Check Your Bottles of Water

The restriction of liquids at airport security check-in points has alter the way we think about how we stay hydrated when we travel. In past travelers would pack one or two bottles for the plane ride and before we became slaves to bottled water we probably packed a favorite soft drink instead.

Today after passengers get through the airport check-in point, they become prisoners of airport concession prices to make a purchase of bottle of water that is likely to be around $2 or $3. Of course passengers can wait until after boarding during the flight drink service (when it is offered) and re-hydrate that way. By the way there's nothing wrong with carrying an empty beverage container and then filling it with water at an airport fountain. Some airports like the new terminal in at San Francisco International have water stations (pictured below) specifically constructed to fill beverage containers.

One common practice I've adopted is to pack two or three extra bottles of water in my checked bag. I noticed that drinking a lot of water in addition to a quick shower and a short nap helps to fight the jet lag after a long a flight and after checking into my hotel room. Since a convenience store may not be immediately accessible I'll have at least one bottle ready until I can purchase more during my trip. This also helps if you have to maintain a regime of maintenance medications.

To avoid any leaks in checked bags, put each bottle in a gallon freezer bags such as those made by Ziploc and Hefty. It's important that these are freezer bags since they are thicker than storage plastic bags. Then I place the two or three bottles together in one gallon freezer bag and then a second bag just to be on the side of caution.

The water refilling station at San Francisco International Airport's Terminal 2.
(image: apartmenttherapy.com)

Broadway Dressing Room Transformation for John Stamos

The "before" photos. Scroll down for the "after" photos.

Carter Oosterhouse and John Stamos.

Last month when I reviewed the revival of 'Anything Goes' at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, I recalled seeing a photo spread a couple of years ago featuring the transformation of one of its dressing rooms for actor John Stamos. At the time the venue was called Henry Miller's Theatre and a complete overhaul that began in 2004 was finally completed with the opening of the 2009 revival of 'Bye Bye Birdie' starring Stamos as Albert Peterson (the role originated by Dick Van Dyke on stage and in film).

Carpenter and HGTV star Carter Oosterhouse designed the make-over of the dressing room and bathroom for Stamos. It's amazing and one wonders what other stars on Broadway get the same treatment for their dressing room. Big question is what remains after the show ends. Unfortunately this revival of 'Bye Bye Birdie' had to pack its wings when the production closed four months later after 117 performances.*

These photos are from the 2009 photo spread from broadway.com. Click HERE to see the complete set of photographs by Jenny Anderson.

*Note: though the production was initially announced as a limited run and was extended two weeks, the high profile revival received largely poor reviews from the popular press and closed with the expiration of leading actors' contracts. Should the production had received positive notices and grosses to match it was expected either the leads to extend their contract or have their parts recast.

"Not Since Carrie" 40 Years of Broadway Musical Flops

"Not Since Carrie" written by Ken Mandelbaum is probably the most enjoyable and most insightful books about Broadway as a business, an art and an entertainment. Though the 392-page book was published in 1992, it is still revelatory reading spotlighting almost 200 musical flops. I hope that one day the book is updated to 50 or 60 years of flops to account for the musical failures that opened since its publication. The book is filled with so many fun facts and stories that readers can take it in by chapter or by musical title. I've found myself returning to re-read the stories behind some of Broadway's most famous musical failures since I first purchased the book almost twenty years ago.

Ad copy for 'Carrie'

The book title is inspired by the infamous musical 'Carrie' based on the novel by Stephen King with music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford ("Footloose"). The musical was such an extreme failure artistically and financially that it lasted only five performances opening on May 12, 1988 and closing on May 15, 1988. Unlike the 182 previews of 'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark,' 'Carrie' had a total of 16 previews from April 28, 1988.

"Not Since Carrie" is bookended with extensive detail about the titular musical. Mandelbaum writes about 'Carrie': "These fans are unaware that what they have witnessed has set a new standard, one to which musical flops will be compared and found waiting. The ad copy, which read "There's Never Been a Musical Like Her," has proven prophetic. These fans will tell their friends to get to the Virginia Theatre immediately, and many of them will return to 'Carrie' two or three times during the two weeks of previews that remain. 'Carrie' has become an instant legend."

