In New York City, seeing professional theater and performance is a primary attraction for tourists and locals alike. This can include Broadway, opera, experimental theater and off-Broadway shows, among others. Broadway shows are the most popular, but off-Broadway should not be overlooked, as it features the same caliber of incredible performances and talent in smaller, more intimate venues. To be deemed an official off-Broadway production, a show must have between 100 and 499 seats and be located in Manhattan.
From Feb. 17 through March 9, off-Broadway week runs with these shows, meaning that viewers can, twice a year, enjoy 2-for-1 tickets to off-Broadway shows. There is also a Broadway week that occurs earlier in the year. To get this discount, attendees can use the code OBW25 which will allow them access to cheaper tickets.
I utilized this discount in order to see “DRAG: The Musical” at New World Stages on 50th Street in Manhattan. The show is a musical that depicts two competing drag houses, the Fish Tank and the Cat House, showcasing a battle between Alexis Gilmore, owner of the Fish Tank and Kitty Galloway of the Cat House. These roles, played by Nick Adams and Alaska Thunderf, respectively, are both drag queens and make the battle an energy-filled blast as they fight in the only way they know how to: with drag. It combined the stories of the two houses with a lot of fun music, costumes and choreography. It also lightly touches upon some of the harder parts of drag and identity like the complex relationship that the Fish Tank’s Alexis Gilmore has with her cisgender straight brother played by Adam Pascal and his nephew, Brendan. The show even featured some comedic characters, namely “Drunk Jerry” who sings a hysterical song called “Gay as Hell.”
I was skeptical going into the show as I didn’t know much about drag or about the show itself, but I ended up having so much fun. The performances were excellent and I came out wanting to know more about the performers and show. It was one of the most fun times I’ve had at the theater, and the show itself was hysterical yet emotional and heartwarming at the same time. The show was predictable, but a good time nonetheless.
The venue really added to my experience, as the intimate size of it allowed the set to extend into the audience, and really made you feel immersed in the drag houses. I always love seeing theater where I feel immersed in the world, and this show did an excellent job of that. It also was a quick and easy walk from Grand Central which is just an added bonus on top of the discounted ticket prices. “DRAG: The Musical” is a show that I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a fun and not super deep night of theater. They close on April 27, so make sure to see it before then!
Discounted tickets for off-Broadway and Broadway shows offer an opportunity for more people to enjoy these shows at a cheaper and more attainable price point. Seeing theater is a way for more people to be exposed to the arts in an entertaining and fun way. In my opinion, theater is one of the most fun parts of living in New York. On Broadway, most shows offer lottery and rush options for tickets, but both can be unreliable if you are looking to see a specific show on a specific date. More ticket discounts would allow more people to see shows and would raise the viewership of these shows in theaters, allowing those who don’t have as much money at the ready for a single night out to see shows and be immersed in the stories. Beyond entertainment, Broadway and off-Broadway productions not only expose people to broader universal themes and ideas about the world, but they can also provide an escape that many need from reality. Since I was young, theater has been my escape, and I can only hope that others can find the same peace in the art form, which more discount opportunities would allow people to achieve.
