Some of this may be repetitive with RRuin’s response, but I’ll add my two-cents’ worth:
First, that’s amazing that you’re treating yourself—happy (belated) birthday! I can think of no better self-celebration than treating yourself to a Broadway show featuring Mr. Whishaw.
Second, if you plan on stage-dooring in hopes of meeting Ben (and Company) post-show, I’d recommend an evening show or the Sunday matinee. Ben does not (and most of the main cast do not) come out after matinees, opting to remain in the theatre between shows. (At least, this is what Security has told me.) Sunday matinees (3 p.m.) are a fine time to catch Ben and his castmates post-show, as it’s an earlier evening for them, they have Monday off, and they tend to be more jubilant and less-tired. Wednesday and Saturday nights (when Ben comes out around midnight or later, following a two-show day) can be very exhaustive for the cast—and for you, if you’re waiting around. A Tuesday or Thursday evening show at 7 p.m. or Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. are my best recommendations.
Third, the Walter Kerr Theatre is one of the smallest play venues in NYC (it doesn’t even hold 1000 people) and the seats are CRAMPED. I’m 5’2” (on a good day, with a good stretch) and even I find the seats/foot room minimal. The Mezzanine is cramped from what I recall (I saw another show there years ago). I’ve never sat in the Balcony. For The few times I’ve seen The Crucible, I’ve always been in the Orchestra and have not had a bad seat. So, I say aim for the Orchestra seating—there’s definitely more room there. If you have long legs and a bad knee, you may want to try for an aisle seat, or even front-row, which will give you more space to stretch. You can also ask, when at the theatre, if someone on the aisle will switch with you (it can’t hurt; I’ve seen people do this, too, and they have been accommodated).
That being said, because it’s a small theatre, there are really no “bad” seats. Just don’t sit too far to the side of the stage. The best seats I can recommend: Orchestra, center (first 6-8 rows are prime) or the first few rows of the sides of the Orchestra (again, don’t sit too far to the side—parts of the stage will be cut off, albeit nothing that will ruin your experience). The best spot: middle to the right of the stage (or stage left, from the actor’s vantage). There are some crucial “Proctor scenes” that take place in this area.
As has been mention: Ben (and the entire cast) are scheduled for the entire run—through Sunday, July 17th.
As for places to stay: sorry I cannot be much of a help! Since I’m local, I’ve never needed a hotel in NYC, although I’ve had friends stay at the Grand Hyatt near the theatre district, as well as the Hilton, and like it. You can always do a search on Expedia or one of those discount sites.
Now for the practicalities as to “other useful information”: Use the bathroom before the show starts (there’s a restroom stage right, on the floor, which you can ask to use due to your knee; otherwise, you’ll have to take many stairs). The intermission is 15 minutes long and the lines get long. Also, there is a merchandise booth towards the back of the Theatre, which you may want to check out (nothing with Ben on it, though. At least, not when I’ve been there). Additionally, the Ushers are very nice about giving you an extra Playbill, if you just ask! You may want to snag one for an extra souvenir. Finally, if you decide to Stage Door: bring a Sharpie, if you want your Playbill signed. I’ve found that the actors don’t have pens on hand (which is natural) and have let others use my Sharpies as well. Don’t be afraid to call out to the actor(s) if you see one/them, either; they have all been very lovely, accommodating, and sweet—not to mention as patient as saints with fans post-show. I can only imagine how tired they are!
And above all: ENJOY!
"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."
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