Seeing the hit Broadway musical Wicked live at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City is an incredible experience. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch, long before Dorothy drops in. It has enchanted audiences since premiering on Broadway in 2003.
When seeing Wicked in New York, one of the most important decisions is choosing where to sit. With over 1,900 seats in the Gershwin Theatre, there are many options to consider. The best seats depend on your budget, preferences for view, and how close you want to be to the action. This guide will walk through the different sections in the Gershwin Theatre and recommend the optimal seats to see Wicked from every perspective.
Orchestra
The orchestra section is on the ground floor, right in front of the stage. This puts you closest to the performers andimmerses you directly in the show. Orchestra seats are in high demand, so expect them to be the highest priced tickets.
The middle orchestra rows (E-L) provide a great balance of proximity and elevation for ideal views. The middle rows also make you feel part of the drama without craning your neck. Center orchestra seats in rows E-H are excellent but come with premium pricing. Sitting further back in rows J-L will put you closer to the rear mezzanine overhang but provide a complete view of the stage at a lower cost. The premium orchestra section rows A-D have a more intimate view but you may have to crane your neck at times.
Best Orchestra Seats
- Rows E-H: Immersive, close-up view of the stage
- Rows J-L: Excellent full stage view for lower premium pricing
Front Mezzanine
The front mezzanine overhangs the rear orchestra section. Front mezzanine seats provide similar proximity as the orchestra rows they cover. With a sightly elevated view over orchestra heads, you get excellent sight lines to see the entire stage. These seats retain intimacy while avoiding the neck craning that can happen in some premium orchestra rows.
The center front mezzanine rows A-D are prime real estate. You have an overview of the orchestra below while still feeling part of the action. Rows A-C are particularly close to the stage though row D is also excellent. The sides of the front mezzanine in rows A-F are also wonderful seats with great angles for seeing the entire stage.
Best Front Mezzanine Seats
- Center: Rows A-D
- Sides: Rows A-F
Rear Mezzanine
The rear mezzanine section is elevated above both the orchestra and front mezzanine seats. With tiered rows, you always have a good view over the heads in front of you. The tradeoff is feeling farther back from the show’s energy. However, the music, costumes and sets remain striking from anywhere in the Gershwin.
If sitting in the rear mezzanine, aim for center seats in rows A-F. Here you have an excellent overhead perspective of the entire stage while still feeling involved. The middle rows E-H are also great for a budget view. As you move back, the side sections in rows A-F become another option without losing much intimacy.
Best Rear Mezzanine Seats
- Center: Rows A-F
- Sides: Rows A-F
- Value views: Rows E-H
Balcony
The balcony section is the furthest back seating at the Gershwin Theatre. With the steepest rake, seats here are more removed from the show’s energy. However, the balcony offers the most affordable tickets while still providing strong sight lines and audio quality.
When sitting in the balcony, prioritize the front center rows. Rows A-D in the center balcony and rows A-E in the side balconies will put you closer to the action than those further back. You have an overlooking perspective from here without as much separation.
Best Balcony Seats
- Center: Rows A-D
- Sides: Rows A-E
Obstructed View Seats
There are some seats with compromised views in the Gershwin Theatre. This includes:
- Orchestra Rear Corner: Under the mezzanine overhang
- Orchestra Row AA: Support beam obstruction
- Front Mezzanine Outer Sides: Limited side stage view
- Rear Mezzanine Outer Sides: Limited side stage view
Check each seat’s notes when booking. While these seats have challenges, the iconic set, music and costumes still make seeing Wicked a fantastic experience.
Handicap Seats
Accessible seating for Wicked is available in the orchestra section of the Gershwin Theatre. This includes:
- Orchestra Row S Seats 101-102: Removable aisle seats for wheelchair space
- Orchestra Row R Seats 101-102: Removable aisle seats next to wheelchair space
- Orchestra Row S Seat 103: Aisle seat with no steps
Companion seats are also located next to accessible seating areas. When booking accessible seats, be sure to call the box office directly to ensure availability and reserve wheelchair spaces.
Best Seats for Children
Bringing children to see Wicked makes for a magical theatrical experience. Consider these tips when booking seats for kids:
- Aisle seats in the orchestra, mezzanine or balcony allow easy access in and out.
- Rows F-H in the orchestra and front sides of mezzanine have a great child-level view.
- Rear mezzanine and balcony allow kids to see over rows without boosters.
Younger children may have difficulty sitting through the entire 2 hour 45 minute show. Matinee performances are best for shorter attention spans.
Best Seats for Children
Aisle seats in:
- Orchestra: Rows F-H near aisles
- Front mezzanine sides: Rows A-F near aisles
- Rear mezzanine and balcony: Front rows near aisles
Wicked Seating Chart
Here is an interactive seating chart for the Gershwin Theatre:
Use this chart to explore the different sections and compare views when choosing seats.
Best Seats for Certain Scenes
While there are excellent views from every seat, certain sections may be preferable for key scenes in Wicked:
Scene | Best Seats |
---|---|
Opening Number | Center Orchestra Rows E-H |
Wizard and Morrible Plotting | Front Mezzanine Sides Rows A-F |
Defying Gravity | Center Orchestra Rows E-J |
Emerald City Set | Front Mezzanine Center |
As Long As Your Mine | Center Orchestra Rows E-L |
Witch Fight Scene | Center Orchestra |
Best Seats on a Budget
You can still get amazing seats to Wicked on a budget if premium orchestra is outside your price range:
- Orchestra Rear Center: Rows R-S – Some view limitations but closest to action under $100
- Front Mezzanine Outer Sides: Rows F-H under $130
- Rear Mezzanine Center: Rows F-H under $90
- Balcony Front Center: Rows B-D $70-80 range
When to Buy Wicked Tickets
Wicked is one of Broadway’s most popular shows, running since 2003 with consistently high demand. While full price tickets run $149-$229 for orchestra seats, you can find deals in certain circumstances:
- TodayTix App: Lowest priced lottery seats starting at $49
- BroadwayBox.com: Discounted seats when available
- Winter months: Lower demand post-holidays
- Weeknights: Tuesday-Thursday nights have lower prices
Aim to book 1-2 months in advance for the best selection. Last minute orchestra seats are hard to come by.
Using Ticket Lotteries and Rush
If you’re hoping to score last minute Wicked tickets on a budget, try the following strategies:
TodayTix App Lottery
- Enter digital lotteries for $49 next day tickets
- Lotteries open at 12pm daily, winners announced at 3pm
- Orchestra seats and limited availability
In-Person Rush
- Stand in rush ticket line at Gershwin Theatre box office
- Cash only, limit 2 tickets per person
- Any seats left 10 minutes before showtime are $49
- Limited availability, get there 1-2 hours early
General Rush
- In-person general rush at 10am on day of show
- $49-69 based on availability, cash only
- Fewer orchestra seats, mostly rear mezzanine and balcony
Conclusion
With its spellbinding score and special effects, Wicked is a musical not to be missed. Getting seats with a direct view of the stage helps immerse you in the magic. Orchestra center rows E-H are top tickets for their close proximity and central position. Front mezzanine center also transports you into the land of Oz with an intimate overhead view. For budget buys, check for deals in the rear mezzanine and balcony near the front. Use lotteries, rush tickets and winter deals to get seats under $100. With an unforgettable story, captivating music, and visions of Oz, Wicked is spectacular from every seat!