Berkshire Theaters Collaborate on Discount Tickets

For those on a budget there are many ways to save on theater tickets. You can volunteer to be an usher, or man the snack stand in exchange for free admission. You can check out the availability of half price tickets at any of four locations of the Berkshire Half Tix Program.

And now, the four major companies have launched a scheme where you can get $10 off a ticket purchase for their main stage productions.

Othello stars the brilliant John Douglas Thompson at Shakespare & Company until September 6. Kevin Sprague Photo.
Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Shakespeare & Company, and Williamstown Theatre Festival are excited to announce a collaborative effort to provide more affordable theater opportunities for residents of and visitors to Berkshire County. While all four theaters currently have a variety of ticket options designed to make performances more affordable—from special discounts for County residents to rush tickets—the foursome saw an opportunity to collaborate as a group in an effort to provide even greater accessibility.

Prisoner of Second Avenue at Berkshire Theatre Festival until August 8
For the 2009 summer season, the four theaters are launching a ticket stub discount program to kick off the collaboration. All four theaters will offer discounted tickets to provide greater accessibility to theatre goers and to encourage patrons to attend productions at multiple venues. Patrons simply purchase a full price main stage ticket at any participating organization and retain their ticket stub. They may then turn in that ticket stub at any participating organization’s box office within two weeks of the performance date noted on the stub to receive $10 off the purchase of a full-price main stage ticket at that participating organization. That second stub may then be used within two weeks of its performance date to receive $10 off the purchase of yet another full-price main stage ticket at another participating theatre. The offer is valid for all main stage events at the four theaters, with the exception of one-time special events. Tickets may be purchased over the phone or in-person at each theater’s box office.

Jeremy Bobb (l) and Charles Shaughnessy (r) keep audiences on the edge of their seats in Sleuth playing Barrington Stage until August 1. Kevin Sprague Photo.
The four theaters were a natural fit for a collaborative effort—all four are producing theaters with full summer seasons of ongoing programming, and each provides educational and training programs. Additionally, all four theaters have similar ticket prices, making a joint ticket offer, such as the ticket stub discount, an easy program to implement.

True West with Paul Sparks (l) and Nate Corddry (r) at Williamstown Theatre Festival until July 26. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
The ticket stub discount program is just the first initiative of the collaboration, with plans for future initiatives already underway. The group intends to not only provide increased opportunities for patrons to see theater at an affordable price, but to work together to create greater visibility for the outstanding theater produced here in the Berkshires. The ticket stub discount program will launch on Monday, July 13th and will run through September 5 (noting that WTF season ends on August 23, and BSC and BTF’s seasons end on August 29).
Box Offices:

Barrington Stage Company: (413) 236-8888; www.barringtonstageco.org

Berkshire Theatre Festival: (413) 298-5576; www.berkshiretheatre.org

Shakespeare & Company: (413) 637-3353; www.shakespeare.org

Williamstown Theatre Festival: (413) 597-3400; www.wtfestival.org

Bring a Friend for $25 to a Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas Show

The stage at KA goes from horizontal to vertical while incredibly complex acrobatics take place.
Cirque du Soleil's six resident shows in Las Vegas are more theatrical and elaborate than their touring offerings. But with the economy being soft, there have been some seats going unsold, and to help fill their houses, the Cirque has come up with a special "bring a friend" promotion which lets you buy one ticket at regular price, and another for only $25. Tickets are only sold in pairs with one ticket at standard price, the other at the $25.00. The offer is good for selected shows and seating areas through October 31, 2009. There are service charges on all ticket purchases.

To take advantage of this great deal, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com and enter the code "Summer" when ordering. You can also call 866-998-4830 and use the same code. Here is a rundown of the shows you can choose from:


Mystère is classic Cirque du Soleil, combining the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that has become the company's hallmark. Deemed a theatrical "flower in the desert," Mystère thrills generations of audiences with its exhilarating blend of whimsy, drama and the unimaginable brought to life on stage. Presented exclusively at Treasure Island, Mystère provides the ultimate discovery that life itself is a mystery. I have seen this show three times now, and although it is the longest running in Las Vegas, I discover new elements every time I see it.


