Richard Rodgers Theatre

Since it’s your first time I suggest arriving about 40 min beforehand. Doors open at half hour (30 min before the show starts) but people will line up outside the theatre before that. You could show up as late as 5-10 minutes before the show starts but that’s cutting it close and it’s fun to look around at how beautiful and unique each Broadway theatre is. This will also give you time to read the playbill, take photos(only allowed before the show starts and during intermission) and find your seats. You can buy merch in the lobby during half hour before the show starts, at intermission and after the show. You can also buy specialty drinks at most shows if you want. They often come in show specific plastic cups that you can keep. Merch is overpriced (I say this as someone who has knowledge of how much these ad specialties cost to make and how high a markup they give them) but you are getting a unique souvenir so it might be worth it to you. There are stores in Times Square that sell merch from different shows and New York merch in general. If you go to the official websites of the Broadway shows they usually have a page that shows their merch and the prices, some shows have additional products for sale in the theatre that are not on the website though. Etiquette is pretty straight forward (you would think… but some people suck). No filming or photos are allowed when the show is taking place. No food in the theatre. Water and the drinks they sell are allowed. Refrain from talking (a whisper here or there is ok), singing along is a no go, using your phone in any way is a no go (turn it off completely) Just be a considerate and aware audience member. If you need help at all, the ushers are there to answer questions or help resolve an issue. If you are late or if you leave mid show to use the restroom the ushers might make you stay in the lobby until the next appropriate break in the show to re-seat you. Attire is pretty relaxed. You will see people in jeans/shorts and t-shirts or people in cocktail attire or even some people in clothes that are on par with the shows theme or even costumes sometimes depending on the show and the vibe of it. All are welcome. You won’t be judged harshly. Wear what you want. Theatres are often kept a little cold. In winter some theatres have coat checks or you can keep it on your lap or under your seat. Hamilton is a wonderful first choice and will give you the full Broadway experience.I hope that helps and you have a wonderful experience and enjoy your time in New York City seeing a Broadway show. I’m happy to try to answer any other Broadway or NYC questions if you have them. More on reddit.com

If you want something quick, Los Tacos No. 1 has a location nearby :) Great Mexican food. Line can get long sometimes but it moves relatively quickly! More on reddit.com

I would suggest stalking out the orchestra on Instagram! Their name should be in the Playbill. I THINK the current conductor is Ian Weinberger, but don’t see any of the pit at first glance. Alex Lacamoire was the original one, so if you’re willing to dig far back you may find one. You also could send a message to someone in the Orchestra on social media asking them about it, but of course be nice, don’t nag, don’t expect anything but I know musicians are passionate and excited about their work so I wouldn’t be surprised if they were happy to share some details even if not photos. If you are more interested in general Broadway pit information, Back To The Future orchestra has their own Instagram page with tons of cool behind the scenes video and information! Highly recommend (EDIT: The Outatime Orchestra is their name, tons of content from the past year. That show is very special effects heavy that I’m sure they have to work alongside). More on reddit.com

I can't speak from experience but I don't think you'll feel claustrophobic in box seats at all! Although here's a link of the view from box B, across from box D so you can get an idea of the size! More on reddit.com