Among the actors who starred in 'Carrie' include Betty Buckley (Tony Award winner for 'Cats'), Linzi Hateley, Charlotte d'Amboise, Darlene Love, Scott Wise and Sally Ann Triplett all of whom overcame the musical's failure with future success on Broadway or London's West End.

Find the book which is still available in softcover and explore these Broadway flops and more: (note: where possible the below titles link to the original cast recording on amazon.com; where no recording exists the link is to another recording of the musical or an alternative version of the production)
'Annie 2: Mrs. Hannigan's Revenge'
'Breakfast at Tiffany's' starring Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Chamberlain
'Bring Back Birdie' sequel to 'Bye Bye Birdie'
'Do I Hear A Waltz?' with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents
'Flora The Red Menace' starring Liza Minnelli with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Gone With The Wind'
'It's A Bird...It's A Plane...It's Superman'
'James Clavell's Shogun: The Musical'
'Legs Diamond' starring Peter Allen
'Merrily We Roll Along' music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Mandelbaum explains his criteria for a musical flop in the book's foreword. Also included are many photographs and poster advertisements. "Not Since Carrie" is available from amazon.com.

Though unlikely to be revived on Broadway, there has been interest in the music of 'Carrie' that a revamped version is planned for Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre in early 2012.

One of the photographs in the book. From 'Carrie' the musical: Carrie (Linzi
Hateley) descends the enormous staircase as her mother Mrs. White (Betty
Buckley) lies dead at the end of Act II.

Passengers Behaving Badly: Jerks on a Plane

Photo that accompanies "Argumentative Types" among Jerks on a Plane.
(photo editing: Connie Ricca) 

Bing.com Travel has published a lighthearted look at poor passenger behavior when flying. The description of "Argumentative Types" has a distinctive Hawaiian feel about it.

Snorers
If anyone has ever told you that you snore, consider seeing a sleep specialist. It will be less painful than removing one of those plastic forks from your arm.

Aisle Blockage
Before takeoff, please stow all piggies underneath the setback in front of you. Sock and a little foot powder would be a nice gesture.

Immovable Objects
Have you ever had a seat mate who is wide awake refuse to let you out? This kind of boorish behavior deserves a special place in the JOPOF (Jerks on a Plane Hall of Fame).

Argumentative Types
The Big Island is best! No, Maui is the best! If there's anything worse than listening to a stupid argument, it's not being able to walk away. Keep your Haleakala-sized opinions to yourself and don't contribute to cabin pressure.

Other types of boorish behavior covered: Sleepy Meets Grumpy, Space Hogs, Screamers, Cell Phone Rant, Public Displays of Affection, Leaning Meanies, Fashion Breach and Cat out of the Bag. Click HERE for the full "Jerks on a Plane" series.

Photo that accompanies "Leaning Meanies"

Closing!!! 'Catch Me If You Can' Musical To Close in NYC

The marquee and the cast at the opening night curtain calls
(photos credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd)

Three musical adaptations of a feature film that opened this past Broadway season have been struggling at the box office. 'Sister Act' and 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' are not yet ready to give up their theaters just yet. But producers of 'Catch Me If You Can' announced the musical will close on Septembver 4, 2011 after 32 previews and 170 performances. The production opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on April 10.

The show budgeted at $13 million was nominated for four Tony Awards (musical, orchestrations, sound design) and won the best actor award for Norbert Leo Butz in the role of Carl Hanratty, the detective on the hunt of the young con man Frank Abagnale, Jr played by Aaron Tveit. Musical is based on the 2002 Dreamworks film that starred Leonado DiCaprio and Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg.

Despite the talents of Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (music and lyrics), Terrence McNally (book), Jerry Mitchell (choreography) and Jack O'Brien (director) most of whom collaborated on the hit 'Hairspray' the musical failed to attract audiences. The musical was developed in Seattle in 2009 and though changes made  for the Broadway production, the decision to keep Tveit as narrator of a story told through a 60's era television variety show was retained.

From my review of of the show: "Make no mistake -- I do not dislike this musical. Just the variety show device. Good songs are there and good performances keep the show entertaining. But this musical could have been something great." Click HERE to view more production photographs and read the full review.

Though investors are expected to lose their entire investment, a national tour will launch at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island in the fall of 2012.

Touring Museums: Self-Improvement on the Fly

A few of the hundreds of tourist on the go who photograph, pause, glance
and admire the Venus de Milo at the Louvre
(photo credit: elatawiec62/flickr)

In an article titled "At Louvre, Many Stop to Snap but Few Stay to Focus" by Michel Kimmelman of the New York Times writes an insightful article about the tourists visiting museums using the landmark Paris museum as an example.

