New York State Theater

My trip to the ballet was an enjoyable one. The beautiful program that I saw notwithstanding (it was Romeo + Juliet, by the way), the setting here in this theater was a good choice. I decided on a whim to purchase seats up in the «nosebleed» section when I saw that they were offering a $ 20 ticket special. So the ticket was $ 20, but… what was essentially a Dixie cup of gummi bears was $ 3.50. (Minus one star for exorbitant pricing on refreshments!!!) Anyway, with my $ 20 ticket in hand, despite my being up in the fourth ring (as in… way the heck up there where even Shaq would look diminutive), I actually had a great view of the stage and the dancers. With nosebleed seats, I half-​expected a view that was one of those «limited view» seats with obstructions and, oh, a conveniently placed column right smack in the center. BUT… no…the sightline was unobstructed, and I could hear the orchestra well.
Which leads me to one thing… my hearing. Apparently I have supersonic hearing (along with my bionic immune system, but that’s another story) because I was one of the only persons in my section who kept hearing this continued beeping sound every few minutes — much like one of those muffled low-​battery beeps. Thus, at the intermission, I was THAT PERSON. You know, the one who turns around and asks the persons behind you to check their phone. So I did. And they were a little ruffled and ASSURED me that (a) they didn’t hear anything and (b) their phones were off. (Re: point (a) — of course they didn’t hear anything — they were probably pushing 65 or 70, and that’s being generous.)
Anyway…spoiler alert for Romeo + Juliet. (Although I don’t quite understand how a person could have reached any stage of their life past high school and NOT know the story of Romeo + Juliet, I thought I’d throw a spoiler alert out there as fair warning.) Anyway, as I said… spoiler alert!
At the end, SERIOUSLY at the end… like…where Juliet discovers that Romeo is dead and she kills herself… what do I hear but do-​doo-​doo-​doo-​do-​doo-​doo-​doo — namely, A PHONE RINGING BEHIND ME!!! W-​T-​FIZZITY-​FIZZUCK?!
*ahem*
To the women in row F, seats 21 – 27, I don’t believe «I told you so» quite covers it here.
*le sigh*
Guess that’s what I get for «nosebleed» seats?

This theater was designed with a spirograph! Do you remember those things? They were these complicated little plastic machines that allowed you to make neato wheel-​shaped designs that served no purpose but to adorn doilies and coasters… and apparently the ceiling of the New York State Theater.
This is one of those theaters that’s big enough to hold a good number of people but small enough that every seat is a good seat. My seat last night was fantastic, and I was up in Ring 3. Yeah, they call their tiers «rings.» I guess it’s classier that way… and makes it sound more like hell.
So yeah, the ushers were nice, the décor was pleasing, and the seats were comfortable. My only gripe was that the orchestra sounded a bit muffled sometimes. Not the singers, just the orchestra. (I was here for an opera.) It may have been my imagination, but I’m pretty sure the acoustics could use a little work. Not a lot of work… just a little.
Also, the Orangina is overpriced, which is something I’ve come to expect from Theater Intermission Stands, but I still have to complain about it.

This the home of the New York City Opera and New York City Ballet, of which I know the former has been Unilocaled already. The theater is located on the south side of the plaza.
this theater is quite beautiful, its big and pristine without being unaccessible in terms of its view from any seat. Layout is typical, with the balcony rimming the main seating area and bathrooms on either side with a Patron Lounge to your right. The seats aren’t the most comfortable but better than most; then again what theater has comfortable seats? The staff is very helpful, and I hope to visit again soon to see the opera.
What’s really nice is the promenade upstairs, with it’s sharp lighting along the rails of the multiple levels, and statues and gold crests on either side as you go up the stairs. its a terrific party space with upper levels for gazing and a great view of the plaza and the fountain.