yueiv

I've seen numerous shows at this theater and I'm convinced that Orchestra Rows M and N are the perfect places to sit for an ideal view, given that rows start sloping up at Row K. Even for shorter people, this allows you to see over heads. This seat, six seats in from the aisle still has an amazing view -- at least for this show. It's possible some parts of stage right may be cut off for other shows with different setups.

The legroom may be tight, but the sound and sight lines are perfect.

This seat is in Arden's theatre-in-the-round setup. There will never a "perfect" view for these type of shows, but this is among the better ones, especially because you can clearly see the action taking place on stage AND to the sides (between Sections A and G [which also has the closed captioning] and above Section C). The onstage action is particularly visible because, being a few rows up, your view isn't blocked by actors standing in front of you. This also avoids the possibility of having spotlights in your face, which is always a possibility when an actor is in front of you. Being along the railing blocks your view only a tad, so it's hardly bothersome. Because some in-the-round shows will have benches in front of the first row of certain sections, I would advise asking the Arden box office whether benches will be in front of the section you are sitting in. This is because actors sometimes stand on the benches, which can block views a number of rows up. The sound from this seat was generally okay, but be aware that musicals in-the-round may have the orchestra spread out around the theater, so sound balance may be off, depending on where you are sitting.

Three seats off the aisle, this is a nearly perfect seat. Great sound and sight lines. As per usual for theater seats on Broadway, legroom is tight.

The photo is a bit deceptive, as the bar really should not block your view. Great value seat if you want to be able to see the actors' faces. Be forewarned: Much of the downstage right corner and all of upstage right is blocked from view by the proscenium, which can be problematic for dance shows. Because most Encores! shows have the orchestra stationed upstage, the sight lines for these musicals shouldn't be too bad. Wouldn't recommend sitting in either seat to the left of this seat. Final note: The seating in this theater is such that if you lean forward, it'll partially block the view of the person behind you. From past experience, City Center patrons are not shy about letting you know if this happens during a show.

Apart from having to stand the whole time, this was an amazing "seat." You can see everything from a higher vantage point without heads in front of you getting in the way. Tickets for this spot are available at sold out shows only.

One of two views from the same seat; this is the view you'll have sitting low in the seat and leaning forward slightly. The photo is a bit deceptive, as the bar really should not block your view. Great value seat if you want to be able to see the actors' faces. Be forewarned: Much of the downstage right corner and all of upstage right is blocked from view by the proscenium, which can be problematic for dance shows. Because most Encores! shows have the orchestra stationed upstage, the sight lines for these musicals shouldn't be too bad. Wouldn't recommend sitting in either seat to the left of this seat. Final note: The seating in this theater is such that if you lean forward, it'll partially block the view of the person behind you. From past experience, City Center patrons are not shy about letting you know if this happens during a show.

One of two views from the same seat; this is the view you'll have sitting up straight. Great value seat if you want to be able to see the actors' faces. Be forewarned: Much of the downstage right corner and all of upstage right is blocked from view by the proscenium, which can be problematic for dance shows. Because most Encores! shows have the orchestra stationed upstage, the sight lines for these musicals shouldn't be too bad. Wouldn't recommend sitting in either seat to the left of this seat. Final note: The seating in this theater is such that if you lean forward, it'll partially block the view of the person behind you. From past experience, City Center patrons are not shy about letting you know if this happens during a show.

Good sight lines and sound, considering that you are in the rear mezzanine. I could see the entire set, with the exception of the very top level of the set's fire escape, which is almost never used nor essential to any scene. I wouldn't recommend sitting too much further to the right, as sight lines will start to be cut off.

Overall, a great view. Due to the fairly steep rake of the mezzanine, neither the bar nor the people in front of you cut off any sight lines. For this production in particular, it should be noted that you won't be able to see through all the windows in the set, due to looking down on the stage from above and tall set pieces obscuring some views. However, these issues did not take away from the overall performance.

Great view of the stage!

Dead center seat in the last row of the Rear Mezzanine. Cheap seat with a full view of the stage but sight lines are definitely a bit tough. Sound is fine.

Awesome balcony view of the stage. The City Center is fairly cavernous, but the sight lines from the lower balcony are still great.

I could see the whole stage and all the action, though sight lines were a bit strained. Sound was perfectly fine. Photo taken post-show with the stage lights on.

I could see the whole stage and all the action, though sight lines were a bit strained. Sound was perfectly fine. Photo taken post-show with lights out on the stage.

Wonderful seats! Could see and hear everything perfectly.

Fantastic seat. I could see and hear everything. Hartford Stage has some of the best sight lines and sound design of any theater I've been in, so while this seat is fantastic, there's not really a "bad" seat in the house.

Pop-up stage in Hangar 3 with General Admission seating. This view is from the 6th row back, dead center. Seating unpadded, VERY tight, and on flat ground.

Definitely a partial view seat. You see about 85% of the action at any given time. I was very glad to have been able to move closer to the center at intermission, due to some empty seats next to me.

You see all the downstage action, but being high up in the balcony means the top curtain (below the proscenium) cuts off the top of the stage. You don't miss anything important, but you won't get the full effect of the production. Sound is loud and clear.