From the article: "So tourists now wander through museums, seeking to fulfill there lifetime's art history requirement in a day, wondering whether it may now be the quantity of material they pass by rather than the quality of concentration they bring to what few things they choose to focus upon that determines whether they have "done" the Louvre. It's self-improvement on the fly."

My opinion is these famous art museums are quite overwhelming for the senses. Tourists knowing their time in the city is very limited, feel it necessary to rush through works on display. The camera (where permitted) allows the visitor to wonder the museum quickly to adore the art at a later date rather than in person.

Click HERE for the full article and read more as Kimmelman answers the question "What exactly are we looking for when we roam as tourists around museums?"

Visitors at the Louvre: some engage directly with the art while others take
pictures of pictures.
(caption credit: The New York Times/photo credit: Valerio Mezzanotti)

Curtain Up Times, Performance Schedule & Show Times

Billboards in Times Square advertising Broadway productions.
(photos credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Whatever you call the dates and times of performances for any Broadway show, all play an eight-performance week. The standard schedule was evening performances at 8pm Tuesday to Saturdays with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm. However the producers of some Broadway shows are willing to consider curtain times outside of the normal schedule.

Some Broadway productions may now have performances on Sunday and Monday evenings or matinees outside of Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. These changes tailored for each show are meant to expand audiences and increase box office grosses. Productions in London's West End have far more varying theatre schedules than productions on New York.

TUESDAYS AT 7
What began as an experiment in 2003 is now the norm of shows having an early curtain time on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in lieu of 8pm. With most productions ending around 9:30pm, theatergoers could now take in a show and return home early enough to have enough sleep before work or school the next morning. Long commuters, families and nine-to-fivers are the target audience to boost ticket sales for Tuesday nights.

As expected when the experiment began some audience members would arrive at the theatre at 7:45pm without looking at their ticket and only to learn that the first act was more than half over. On the flip side others complained that the early curtain time did not allow enough cushion time to arrive at the theater.

Today if there are any productions holding out on the early curtain time they would be the exception. There may be one or two shows still performing Tuesdays at 8pm but normally these may be plays whose appeal are mainly adult audiences.

"Tuesdays at 7pm" has had some side effects. The TKTS discount ticket booth in Times Square opens an hour early on Tuesdays at 2pm instead of 3pm on non-matinee days. Nearby restaurants also expect theatergoers to make early reservations at 5pm or 5:30pm. With performances ending at 9:30pm many in the audience find they can make plans for after the show.

Shows are extending the experiment further this season with early curtain times on other evenings mainly Wednesday and Thursdays. Among current shows 'The Book of Mormon' and 'Jersey Boys' offer 7pm performances on those evenings with 'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark' offering a curtain time at 7:30pm. The Disney musicals 'The Lion King' and 'Mary Poppins' varies their evening performances based on the season. With the exception of Tuesdays at 7pm, all the evening performances for 'Billy Elliot' start at 7:30pm.

Broadway tickets reveal the various curtain times that are becoming more common.

SUNDAYS AND MONDAY EVENINGS
Sunday and Monday nights used to be a wasteland for Broadway theatergoers as most shows observed the standard Mon-Sat evening and Wed, Sat and Sunday matinees. However more producers are opting to schedule performances on Sunday and Monday evenings to take advantage of the lack of competition.

Long running musicals such as 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Chicago' have maintained Monday evening performances targeting tourists looking for an option on this night of the week. Disney musicals 'The Lion King' and 'Mary Poppins' maintains a family friendly schedule with Sunday evening performances at 6:30pm at certain times during the year.

Productions that offer performances on Sunday nights (usually with 7pm curtain times) and Monday evenings is particularly attractive to the theatergoer looking to squeeze in as many shows possible during a visit to New York. Sunday and Monday may allow them to take in one extra show or two.

MATINEES OUTSIDE OF WEDNESDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Summer schedules for Broadway productions in 2011 see producers offering more divergent schedules mainly playing with the dates and times of matinees. 'Rock of Ages' and soon-to-shutter 'Baby It's You!' play Friday matinees while 'Chicago' plays Thursday afternoons. This experiment is meant to only last until the end of summer. These types of matinee schedules could be more common in the future just as "Tuesdays at 7pm" is now a standard performance time.

