costumes/expressions as well
So in summary, the orchestra is more immersive and close up while the mezzanine gives you a better overall view. It comes down to personal preference. Many theatergoers like being in the center mezzanine for an ideal blend of view and sound quality.
Front, Middle, or Rear of Section?
Within each seating section, you also have to consider whether you want seats at the front, middle, or rear.
Front
Sitting towards the front of either the orchestra or mezzanine puts you closer to the stage for a more immersive experience. This allows you to see the performers and sets in more detail. You’ll really notice every facial expression.
Middle
The middle part of each section strikes a nice balance. You’re close enough to clearly see what’s happening on stage, but far enough that you can take in the whole stage comfortably without straining your neck.
Rear
Sitting farther back gives you a more pulled back, full view of the stage. This can be good if you want to take in the full scope of the performance and sets. However, you will be further away from the main action so facial expressions and small details may be harder to make out.
Most theater experts recommend aiming for the middle part of a section for the best overall experience. But personal preference can also come into play.
Center vs Side Seats
When picking exact seats within a section and row, opting for seats in the center is ideal:
Center Seats
Center seats provide a head on view of the stage, allowing you to see the entire stage clearly without any obstructions. This view gives you the full scope of the performance.
Side Seats
Seats on the far left or far right can make it harder to see what’s happening across the entire stage. You may have to strain your neck and eyes to see action taking place on the opposite side of the stage.
If possible, always go for center seats over side seats for musicals. Or at the very least, aim for seats that are closer to the center rather than the extreme sides.
Row Numbers
Along with paying attention to section and left/right placement, the specific row number you choose also impacts your view:
Row | View Quality |
---|---|
Front Rows (1-3) | Very close to stage but may require neck craning |
Middle Rows (4-10) | Ideal view of full stage |
Back Rows (11+) | Further from action but get full scope |
As a general rule of thumb, it’s hard to go wrong picking seats in the front-middle part of a section, such as rows 4-10. This puts you close enough without being too close and gives you a straight on view of the action.
But personal factors like height and individual preference also impact what rows may work best. Taller people may prefer rear rows for an unobstructed view, while shorter guests may like front rows to get as close as possible.
Best Sections by Seat Quality
Based on the above criteria, here is an ordered list of the objectively best sections in The Book of Mormon theater based on view quality:
- Center Orchestra (Rows 4-10)
- Front Mezzanine (Rows 1-3)
- Rear Orchestra (Rows 11-20)
- Front Balcony (Rows 1-3)
- Center Balcony (Rows 4-10)
- Rear Mezzanine (Rows 10+)
- Side Orchestra (Outer rows)
- Rear Balcony (Rows 11+)
As you can see, the center orchestra provides the ideal viewing experience overall since you get an up close, head on view of all the action. But the front mezzanine and rear orchestra are also excellent choices.
Best Value Sections
Now that we’ve covered the seats with the optimal views, let’s look at which sections give you the best bang for your buck:
Section | View Quality | Price Level | Value Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Rear Orchestra | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
Front Mezzanine | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
Rear Mezzanine | Decent | Low | Good |
Rear Balcony | Fair | Low | Good |
The rear orchestra and front mezzanine give you great views for a moderate ticket price, making them arguably the best values. And the rear mezzanine and balcony are cheaper options with decent views.
So in summary, aim for rear orchestra or front mezzanine if you want a reasonably priced seat with an excellent view. But the rear sections can be good budget choices too.
Using Discounts to Get Best Seats
One of the best ways to get great seats at a lower cost is to utilize discounts and promotions. Here are some ways to get deals on top Book of Mormon seats:
- Enter lotteries – Many Broadway shows, including Book of Mormon, offer daily lotteries for a limited number of $25-$40 tickets.
- Smart shopping – Look for coupon codes and check sites like TodayTix that offer discounted seats.
- Off-peak times – Tickets for weekday matinees and performances late in a show’s run are typically lower priced.
- Group sales – Groups of 12+ often get discounts of up to 35% off.
- Student/senior rush – Same day discount tickets for students and seniors.
Using these strategies at the right time allows you to score orchestra or front mezzanine seats for potentially hundreds less than the standard pricing.
Booking Tips
Here are some useful booking tips to ensure you get the seats you want:
- Book early – Prices are lowest and availability is best further in advance.
- Double check locations – Make sure the section and row numbers line up with a good area.
- Read seating charts – Look at the theater’s interactive charts before choosing.
- Check reviews – Read other people’s feedback on specific areas.
- Comparison shop – Check a few ticket sites as prices can vary.
Booking early, carefully, and informed helps guarantee you pick the right seats for your preferences and budget.
Conclusion
While all seats allow you to enjoy The Book of Mormon, some areas objectively provide a better experience than others. By aiming for the center orchestra or front mezzanine, you’re getting prime seating for views, sound, and immersion. But you can save money by opting for rear orchestra or mezzanine without sacrificing too much quality. Using discounts also lets you access top seats affordably. Considering section, row, left/right placement, and discounts leads to picking the ideal Book of Mormon seats.