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| - This theater is gorgeous! The overall design and details in every aspect is like none other. The sound and stage are great for viewing from everywhere... EXCEPT the standing room balcony. It's my first visit to The Chelsea and it was great but wouldn't like to experience this section for a comedian again - here's why:
The Standing Room area: it's the upper balcony which is very spacious and has two huge bars along the back. There's a lounge area with love seats, sofas, and closed circuit TV's showing the performers. What it doesn't have are additional speakers (the sound in the balcony is the same as if you had front row seats). If you arrive early and are lucky enough to grab one of these sofa seats, you'd eventually want to stand (losing your view) so you could hear the show and not be distracted from the bar conversations.
Tonight we came to see Adam Sandler. He and his opening guests Rob Schneider and Nick Swardson are comedians, and while Sandler will also throw in songs throughout his show, so it's mostly just speaking.
If this had been a concert for a band, it'd probably be no problem hearing the show. But comedians, particularly Sandler, who is so soft spoken it's like he whispers into the microphone, you can barely hear anything from the balcony.
Funny moments, to give you an idea of the poor sound, also came not from the performances but one at the bar when a catfight almost broke out between drunk girls "shushing" each other back and forth. Another time when a different drunk, entitled girl was getting kicked out for being on her phone (strict policy) and began threatening the jobs of the four security guards surrounding her - the standing crowd collectively shouted to her and in unison, "SHUTTUP!"
Halfway through the show, people started leaving and the balcony crowd slowly grew less and less. Standing spots with good views and sound became available. I'm glad we stayed because his closing numbers were worth it.
Next time I'd consider a seat ticket for another comedian at the Chelsea - not just for comfort, but just to enjoy the show... Think of it this way - No one goes the cinema to stand during movie, have three heads blocking your view, or listen to popcorn orders right next to you. No distractions, we just want to enjoy the show.
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