Like Sunday and Monday curtain times, these alternative matinee performances maximize audiences by playing on days with less competition. The TKTS booth in Times Square is ready to open on at 10am should a show play a matinee outside of Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

LIMITS ON FLEXIBLE THEATRE SCHEDULES
There are limits on scheduling performances. Actors Equity, the labor union for stage actors and mangers, state that a matinee cannot follow a day off, since those daytime hours (e.g. Tuesday leading up to an evening performance, following a Monday day off) is primarily half of an actor's weekend. A six-show weekend (two performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) is seen as too demanding for the actors and crew and ongoing rehearsals also limits performance times.

Also very few Broadway productions dispense with the Wednesday matinee. Buyers catering toward theatre groups prefer this mid-week afternoon performance.

Shaftesbury Avenue leads to many of London's historic theatres.

LONDON THEATRE PERFORMANCE TIMES
London productions offer even more flexible schedules especially with some shows now playing Sundays, a day that was for the longest time strictly off-limits. Theatergoers should check tickets carefully. They should not be surprised to find curtain times of 7pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm or 8pm. Check the matinee schedules of London plays and musicals and find that afternoon performances can be offered on any day of the week except Mondays though most observe matinees on Wednesday and Saturdays. Even the matinee time of 2pm is not strictly observed. Performances at 2:30pm or 3pm is not uncommon.

More unusual are musicals playing two performance times on Fridays or Saturdays with one performance starting later in the afternoon and the evening performance starting in a hour after the prior performance ends. Long-running London hits 'Mamma Mia' and 'Chicago' play Friday curtain times at 5pm and 8:30pm. 'Blood Brothers' playing the West End since 1988 offers Saturday performances at 4pm and 7:45pm.

Monday performances which are limited on Broadway are far more commonplace in London's West End.

MATTER OF CHOICE
Theatergoers who take notice of the varying schedules can actually maximize their Broadway or London experience. Knowing which days are more popular with shows can render better seats on other performance days. The schedule even offers opportunities to see more shows or even allow for alternative activities before or after the show. For the individual producers ultimately it comes down to filling those seats and building the weekly box office gross to remain profitable.

Julian Ovenden Officially Withdraws from 'Death'

At the official presentation of the cast to the press on May 12 are
Julian Ovenden with Jill Paice, who co-stars in the musical.
(photo credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.)

Ovenden and Paice in a scene from the musical 'Death Takes a Holiday'
(photo credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.)

Once in a while the misfortune for one actor becomes the fortune of another. Such is one aspect of live theatre. A month ago I attended a preview performance of the Off-Broadway musical 'Death Takes A Holiday' starring British actor Julian Ovenden in his American musical debut as the title character. The New York City press reported this week that Ovenden has officially withdrawn from the production due to ongoing throat illness that prevented him from appearing in more than a dozen performances. One of those performances including opening night.

The 35-year old Ovenden played the title character of the grim repair in the dark musical. The official announcement of Ovenden's departure included this statement from the actor: "With respect to the cast and the audiences, I have decided to withdraw from the production. I have a great amount of respect for my fellow actors and I am deeply saddened to have to say goodbye."

In my review of the preview performance on July 3 I reported that "(Ovenden) makes a suave and charismatic prince and coupled with his attractive tenor he is a leading musical actor in the making." The Roundabout Theatre Company, which is presenting the new musical by composer Maury Yeston, officially announced the loss of Ovenden on August 3rd. A spokesman for the Roundabout said, "Due to Julian's indisposition he is regrettably unable to continue in the production." Kevin Earley, a Chicago actor with some New York theatre credits, who was understudying the role will continue to play the remaining performances. The musical's limited engagement ends September 4.

Initial reports indicated that Ovenden was suffering from laryngitis. Earley has performed the role since July 19 and played part of the opening night on July 21. However because Ovenden performed the role for the press during previews, all of the New York critics reviews refer to his work. Ovenden attempted to return on August 2 but could not get beyond the opening moments of the show based on reports from those in attendance. Earley stepped in after a pause.

'Death Takes A Holiday' began previews on June 10 at the Laura Pels Theatre. After the opening performance, Ovenden was though to return as early as July 25. He played Friday July 29 and the Saturday matinee on July 30 after which Ovenden sat out the remaining weekend performances.