Cirque du Soleil paints an aquatic masterpiece of surrealism and theatrical romance in the timeless production, "O". Inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water's pure form, "O" pays tribute to the beauty of the theatre where anything is possible and where the drama of life plays itself out before your very eyes. I was lucky enough to see this show from the "splash" seats. Only at Bellagio, Las Vegas.


Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, is a seductive twist on reality, making the provocative playful and the forbidden electrifying! Leave all inhibitions at the door and let loose as this adult-themed production takes you on a sexy thrill ride full of sensational acrobatics and naughty fun. Great for the straight set, but rather dull for my gay sensibility. Zumanity was created for adults 18 and over. Only at New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.


KÀ, the unprecedented, gravity-defying production by Cirque du Soleil takes adventure to an all new level. Be awed by a dynamic theatrical landscape, as an entire empire appears on KÀ's colossal stage and a captivating display of aerial acrobatics envelopes the audience. The theatre itself is worth a visit, the hydraulically operated stage is a wonder to behold as it moves up and down, and tilts like a gyroscope. Only at MGM Grand, Las Vegas.


With LOVE, Cirque du Soleil celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles through enhanced versions of their timeless, original recordings. The exuberance of The Beatles is channeled through the youthful, urban energy of a cast of 60 international artists. With panoramic sound and visuals, audiences experience The Beatles as never before. A delightful trip into the past with the best music ever written. Only at The Mirage, Las Vegas.


CRISS ANGEL Believe from Cirque du Soleil is a haunting exploration deep inside the inventive mind of mystifier Criss Angel, as he hovers between the land of the living and a surreal world. This twisted tale is uniquely woven together by the distinctive imaginations of Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil. Exclusively at Luxor Las Vegas. Please be advised: This dramatic production is not for the faint of heart.

Waiting for Godot with Nathan Lane, John Goodman, Bill Irwin, John Glover

Be still my heart. Nathan Lane, John Goodman and Bill Irwin star in Roundabout's Waiting for Godot. Photo Joan Marcus.
For many, this is the ultimate cast for Beckett's classic Waiting for Godot. They have given this classic enigma of a play a new lease on life, one we have been awaiting since last summer's incredible Godot at the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, MA which featured Randy Harrison as Lucky. In the Roundabout Theatre's version, Lucky is played by John Glover, who we all know from his dual roles in Love, Valour, Compassion (Broadway and the film version) and of course, the series Smallville where he gets to play next to Tom Welling and Michal Rosenbaum.

Nathan Lane as Estragon and John Goodman as Pozzo in this stunning photo by Sara Krulwich of the New York Times.
As we always try to do, we have found a special deal on tickets for our frugal friends, so that you can see this great cast - the incredible Nathan Lane, the incomparable Bill Irwin, the sensational John Goodwin (who blew the critics away) and the always surprising John Glover.

Carrot or radish? Nathan Lane and Bill Irwin. Photo Joan Marcus.
We have also raided the Roundabout Theatre's website and press resources for some pretty stunning pictures of the production which we include here. Who can't resist seeing this classic play in which nothing happens. Twice. If you've been waiting for a great ticket deal wait no longer.

The discount ticket offer is valid through the end of this month only. The regular tickets, priced from $36.50 to $116.50 are available at $24.25 to $79.50 depending on the day of the week and the location at the Studio 54 Theatre, located at 254 W. 54th Street.

John Glover, Bill Irwin, Nathan Lane. and John Goodman in Waiting for Godot. Photo Joan Marcus.
To get this discount, you can call 212-719-1300 and use code WGTKW. Or go to the Roundabout Theatre ticket order page and enter code WGTKW. Limit 8 tickets per order, subject to availability and can not be combined with other discounts. Valid for perforamnces 4/7 to 4/29/09.

P.S. Waiting for Godot has received 5 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations including Best Play Revival.


"Mr. Godot will not be coming today."

Steppenwolf's August Osage County Ticket Discounts Broadway

A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a major new Broadway play that unflinchingly – and uproariously – exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family.

