The Fox Theater in Detroit, Michigan is a beautiful and historic performing arts venue that originally opened in 1928. With over 5,000 seats, the Fox Theater provides an amazing experience for Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and more. However, with such a large theater, some seats are better than others when it comes to factors like view, accessibility, comfort, and price. This article will explore the different seating sections at the Fox Theater Detroit and compare the pros and cons of each, so you can determine the best place to sit based on your preferences and needs.
Overview of the Fox Theater Layout and Seating Sections
The Fox Theater Detroit features a stunning interior design with an atmospheric theme meant to mimic an outdoor village in India. The auditorium itself is broken up into three main seating levels: the orchestra level, the mezzanine level, and the balcony level.
Within these levels are different seating sections, each with their own unique traits. The main sections to consider are:
- Orchestra Pit – The seats right next to the stage
- Center Orchestra – The center seats on the orchestra level
- Side Orchestra – The seats to the sides on the orchestra level
- Front Mezzanine – The front and center seats on the mezzanine level
- Rear Mezzanine – The seats further back on the mezzanine level
- Front Balcony – The front rows of the balcony level
- Rear Balcony – The back rows on the balcony level
Now let’s take a deeper look at each section.
Orchestra Pit Seating
The orchestra pit is the section directly next to the stage on the orchestra level. There are only a few rows of seating here, which are often reserved for VIP guests.
Pros:
- Extremely close view of the stage
- Can see performers up close
- Sometimes gets special perks like interacting with performers
Cons:
- Very expensive tickets
- Low elevation means you may have to crane your neck to see
- Limited availability
The orchestra pit is great for die-hard fans who want that exclusive up-close experience. But the tickets are pricey and availability is very limited.
Center Orchestra Seating
The center orchestra section is considered prime seating at the Fox Theater. These seats are right in the middle of the orchestra level, providing straight on views of the stage.
Pros:
- Excellent front and center view of performances
- Close proximity to the action
- Mid-range elevation allows you to see over anyone in front of you
Cons:
- More expensive ticket prices
- You may have to look up at performers somewhat
Center orchestra seats give you that ideal front and center view for a moderate (for orchestra level) ticket price. This is one of the best sections for most theatergoers.
Side Orchestra Seating
The side orchestra sections are along the far left and right sides of the orchestra level.
Pros:
- More affordable orchestra level tickets
- Still fairly close to the stage
- Better viewing angles compared to the center since you’re not looking straight on
Cons:
- The further towards the sides you are, the worse the viewing angle gets
- You may have to strain your neck to see depending on how far to the side you are
- Being off to the side can diminish immersion
The side orchestra seats are a good budget option for orchestra level. But beware of getting too far into the corners where your viewing angle becomes obstructed. Stick closer to the middle for a better experience.
Front Mezzanine Seating
The front mezzanine section is along the front and center of the mezzanine level. This level is elevated above the orchestra level.
Pros:
- Cheaper than the orchestra level
- Still close proximity to the stage
- Elevated view prevents obstruction from patrons in front of you
Cons:
- Not as close as orchestra seating
- You look down on the performance rather than straight on
Front mezzanine seats give you great value by being less expensive than orchestra tickets while still providing a clear vantage point.
Rear Mezzanine Seating
The rear mezzanine section includes the seats further back on the mezzanine level.
Pros:
- Most affordable mezzanine tickets
- Elevated view
- Generally not as obstructed as floor seats in the rear would be
Cons:
- Furthest away from the stage compared to other mezzanine seats
- Viewing angle diminishes the further back you go
- May be difficult to see small details on stage
Rear mezzanine seats let you get that upper level view for cheap. Just avoid going too far back or your experience may suffer.
Front Balcony Seating
Front balcony seats are along the front couple rows of the balcony level. This top level is the furthest from the stage but also the most elevated.
Pros:
- Most affordable seating in the venue
- Elevated view prevents obstruction
- Closest to the stage from balcony options
Cons:
- Furthest away from the action
- Difficult to make out small details from such a distance
- Viewing angle worse than orchestra or mezzanine
Front balcony gives you the cheapest tickets with a reasonably decent view thanks to the elevation. Just know it’s quite far from the stage.
Rear Balcony Seating
The rear balcony contains the seats in the very back rows of the top balcony level.
Pros:
- Very affordable tickets
Cons:
- Furthest distance from the stage
- Obstructed viewing angles
- Difficult to see what’s happening on stage in detail
- May feel detached from the performance
Rear balcony seats let you get in the door cheap, but be prepared for a less than ideal viewing experience.
Accessibility Considerations by Seating Section
Accessibility is also an important factor when choosing seats at the Fox Theater Detroit. Here are some notes on handicap access by section:
- Orchestra level – Fully accessible. Handicap seats available.
- Mezzanine level – Accessible via elevator. Limited handicap seating.
- Balcony level – Only accessible via stairs. No designated handicap seats.
So when it comes to accessibility, the orchestra level is ideal, followed by the mezzanine. The balcony lacks accommodations for mobility issues.
Comparing Prices of Fox Theater Detroit Seating Sections
Pricing can also help determine the best place to sit based on your budget. Below are the typical price ranges for tickets to a show at Fox Theater in each section:
| Seating Section | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Orchestra Pit | $200+ per ticket |
| Center Orchestra | $100 – $175 per ticket |
| Side Orchestra | $75 – $150 per ticket |
| Front Mezzanine | $60 – $100 per ticket |
| Rear Mezzanine | $40 – $75 per ticket |
| Front Balcony | $30 – $60 per ticket |
| Rear Balcony | $20 – $40 per ticket |
As you can see, pricing correlates with proximity to the stage. Orchestra seats are most expensive followed by mezzanine and then balcony. Within each section, front rows tend to be pricier than rear rows.
Conclusion
So what’s the best place to sit at the Fox Theater Detroit? It really comes down to personal preference based on your budget, desire for proximity, need for accessibility, and tolerance for obstructed views. Here is a quick summary:
- Best Overall View: Center Orchestra
- Most Immersive Experience: Orchestra Pit or Front Orchestra
- Best Value for Money: Front Mezzanine
- Most Accessible Seating: Orchestra Level
- Cheapest Seats: Rear Balcony
Ideally, opt for seats that are as central, front, and close to the stage as possible without going over budget. Sections like the Front Orchestra, Center Orchestra, and Front Mezzanine offer the best blend of affordable pricing and prime views. But you also can’t go wrong with the cheaper Rear Mezzanine seats if you’re looking to save money. Avoid the far extremes like the Rear Balcony where you’ll be farthest and the Orchestra Pit where you’ll pay the most.
Wherever you choose to sit, seeing a show at the gorgeous Fox Theater is a memorable experience. Enjoy your show!
