You’ve finally snagged tickets to see MJ The Musical. Or maybe you're eyeing a future revival at 250 West 52nd Street. Either way, you're staring at a digital map of 1,445 seats, wondering if "Front Mezzanine Row A" is actually better than "Center Orchestra Row E."
The truth? The seating chart for Neil Simon Theater in NYC is a bit of a trickster.
It’s one of Broadway’s larger houses, originally built in 1927 as the Alvin Theatre. Because it was designed by Herbert J. Krapp—the man responsible for half of the West End-style theaters in Manhattan—it has that classic "square" layout. But "classic" often means tight legroom and a Mezzanine that feels like it’s looming over your head.
The Orchestra: Avoiding the Overhang Trap
Most people assume the closer you are, the better the view. Not always. Honestly, if you sit in the first two rows (BB and A), you’ll be crane-necking it the whole night. The stage at the Neil Simon is relatively high. You’ll see the actors' shoelaces, but you might miss the full scale of the choreography.
The "Sweet Spot" is Center Orchestra, Rows E through M.
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These seats are far enough back to take in the whole stage without feeling like you're watching a movie from the front row of a cinema. Plus, you’re safely in front of the Mezzanine overhang.
Here’s the thing about Row J: that’s where the Mezzanine starts to hang over the Orchestra. If you’re in Row S or further back, the top of the stage gets cut off. For a show like MJ, where the lighting and set design go high, sitting in the very back of the Orchestra (Rows W-ZZ) can feel like watching the show through a mail slot. It’s claustrophobic. Avoid the back five rows if you can afford to move up ten feet.
The Mezzanine: Height vs. Perspective
The Neil Simon doesn’t have a Balcony. It just has one massive Mezzanine.
This is where things get interesting. Because there’s no third level, the Mezzanine is split into "Front" and "Rear" sections, even though it’s one continuous slope of seats.
- Front Mezzanine (Rows A-E): These are arguably the best seats in the house. You get a perfect birds-eye view of the stage. Row A is legendary for its unobstructed sightlines, though the legroom is notoriously thin. If you’re over six feet tall, Row A will be a struggle for your knees.
- Rear Mezzanine (Rows F-U): You’re going to be high up. Like, "can't see the sweat on the actors' brows" high. However, the acoustics at the Neil Simon are surprisingly tight, so you won’t miss a note. Rows F through M are great value. Once you hit Row P, you're basically in the rafters.
Side Sections and "Partial Views"
The theater is wide. This means the Left and Right Orchestra sections have some "extreme" side seats. If your ticket says "Partial View," believe it. You will miss whatever happens on the far side of the stage.
Usually, these are the double-digit seats (like Seat 22 or 21). If you’re looking at the seating chart for Neil Simon Theater in NYC and see a seat that’s significantly cheaper than the one next to it, check the seat number. If it’s on the far edge, you'll be staring at a speaker stack or a piece of the proscenium for two hours.
Accessibility and Real-World Comfort
Let's talk logistics. Broadway theaters are old. The Neil Simon is no exception.
There are no elevators or escalators here. If you buy Mezzanine tickets, you are climbing stairs. Period. If you have mobility issues, you must stay in the Orchestra.
The Orchestra is entirely step-free from the sidewalk. There are seven dedicated wheelchair spaces located in the back (Rows U and V). They also have "transfer seats" with folding armrests in Rows G, J, P, and S. If you need these, call the box office directly rather than trying to guess on a third-party site.
Box Seats: The Private Trap
You'll see those little boxes on the side of the walls. They look fancy. Very Phantom of the Opera.
In reality? They are some of the worst views in the theater. You’re sitting at a 90-degree angle to the stage. You’ll spend the night leaning over the railing just to see the actors' backs. They’re great for privacy or if you’ve seen the show five times and just want to people-watch, but for a first-timer, they’re a skip.
How to Actually Pick Your Seat
Don't just look at the price tag. Look at the "rake"—that’s the slope of the floor. The Neil Simon’s rake isn't very steep in the Orchestra. If a 6'4" guy sits in front of you in Row H, you’re going to be playing peek-a-boo with the stage all night.
- Prioritize Center Mezzanine Row A-C if you want the best visual experience for a big musical.
- Choose Center Orchestra Row E-L if you want to feel the bass in your chest and see the actors' expressions.
- Check the "Aisle 1" or "Aisle 2" labels. In this theater, odd-numbered seats are on the Left and even-numbered seats are on the Right. The lower the number (like Seat 2 or Seat 1), the closer you are to the center aisle.
- Avoid the "Wall" seats. These are the highest-numbered seats in the side sections. You’ll feel the cold marble of the wall against your shoulder, and the view is cramped.
What to Do Before You Buy
Before you hit "purchase" on that seating chart for Neil Simon Theater in NYC, head over to a site like "A View From My Seat." People upload actual photos from their chairs. It’s the only way to see if that "Gold Circle" seat actually has a giant pillar in the way (though the Simon is mostly pillar-free, side angles can still be tricky).
If you're buying at the last minute, the TKTS booth in Times Square often has "Restricted View" seats for the Simon at a deep discount. If you don't mind missing 10% of the stage to save $100, it's a solid trade-off. Just know that for a show as visual as MJ, those side views really do dampen the experience of the lighting cues.
The most important thing is getting inside. Once the lights go down and the orchestra starts, the tight legroom usually fades into the background. Usually.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the Row: If looking at Orchestra, ensure you are between Rows E and M for the best balance of view and price.
- Check Accessibility: If you cannot climb stairs, do not book anything labeled "Mezzanine," as there is no elevator access to the upper level.
- Aisle Seats: For extra legroom, aim for the "inside" aisle seats (Seats 1, 101, 112, or 2) where you can occasionally stretch a leg into the walkway.