Fresh from a thrilling, sold-out run at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, August: Osage County has audiences riveted and critics raving. This thrilling new Pulitzer Prize winning play by Tracy Letts has earned 5 Tony Awards, including Best Play.

And we have discounts.



These ticket discounts are valid for performances through June 28, 2009 at the Music Box theatre, 239 W. 45th Street. The least expensive are $46.50 saving you up to 60% and are in the rear mezzanine, rows G-L. They are regularly $76.50 to $116.50 depending on the day. There are also Orchestra and Front Mezzanine tickets, Row A-F for Tuesday to Thursday at $59.50 which saves almost 50%. If you must go on the weekend, there are similar Orchestra/Front Mezzanine tickets Rows A-F for $66.50 which still saves 40%.

To order call 212-947-8844 and use code OCTW422. You can also go to BroadwayOffers.com and use the same code, OCTW422.

The Westons have secrets, shocks and surprises for each other.

The embedded You Tube promotional video above gives you a taste of the show, but this little gem I found on YouTube gives you not only a great sampling of the script, but introduces two gay You Tube actors, Michael Arden and Jeffery Self who have been producing some pretty funny stuff. If they were in the Berkshires, I would pair them with one of our resident theatres as social networking geniuses. They've got promise as actors, too. They have a future in their future.

"Hair" Opens Tuesday: We Have Newest Photos, Big Discounts

Just in: the first review I have seen and it's a gem! Check out Life's A Pitch Gavin Creel as Claude (center) and the cast of the Broadway revival of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage. HAIR features a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot. Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street, NYC). All photos by Joan Marcus.

At the dawning of a new age in America, HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical returns to Broadway for the first time in over 30 years. cultural icon is a legendary show which changed Broadway musical theatre. This fresh new version of the counter-culture musical started its second journey to Broadway last summer in Central Park. There the Public Theatre presented it with Jonathan Groff, of Spring Awakening fame. Though he is not in the revival due to other commitments, but word is that the entire cast is first rate.
Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. Photos Joan Marcus.

Assuming good reviews when it opens Tuesday at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 45th Street, tickets will become hard to get, especially at a discount, but here's a great deal. You can buy $112-122 Orchestra/Mezzanine seats for only $60 for the Tuesday to Friday performances, or Sunday evening. For the Saturday Matinee and Evening, and Sunday Matinee, they are $75.00 Jot down the code "HANYTW4" and call 212-947-8844 or go to www.broadwayoffers.com and enter the code when prompted. Currently, this offer is valid on all performances through May 10, 2009.
Will Swenson as Berger and the cast of the Broadway revival of Hair.

A celebration of life, a love letter to freedom, and a passionate cry for hope and change, Hair features some of the greatest songs ever written for the stage, including "Let the Sun Shine In," "Easy To Be Hard," "Good Morning, Starshine," "The Age Of Aquarius" and the rousing title song. Welcome to the curly, shaggy, gleaming, streaming, wonderful world of Hair!
Tommar Wilson, Will Swenson as Berger and Bryce Ryness as Woof in the Broadway revival of Hair.

Directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage, Hair features a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot.
Sasha Allen as Dionne (center) and the cast of the Broadway revival of HAIR. Photo Joan Marcus.

The full cast of Hair includes Sasha Allen, Ato Blankson-Woo, Steel Burkhardt, Jackie Burns, Briana Carlson-Goodman, Allison Case, Gavin Creel, Lauren Elder, Allison Guinn, Chasten Harmon, Anthony Hollock, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Kaitlin Kiyan, Andrew Kober, Josh Lamon, Megan Lawrence, Caissie Levy, Nicole Lewis, Ryan Link, John Moauro, Darius Nichols, Brandon Pearson, Paris Remillard, Megan Reinking, Bryce Ryness, Michael James Scott, Saycon Sengbloh, Maya Sharpe, Kacie Sheik, Theo Stockman, Will Swenson and Tommar Wilson.