It was announced today that PS Classics will record the musical on August 8. Earley will perform the role for the recording.  The CD Release date is not yet announced.

Click HERE to read my stage door meeting with Ovenden.

Kevin Earley with Jill Paice after the opening
night performance.
(photo credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.)

Paice and Earley at the opening night curtain call.
(photo credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.)

The Yellow Sea Goes Green With Algae

(photos: ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images)

CNN reports that almost 200 square miles of the Yellow Sea off China are covered by a massive bloom of green Algae which threatens marine life as it sucks oxygen from the water. The report does indicate that the algae is not poisonous.

The algae bloom first seen in the Yellow Sea in 2007 extends in total to almost 7,400 square miles and is expected to grow. Researchers do no know what has caused the massive algae bloom. The sea of bright green has resulted in these astonishing photos.

World Trade Center Steel: Vestiges of 9/11

A World Trade Center sign

Twisted steel

Newly released photos by Mike Segars of Reuters taken on June 16, 2011 reveals the twisted steel and other traces of 9/11 recovered from the World Trade Center. Presently these fragments sit inside Hangar 17 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is operating the World Trade Center steel program to select portions of steel recovered from the center which are donated to cities, town, firehouses and museums around the world who request it to be part of memorials being prepared for the 10-year anniversary of the 2001 attacks

Click HERE to view the complete set of photos.

Bicycles still locked to a bike post.

Two subway cars 

Recovered clothes.

Big Island Candies: Cookies & Chocolate in Hilo, Hawaii

(photos credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

A familiar sight on flights departing our of Hilo, Hawaii is passengers carrying packages of treats from Big Island Candies. Since 1977, the company has become known for meeting and maintaing their sole purpose of creating the finest hand-dipped chocolate covered macadamia nut cookies in the world. I was in Hilo again this past week for business and I was among those travelers carrying delicious goodies from Big Island Candies.

Their popular shortbreads are made with locally farmed eggs, Hawaiian cane sugar, no preservatives, high-grade chocolate, locally-grown macadamia nuts and real butter. Their other premium confections are made with equal quality. Visitors to their shop and factory in Hilo, Hawaii can watch through large picture windows the hand-dipping of cookies and macadamia nuts. It's probably not by accident the sweet aroma of baked goods fill the air. Samples are offered to guests as soon as they enter and other samples await among the shelves in the beautifully decorated store.

To prove that chocolate can go with almost anything, their line of Hawaiian Da Kines treats are local favories dipped in chocolate: ika (dried squid), li hing mui (dried sweet-salty plum seeds), mochi balls (ball-shaped Japanese rice crackers), sakura arare (rice crackers in the shape of cherry blossoms) and puffed rice.

But its their shortbread cookies famously diagnolly hand-dipped or plain that are the best. Shortbread cookies come in original, chocolate, chocolate chip, lemon, kona mocha and even sugar-free flavors. Newer versions include coconut, green tea and sesame. Extra indulgence awaits in the caramel and chocolate dipped shortbreads.

Besides the cookies their delicate brownies are becoming favorites. Among their other fine products are macadamia nut biscotti (drizzed in white or chocolate waves) and Kona coffee. Adding to the irresistibility are the exquisite and refined packaging complete with luxurious ribbons are their every changing line of gift boxes filled with various selections of their cookies and candies beautifully displayed in the store and photographed in their catalog.

The company has resisted to expand their retail presence or wholesaling beyond their one shop on the Big Island of Hawaii. However their product are shipped in huge volumes via their mail order and online presence. Even locals find that unless they know someone is returning from Hilo or are willing to pay the express mail shipping charges, enjoying anything from Big Island Candies is a rare treat.

Visit bigislandcandies.com for more information. The gift shop at their factory located at 585 Hinano Street in Hilo, Hawaii (conveniently near Hilo International Airport) is open daily 8:30am-5:30pm.

Goodbye Northwest Airlines Logo

Though Northwest Airlines is no more having been merged into Delta Airlines, the logo should be remembered for its deceptive simplicity. The logo is meant to represent a compass with the little triangle pointing Northwest within the cirlce. Of course the "N" and "W" of "North" "West" is also pictured in the logo graphic. Above were the two incarnations of the logo using the compass design. The logo at top was used from 1989. The "N" in some branding including the entire word "Northwest". The compass was retained but the rest of the logo was replaced in 2003 with the intials of the airline.

