Let’s start with the **TL;DR version**:
The producers have agreed to restore my SCRIPT discount code for Big Fish on Broadway, but only through December 22nd — and they might pull the offer at any time. Tickets are $85/$67 (versus $150/$85) at the box office, or on [Ticketmaster](http://www.ticketmaster.com/Big-Fish-a-New-Broadway-Musical-tickets/artist/1859083) for the same price plus a service charge.
Longer version:
Jimmy Buffett is one of the producers of Big Fish. He has legions of [Parrothead](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parrothead) followers, but since they’re not the classic audience for a Broadway musical, he asked for a discount code (JIMMY) he could send his fans as an extra incentive.
I love Jimmy. I love this idea.
But I too have followers I want to come see the show, especially students and over-educated/under-employed aspiring writers. My people came in surprisingly large numbers during previews, and I have a hunch many of them may be headed to the East Coast for the holidays. So I asked for my SCRIPT code back and got it.
It’s not quite the deal it was during the [first weeks of previews](http://johnaugust.com/2013/big-fish-broadway-unlock), but it’s almost certainly the lowest price you’re going to find for a guaranteed seat.
###It’s not a competition but yeah sort of it is
Every week, we get a report on the discount codes used, and it would honestly kind of thrill me to out-earn Jimmy Buffett.
And it’s a game you can play, too, because just like booking flights and hotels, you can manipulate the system to get a much better seat than you’d expect.
Big Fish sells out most performances, but here are some suggestions for getting a great seat. Most of these apply to any Broadway show:
1. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights generally have the best availability.
2. The first five rows of the mezzanine are terrific — arguably the best seats in the house. In the Neil Simon, the front mezzanine is better than rear orchestra.
3. Split up. You’re more likely to find two amazing single seats.
4. Talk to Louie or Eric at the box office. Use the code. Drop my name. These guys are awesome, and want you to have a good seat.
5. In the hours — sometimes the minutes — before a show, a great seat may become available because the producers release tickets they were holding back for media. So even if Ticketmaster says there are no tickets, it’s worth a visit to the box office.
For some performances, we sell tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square. These are almost always seats at the back of the mezzanine, and availability is constantly changing. TKTS is great, but you’ll get a better seat by coming to the theater itself.
###Seeing shows for less
There are two ways to see a Broadway show for less than list price, but both of them involve some trade-offs.
**Student Rush.** If you’re a college student with more time than money, it may be worth waiting in line for student rush. First check out the [Rush Report](http://www.broadwayspotted.com/rush-report-october-27-2013/) to gauge when you’d need to be there and how likely you are to get a ticket. Big Fish is one of the more difficult shows to rush:
> Weekdays: 15 people in line by 9:20 AM. 26 tickets available. Weekends: 37 people in line by 9:15 AM. 1st person in line at 6:30 AM. 26 tickets available.
Student rush tickets are $27. These seats are generally at the edges of the orchestra, and are sometimes partially obstructed. But you’ll often be very close to the action, and if you’re a theater student, you may learn something extra just from seeing it so close-up. I’ve talked to some college students who’ve already seen Big Fish three times because of student rush.
**Standing Room Only.** At the back of the orchestra, there’s a railing with numbered standing room only spaces. At performances where absolutely every seat is sold, the theater will sell those spots. I’m not even sure of the price, but it’s more than student rush.
This is where I stand to watch the show most nights. I love it — but I work at a standing desk, so your mileage may vary.
There’s no guarantee you’re going to be able to get SRO tickets on any given night. That’s why I strongly recommend that if you want to see Big Fish, you use the SCRIPT code either at the box office or Ticketmaster as soon as you can. Heading into the holidays, supply will get constrained. I really want you to see Big Fish, and I want you to have a good seat.