"Next to Normal" Arriving on Broadway - We Have Earlybird Discounts

Next to Normal. Photo: Joan Marcus
Do we have a deal on the hot new musical Next to Normal for you! More on that later, but first you need to know why you should go. This contemporary musical explores how one suburban household copes with crisis. Through drama and music, it shows the length parents will go to in order to preserve the illusion of "normalcy." Of course, under the veneer of suburban conformity often lie unpleasant truths. Without them there would be no theatre, no soap operas, only boredom.

Next to Normal is the second of two productions that have made it from Molly Smith's Arena Stage to the Big Apple this year. 33 Variations starring Jane Fonda has already opened , while Next to Normal doesn't begin previews until March 27, and the show opens officially April 15.

Arena Stage’s production of Next to Normal went through four weeks of rehearsals and three weeks of previews before opening on December 10, 2008. For Arena’s production, five new songs were written and two new actors joined the ensemble: J. Robert Spencer as Dan and Louis Hobson as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine.
Aaron Tveit, J. Robert Spencer, Alice Ripley, Jennifer Damiano, Adam Chanler-Berat and Louis Hobson. Photo: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Producer David Stone states, “Anyone who has been involved with the creation of an original musical knows that much of the work happens in the rewriting. From the day after Next to Normal opened Off-Broadway through opening night at Arena Stage, Tom Kitt, Brian Yorkey and Michael Greif were committed to improving and rewriting this show with a level of dedication and focus I have seldom seen from a creative team.”

Arts America ran a photo report on Next to Normal earlier this year during its run in Washington, D.C. The news of its transfer to Braodway has been welcomed, the show deserves wider attention. One of the changes made is that the venue has changed from the Longacre to the Booth Theatre which is smack in the middle of all the action, on 45th Street, right at the corner of Shubert Alley.
Alice Ripley. Photo: Joan Marcus
The D.C. cast is superb and continues intact, from the dynamic Alice Ripley to the heart-throb Aaron Tveit whose Berkshire appearances at Barrington Stage were notable for the crowds of admirers who greeted him after each performance of Calvin Berger in William Finn's Musical Workshop. Perhaps the time is drawing near for one of our in-depth interviews with this rapidly rising young actor, as well as the incredible Alice Ripley who continues to stir audiences to their feet.
Aaron Tveit is on the rise.
In his review of the Arena Stage production, Peter Marks of The Washington Post, wrote, "Next to Normal is a moving, blisteringly honest, and inordinately powerful new musical, sung with a wallop by a six-member cast that includes the astonishing Alice Ripley, and dexterously directed by Michael Greif. Writers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey have stocked the musical with beautiful songs that get to the heart of the story- and simply get to the heart."

The discount deal we found for tickets to Next to Normal is simplicity itself: regularly $110-115 tickets in the orchestra and front mezzanine are $60.00 each if you use the code NNYT0316 and is good for all performances through May 10, 2009. Performances are Tuesdays at 7:00, Wednesday through Saturdays at 8:00 and SUnday at 7:30. The Matinees are Saturday at 2:00 and Sunday at 3:00.

You can call 212-947-8844 to order (remember to use the code) or go to BroadwayOffers.com and use the same code, NNYT0316. Offer expires May 10, but may be withdrawn at any time. Telephone and internet sales are subject to the usual service fees.

Louis Hobson, Adam Chanler-Berat, Jennifer Damiano,
J. Robert Spencer, Alice Ripley and Aaron Tveit gather for the original cast recording
Photo by Bruce Glikas

The original cast album is in the works. The cast has just finished recording it for Ghostlight Records. Exact date for the release of the Original Broadway Cast recording is not yet known.
Aaron Tveit flashes his charming smile moments before singing as Gabe, son of Diana and Dan.
Photo by Bruce Glikas

Finally, here is a full ten minute preview of the show I found on YouTube. You can also find some fascinating clips of Alice Ripley and Aaron Tveit in other shows, performances and club engagements.

Shrek the Musical using discounts to build their audience

It isn't easy being green.