Many of us can remember the airlines when it was called Northwest Orient when it sported the logo below.

Broadway Discount Tickets: BroadwayBox.com, Offers and Codes

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Many visitors to New York are still unaware of discounted tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway productions outside of the TKTS discount booths. One resource for reduced-priced tickets is BroadwayBox.com which has become a valuable central resource in finding discounts up to 50% well before the day of performance.

Behind These Discount Offers
Most of these discounts are offered in association with marketing campaigns for each production. Some offers present efforts by producers to secure an advance box office. But most are to to fill those unsold seat for show times in the next few weeks. Where the TKTS discount booth is known for its last-minute half-price tickets, the discounts on BroadwayBox.com help producers fill unsold seats with audiences willing to purchase tickets in advance. The ticket buyer receives discounted tickets up to 50% without having to stand in line for an unknown commodity of seats at each show.

For newer shows, the discounts are offered to bring audiences in to build word of mouth. Playbill.com, theatremania.com, broadway.com, broadwayworld.com and the website for each Broadway production allows visitors to sign-up to be on electronic mailing lists. By doing so, ticket buyers are notified when discounts are offered. The discounts on BroadwayBox.com are the similar to these discounts.

These various advance discount offers are for upcoming performance in the next month though some shows will have discounts that extend over a longer period. But don't bother looking for a discounted ticket for a performance six months from today.

These discounts are usually for only select seats in the auditorium. The prime seats are either sold-out or being held for those who may be still willing to pay full-price (or premium prices) closer to the actual performance date. This can mean the seats offered at a discount are only for less popular performance times such as Tuesday or Wednesday night or the last few rows of seats or for seats along the sides. Any seat unsold by these pre-sale marketing efforts will likely be up for grabs at the TKTS booth on the day of performance.

Screen shot of the BroadwayBox.com website home page.

Using BroadwayBox.com
Find on the left the list of Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals on the home page. Though often used for New York shows, tabs at the top indicate the website has offers available for productions in London, Las Vegas and Orlando. Two other tabs list offers for concerts and sports. BroadwayBox.com also lists the "High-Demand Shows" that are unlikely to offer any discounts.

Click on the chosen production and you may find multiple offers available. Some discounts are only available to the end of the month while others expires in three months. Some discounts are better than others but each are only offered for limited performances. Two of them may save 35% on regularly-priced seats while the other is 40%. Click "View Discount" or scroll down. Read carefully when the discount expires and for which of the weekly performances and seats in the auditorium it is applicable. Most shows will only have one or two offers available at any one time.

Screen shot of iPhone app

There will be instructions on how to redeem each offer. The key is using the given code which can be used online at each show's authorized ticketing outlet, at the box office or by phone.

Broadway shows that use telecharge.com as the authorized ticket outlet will use broadwayoffers.com for purchase of discounted tickets. The home page will have a box to enter the promotional code. Once entered and accepted a window will open that will show the details of the offer. After that the check-out process is the same as if purchasing full-price tickets online.

For discounts for use on ticketmaster.com, ticket buyers find the performance date first and then apply the code under "Enter offer code/password". Once the code is accepted, ticketmaster.com will indicate which seats are available for the offer.

Ultimately these discounts can mean huge savings for families on vacation and for those seeing as many plays and musicals as possible. A BroadwayBox.com app is available for the iPhone and iPad.

(photo credit: broadwaybox.com)

My Recent Experience Using Discounts & The 'Catch Me If You Can' Discount
I normally visit New York city for a week where I could see up to ten shows. These discounts have allowed me to save at least two-hundred dollars or more in total on some of these production each year. My visit to New York this year provided savings at 'Catch Me If You Can', 'Sister Act', 'Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert' and 'Death Takes a Holiday'. The ticket I purchased for 'Catch Me If You Can' is normally priced $137. But a discount offer provided a savings of $62 dropping the price to $75 for a front row center orchestra aisle seat for a Friday night. A discount as good as this one for such a great seat on a prime night is rare and speaks more of the show's struggle at the box office rather than the quality of the production.

As for the other shows I saw, 'The Book of Mormon' had no offers available while discounts  for other musicals such as 'How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying' and 'War Horse' were for very bad seat locations that I opted to pay full price for these shows.