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Mamma Mia," now in its eighth year, tells the story of a mother returning to her past and the men from it in preparation for her daughter's wedding. The show is playing at the Winter Garden Theater in New York City. Because of its longevity, tickets are more readily available than for a show such as "Billy Ellliot." However, proper planning and preparation can make seeing this show more of an experience. If you want to see the show that critics have hailed as a "phenomenon" and a "smash hit," let the planning begin.
Planning the Day
Determine what day of the week you would like to see the show. The Winter Garden Theater is "dark," or closed, on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you are visiting New York from out of town, you will want to assess lodging. Hotels in Times Square, the central location for Broadway theaters, can be expensive on any day of the week, particularly weekends. Plan your trip through newyorkguest.com, where you can build your own travel package. There is a "Broadway Savings" plan that offers tickets to "Mamma Mia" and a hotel in Times Square. Ask for a list of fine dining recommendations.
Getting Tickets
Log on to TheaterMania.com or Playbill.com and click on the "Broadway" tab. Scroll down and pull up "Mamma Mia." These are the most reliable websites for purchasing Broadway tickets. Additionally, this will allow you to compare prices to newyorkguest.com's "Broadway Savings" package. Registration is free and tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance. Discounts can be as high as 50 percent. Log on to to telecharge.com to take a look at the seating chart. Seating is important because it determines pricing. Weekday orchestra seating is $116.50 while mezzanine seating ranges from $62.75 to $116.50. If you are attending the show with others, consider the differences in group rates. According to Telecharge, the minimum group number is 15 and prices are generally quoted between $60 and $70 per person.
Don't Be Late
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show. Show time on weekdays is 8 p.m. There is a 2 p.m. matinée on Saturday and Sunday along with an 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday show. Plan to arrive up to an hour early if you are driving. Finding parking in New York can be very difficult, especially on weekends, because of the crowds and congestion. Double-check your hotel and dinner reservations as well.
At the Theater
Pick up your tickets from the ticket representative and follow her instructions. If you are purchasing concessions, be sure to remember directions to the theater. Wait for the usher to seat you to ensure you do not sit in the wrong seat only to have the experience interrupted by being relocated. Turn off your cell phone and any other noise-making device. Photography is strictly prohibited. Try to avoid leaving the theater for the restroom. You could end up missing "Dancing Queen," one of the great musical numbers from the piece. Enjoy the show and visit Playbill.com or Broadway.com when you return home to write a short review of the show.