It's a sweet, big and lovable show. They just recorded the original cast album a few days ago - it is due out in March - and Shrek should be a sure thing on Broadway as word of mouth spreads among families. So for the next few weeks, through March 15 and the end of winter, you can get steeply discounted tickets. So while Shrek saves the Princess, you will save the money.

They are offering the $110 Orchestra and Front Mezzanine tickets at $68 for Tuesday-Thursday evenings and Wednesday matinee, and $45 for Rear Mezzanine. For Weekend evenings and matinees, the discount is less, $80 for the better seats, $55 for the Rear Mezzanine. ( usually $120-65). Shrek is playing at the Broadway Theatre at 53rd Street.

One of Shrek's big production numbers.

This discount has expired.

Next to Normal at Arena Stage. Washington, D.C.

(top)  Aaron Tveit as Gabe, (second row - behind the scrim - L-R) Alice Ripley as Diana, Louis Hobson as Dr. Madden, (front row, L-R) J. Robert Spencer as Dan, Jennifer Damiano as Natalie and Adam Chanler-Berat as Henry. Photo by Joan Marcus

Around the beltway, even the pols are talking about the big musical hit at Arena Stage in Washington, DC, but there are only two more weeks in which to see it. Pre-inauguration visitors are gobbling the tickets up, so get your ducats asap. The show, if you haven't heard by now, is Next to Normal which arrived at Arena Stage shortly after its premiere production at Second Stage Theatre in New York City.

“This is a musical that gets under your skin,” comments Arena's Artistic Director Molly Smith.

Next to Normal is a contemporary musical that explores how one suburban household copes with crisis. With provocative lyrics and an electrifying score of more than 30 original songs, Next to Normal shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact.

(L-R) Aaron Tveit as Gabe, Alice Ripley as Diana and J. Robert Spencer as Dan at Arena Stage in Crystal City through January 18, 2009. Photo by Joan Marcus

The music is by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and direction by two-time Tony nominee Michael Greif (Broadway’s Rent, Grey Gardens), The cast includes Alice Ripley (Side Show), Aaron Tveit (Wicked, Hairspray), Adam Chanler-Berat and Jennifer Damiano (Spring Awakening) reprise their roles from the Second Stage production and are joined by J. Robert Spencer (Jersey Boys) and Louis Hobson.

Aaron Tveit (R) will be familiar to Berkshire audiences who saw him at Barrington Stage as Matt in Calvin Berger, seen here with David Perlman (L) as Calvin. Kevin Sprague Photo.

For those who haven't been to DC in a while, the company is currently rebuilding its 47-year-old Southwest DC theater campus which includes the Fichandler Stage and the Kreeger Theatre. Its reopening is slated for the 2010/2011 season. It currently operates out of Arena Stage in Crystal City and the historic Lincoln Theatre.

Visit their website for excerpts of Next to Normal and news of their next production, Irving Berlin's I Love A Piano, to run January 29 to February 15 at the Lincoln Theatre.

Aaron Tveit as Gabe, J. Robert Spencer as Dan, Alice Ripley as Diana, Jennifer Damiano as Natalie, Adam Chanler-Berat as Henry and Louis Hobson as Dr. Madden at Arena Stage in Crystal City through January 18, 2009. Photo by Joan Marcus. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Innovation is not only on the stage

Arena Stage is well known for its theatrical creativity, but this company goes the extra step. Its Board and administration have undertaken some pretty remarkable initiatives.

For example, when the investment banks failed and Washington was consumed with the economic rescue, Arena held a "Bail Out" ticket sale. Knowing that uncertain economic times creates uncertain ticket sales, they offered a one-day only "bail out" ticket sale. During these 24 hours, all tickets were $25 each for the first week of performances to all remaining seven shows at Arena Stage. This represented a savings of up to 60% off regular ticket prices for more than 25,000 tickets. According to Laura Bloom, Arena's media relations associate, the total number of tickets sold during this sale was 6,661 for an income of nearly $200,000. Pretty incredible, folks.

