Travel Tip #5 - Catching a show on Broadway

     If you go to NYC, chances are you plan on attending a Broadway show. After all, unless you travel a lot for business, how many chances will you have to attend a live show on Broadway? Naturally, when we went, it was near the top of our list. Since we had two young girls, we decided to watch Mary Poppins. It was truly a magical performance and we are glad we did it - even though it was the most expensive thing we did.

     Broadway shows are expensive, but you don't have to pay an arm and a leg. If you play your cards right, it might only cost an arm. Although it is often less expensive to purchase tickets online ahead of time, that isn't always the case - especially after paying all the processing and holding fees they tack on. Still, it is worth the effort to check. You may find a great deal.
     With Broadway shows in particular, there is another option. TKTS ticket booths sell tickets for Broadway, and Off-Broadway shows, music, and dance events for a 20-50% discount off the normal price. The catch is that you have to purchase the tickets the day of the event, so if there is a particular show that you are dying to see, there is a chance that it might be sold out. Also, these transactions are cash only! Still, if you are a little flexible, and have access to the cash, this is a great way to cut down on the expense. The TKTS booths are located at three locations: Duffy Square (on the north end of Times Square), Downtown Brooklyn (at Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue Promenade), and South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan. We went to the one in Duffy Square because we were going to be there anyway. The lines were really long, but only one of us had to wait in line while the others explored the shops.
     Another option is to keep an eye out for Twofers. Twofers are ticket sized pieces of paper that can be used to purchase tickets to selected events for substantial discounts right at the box office. You can occasionally find them at your hotel or tourist information sites.
     Finally, you might want to consider going to an Off Broadway show, or an Off Off Broadway show. These shows have a much lower budget, and perform in smaller theaters, but there are plenty of high quality shows for a more reasonable price.
     Broadway shows used to be formal events. Although many people still dress in formal attire, many others wear casual clothing. My suggestion is to wear what will make you feel the most comfortable, realizing that some of your neighbors will be dressed to the "T" and others will be wearing T-shirt and jeans.
     Tipping ushers isn't required, but a common tip would be $1-$5.
     If you are interested in autographs, wait next to the theater's stage door following the performance.
     Have fun, and break a leg!