Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Seating Guide for "Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends"

Best Value Tickets (Price + View Balance)

• Mezzanine Center Row F ($145) - Excellent mid-mezzanine vantage point with full stage visibility at Broadway's most affordable premium price. Best for budget-conscious viewers wanting classic Broadway sightlines.
• Mezzanine Center Row E ($150-$186) - Front-mezzanine "sweet spot" with perfect vertical angle to appreciate choreography. Price varies by exact seat location (center commands premium).

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price)

• Mezzanine Center Row B ($226) - First mezzanine row with immersive proximity to stage. No overhang concerns and ideal for catching facial expressions.
• Center Orchestra Rows O ($261) - Rear orchestra benefits: elevated view over heads with full stage width visibility. Perfect for Sondheim's intricate staging.

Higher Tier Options (Not the best deals)

• Mezzanine Front Center Row B ($306-$309) - Premium mezzanine seats with velvet railings, but only marginally better than standard front mezzanine at +60% price.
• Center Orchestra Rows G-L ($319) - Prime orchestra locations but partial view restrictions at this historic theatre. Verify seat alignment with aisle charts.

Premium or Last-Minute Splurges

• Orchestra Front Rows F-K ($412-$444) - Actor proximity comes at 3x standard pricing. Best for devoted Sondheim fans wanting to see every nuance.
• Premier Circle BB ($447) - Exclusive box seats with private ambiance, though sightlines may have slight obstructions from decor.

View Comparison

• Mezzanine vs Orchestra: Mezzanine offers better overall perspective for dance numbers (15-25° viewing angle), while orchestra provides vocal intimacy (5-15° angle).
• Front vs Rear: Rows A-F see facial expressions clearly; Rows M-P appreciate full stage pictures. For Sondheim's work, mid-range (G-K) often works best.
• Side Sections: Left/Right orchestra beyond 5 seats from center may miss some upstage action in this production's staging.

Our Recommendation

For "Old Friends," we suggest the Mezzanine Center Rows E-F ($145-$186) as the ideal balance of price and view. The slightly elevated position showcases the revue-style staging perfectly, while keeping costs reasonable. If opting for orchestra, prioritize Center Rows J-O ($261-$319) to avoid potential sightline issues at this intimate venue.

Pro Tips

• The Friedman's mezzanine overhang begins at Row M - avoid rows beyond this for full vertical sightlines
• Orchestra seats beyond Row H may require slight neck adjustment for optimal viewing
• Pair tickets with pre-theatre dining at nearby Glass House Tavern (2-min walk)