(L-R) J. Robert Spencer as Dan and Alice Ripley as Diana in Next to Normal at Arena Stage in Crystal City through January 18, 2009. Photo by Joan Marcus

The other program I find impressive is called "Send a young person to the theater" and it is both an educational and audience development initiative. These programs are largely sponsored by contributions both from individuals and grant givers. Arena Stage gives thousands of free and heavily discounted tickets to local students, forfeiting over $100,000 of revenue in the process, but insuring the growth of future audiences for theatre. Thank you!

Broadway welcomes tourists from Ohio with free tickets

Larry says: "go see it!"


After Nancy Coyne hurled her disdain at "tourists from Cleveland" (see previous blog entry) the blockbuster show Chicago the Musical responded. They are not a show that is handled by Coyne's ad agency, so perhaps they were more sensitive to the hurt her remark engendered. They announced that "Chicago Loves Cleveland" and have offered free tickets to the musical to those from Ohio - see details below.

Because of the speed and generosity of the response, we are declaring Chicago our Show of the Week! You don't even have to be from Ohio to find a great ticket deal on it. But first a little about why this is indeed a terrific show to see.

Brenda Braxton has rejoined the cast!

It is one fast paced musical with great songs by tunesmiths John Kander and Fred Ebb, based on the original play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, co-authored and directed by the late Bob Fosse. The choreography is by Ann Reinking and John Lee Beatty did the sets.

It boasts a great cast, which includes the return of Brenda Braxton as Velma, the gorgeous Charlotte d'Amboise as Roxie, Tom Hewitt as Billy Flynn, and Lavon Fisher-Wilson as Matron "Mama" Morton. You can see and hear them in action with the widget just below:



Ticket Deals

1. Free Tickets for Ohioans.

During the month of January, you can go to the Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th Street) box office window on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, show a government issued photo ID proving you live in Ohio, and you will get in free that night. Of course, there are a limited number of seats, but how can you beat such a deal.

2. Listen to Cleveland Radio.

Nancy Coyne who started this brouhaha represents 24 Broadway shows, will reportedly be giving away tickets in January and February on Cleveland Radio. I am searching for more details.

3. For Everyone Else, including New Yorkers.

Chicago is running a promotion in which you receive one free ticket with every three you purchase. In addition you will receive a free CD of the show. The promotion code to use is CHDR08. This is limited to sales from now until December 31, 2008 but is valid on most performances through March 20, 2009. Some blackout dates apply. You can take advantage of this at the Ambassador box office (no service charges) or by calling or visiting Telecharge at 212-239-6200 (service charges apply.)

Kids Can See A Christmas Carol Free at Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, MA

A large cast makes A Christmas Carol at the Berkshire Theatre Festival a delight to watch. Kevin Sprague Photo.

Closer to home, the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, MA just announced that they are matching the Disney "Kids Go Free" program with their own promotion for A Christmas Carol.

Charles Dickens' classic tale has never been more vibrant or more joyous than in this year's incarnation at the Unicorn Theatre. And, from now through December 22 you can receive a Free children's ticket for each adult ticket purchased. This means that youngsters can see this annual holiday event for free!

This offer is only available by calling the Berkshire Theatre Festical ticket office at (413) 298-5536 ext 33. Do call ASAP as these tickets are limited. BTF's Unicorn Theatre only has about a hundred seats and everyone is close to the stage. What a great way to see this production up close and personal.

The ghost of Christmas Future at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Kevin Sprague Photo.

This glorious production runs through December 30, but the offer is only for shows between now and the 22nd.

Updated NYC Ticket News - Discounts for Broadway, Radio City and Disney

Even the Spectacular Radio City Christmas Show is discounting!

The big, expensive New York City shows have all taken a hit with the downturn in the economy, and it is almost as if Broadway is having a clearance sale.

Certainly a number of blockbuster shows - like Hairspray, Gypsy, Grease and Young Frankenstein - have gone discount crazy. Disney too has reacted to the economic times with wisdom and what amounts to a huge price cut for its tickets to their three Broadway shows. Scroll down to check out our story on discounted Broadway tickets in New York, and across the USA which we compiled last weekend.

