- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Last week I, along with my husband and father, attended the production of the Broadway show Hamilton at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford. I had not been to the Bushnell before, but its proximity and lower cost ticket prices made it an appealing choice over the same show playing in New York City. In addition, the Bushnell offers free parking … right across the street!
In my continued quest to be “economical” and “efficient” I selected three seats in the balcony at a charge of $79 each. This price is considerably less than the $159 Broadway ticket (starting) cost. Even with the extra per ticket fee service charges, we could drive to the theater and back with our electric car, resulting in a savings of hundreds of dollars for what it would have cost us had we gone to New York City.
I was excited because by all accounts and reviews and awards, Hamilton was going to be an amazing show! Right? I realize that what opinion I will offer next may not be met with agreement or happiness by most, because … I did not really enjoy the show Hamilton at the Bushnell.
Let me begin with a reiteration that I purchased balcony seats. Also, I will reiterate that I had not previously been to the Bushnell and so I didn’t know what to expect. I did not know then that the elevator operator of the elevator which goes to the balcony is not always ‘authorized’ to take passengers to the balcony.
In this case, he took us (and the rest of the human cargo) to the mezzanine level and insisted that we either get out or go back down to the lobby? We got out and then waited in a growing bundled mass. Finally, 15-20 minutes later, a kind usher showed a group of us how to access the balcony via the stairs. This required us to trapse down 2 flights, traverse the lobby and then climb 4 stories up to the balcony. I was impressed with my 79-year-old father’s stamina. Once on the balcony, we found our three seats and settled in…
Initially, I thought the seats were comfortable. The cushions seemed fluffy enough and our view, although quite far from the stage, seemed unobstructed. About 5 minutes later, I adjusted and realized that the proximity of the row of seats in front of us made our seats feel ‘kinda small’ I am 5’ 2”, my husband is 6’ 3”. I immediately regretted not selecting an aisle seat for him as he was forced into a sort of slanted contortion. My father, uncomplaining and happy he wasn’t still climbing stairs, tried to make the best of it. The theater filled up and the show started. So too did the rising heat. At one point, I grew concerned that I was going to pass out. I also noticed that my father’s face seemed to be getting redder as well. Unfortunately, whatever singing and performing that was happening on the very far away stage was met with my feelings of “when was this going to be over so I could be released from my very uncomfortable, hot and tiny space?”
I am certain that the show had very talented performers, but I am also certain that my theater sitting experience altered my opinion of Hamilton, rendering me joyful because it finally ended and I could then walk down the 4 flights of stairs, getting my legs moving again and finding the exit outside wherein I could breathe in cooler air. On the drive home, I considered the appropriateness of the first rule in real-estate…
Location! Location!
Kathy Naumann, possessor of NATURALLY curly hair and the understanding that you can’t control everything!
.