The Fabulous Disney Promotion

Disney has a "Kids Go Free" promotion which yields one free ticket for a child with each adult ticket you buy. First announced several weeks ago - see our earlier blog entries - it has just been extended for the second time, and this promotion is effective on until the day before Christmas for performances that take place early in 2009. It applies to “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Now there are a couple of important details. First, the window for buying the tickets is very short. During that period, ticket buyers can receive one free child’s admission (18 and under) with each purchase of a full-priced but this is just for performances between January 6 and March 13. Some dates blocked out, including what is school vacation week. To get these tickets, just go to this special Disney website which has been set up for this promotion.

Last week there were plenty of half price tickets for Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid at ticket agents and TKTS.

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular has a 40% Off promotion!

The annual outing of the RCMH holiday show is a wonderful and nostalgic treat for adults and children, and there are significant discounts available - as much as 40% - for the remaining shows through the end of December. All you need is the discount code which is DECNYT. You can call the Ticketmaster Christmas Hotline at 212-307-1000 and get a discount using this code. If you prefer to do this on line use this link.

Discounted Theatre Tickets Plentiful From Broadway to the Boonies

Sometimes you just have to get in line, but more discounts are being offered on the internet.

It's happening all across America, tickets for theatre, music and dance are being discounted more heavily than ever before. If you are in the hinterlands, you may be able to find deals as well. Our survey indicates a growing number of half price and discounted ticket operations springing up everywhere.

If you want to get away, travel to the big cities is being discounted as well, Amtrak just finished its holiday promotion, and Greyhound has just began theirs. The airlines are beginning deep discounting again what with a recession and oil prices dropping like a rock.

The biggest destination of all is New York City, but further down in this blog you will find details on Atlanta, Austin, Boston, the Berkshires, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Los angeles, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington, DC. If we have missed one, let us know through the comments sections.

Half Price Tickets in New York City

TKTS during its recent construction in Manhattan

I have written before about TKTS, run by the Theatre Development Fund, but I have only mentioned their Times Square location. There are two others as well - in South Street Seaport on the lower East Side and in Downtown Brooklyn in the MetroTech Center. 

The TKTS ticket booths offer same-day discount tickets to Broadway shows, Off-Broadway, and other arts events at up to 50% off their original prices. There is no way of finding out which shows are featured day to day, or even minute to minute, since additional tickets often arrive as show time approaches. The theatres are mostly close by, so if the box office manager thinks the show will be left with unsold seats, TKTS may be called and a messenger dispatched to pick them up.

If ticket lines and seating roulette is not your idea of fun, there is a wonderful site you can visit that enables you to buy show tickets ahead of time, and at deep, deep discounts. You can even choose the seats, though it is always from whatever inventory remains at the time you buy.

This arrangement works best for those who make frequent trips to New York and don't mind paying a membership fee. New York Tix

My personal choices are August: Osage County from the incredible Steppenwolf company - a resident Chicago company, and Slava's Snowshow, a holiday pick. Among the musicals, there is Young Frankenstein, Hairspray and Gypsy. Timing is important since many of these shows will close shortly after Christmas.

Here's some great news for parents! The Disney "Kids Free" promotion which I detailed in an earlier Arts America blog entry has just been extended until December 23. I will work up a new blog entry on that tomorrow.

The basic rule of thumb for buying tickets to live performances is that the earlier you act, the better your seats. On the other hand, if you wait, you can often get the remaining seats at bargain prices.

Here too are some links to shows doing various other promotions.

The Blue Man Group - Use code NYTTW and call 1-800-blueman or go to this page.

Gypsy with Patti LuPone until January 18 - half price which means only $59.50 orchestra and $27 balcony - Use code GYNYT54 at 212-947-8844 or go to this site.

And if you are 40 or under, you can get tickets for events at Carnegie Hall for $20 with a "57 and 7" Membership. Details are here.

Even the super expensive Metropolitan Opera has instituted a $25 Weekend Ticket program which is more like a lottery than a sale, but worth the effort. You could end up with $250 seats at that bargain price. The incredible Met Lottery Deal Each week's entries begin on Mondays at 10:00 am ET.

Never, ever, trust scalpers!

Now on to the other cities.