Minskoff Theatre — Attraction in New York

Great Show, Terrible Service at the Broadway Theater

We had a fantastic time at the Broadway Theater, and the play (Lion King) was enjoyable overall. However, I found it a bit childish for adults—probably more suitable for a younger audience. Despite that, we were still able to appreciate the performance and had a great time overall.

The real disappointment, however, came from the service at the bar. I purchased two packs of Pringles and two sodas, and when I didn’t leave a tip, the attendant made an unprofessional scene. He loudly questioned me, asking, “What? You didn’t like my service? I don’t even know if I can pay my rent this month, and you didn’t even tip me?”

Honestly, I was taken aback. For what? The guy was grumpy and didn’t even greet me when I approached him. I bought two sodas and two packs of chips—did he cook or prepare anything for me? It’s beyond me why I would be expected to tip for such a minimal interaction, especially when the service was less than pleasant.

The tipping culture in NYC and the U.S. as a whole is out of control. Tips should be for extraordinary service that deserves recognition, not just an automatic expectation for showing up to work.

It’s a shame that such a sour experience at the bar overshadowed what was otherwise a great evening. Unacceptable service, and definitely something that needs to...

This review is not particularly for the theater - it's for the show at the theater, The Lion King:

Although I saw The Lion King probably about ten years ago, I have very fond memories of it and would still to this day see it again. This was the first Broadway show that I ever saw it is still my favorite. The music was great, the seats were great, the acting was great, the costumes were great - there was absolutely nothing bad about the experience. The tickets weren't cheap nor were they purchased far in advance but it was worth it. Before seeing this show, I had never read a Lion King book or watch a Lion King movie but I was able to easily follow the plot and have a full understanding of the story by the end of the show. Rafiki, the baboon in the show, was very funny and actually made me laugh out loud at one point. The actors and actresses voices in the show are great and the music is so catchy. After seeing the show I actually got the soundtrack to the Broadway show. The props are wonderfully designed. My favorite design was right after intermission, these bird props fly over the audience in the crowd carried by characters - it's fun to see. Seeing The Lion King is highly recommended. If you're trying to decide which Broadway show to see while in New York City, look no further, you, like me, will not leave this show...

The Lion King is a wonderful show despite the utilitarian venue, which gets the job done - but with all the charm of a high school auditorium. The acoustics and ambience are dated and drab. The restrooms are well-spaced and sufficient to accommodate the crowds. Seating affords good views and is comfortable enough. Backstage is ample enough to accommodate quite an array of sets and performers.

Our primary complaint is with management of patron entry. Despite paying many hundreds of dollars to see The Lion King and arriving early, we had to stand in a very long line for the privilege of entering. The door opened late, adding to the shameless self-promotion one generates by artificially creating a line that snakes way down bustling 7th Ave through the Theater District. Passersby are apt to wonder, "What are all of those people in line to see? It must be amazing." Well, it is. But the line is because management opens only 1 door so 1600 patrons must pass through a single entry, opened late. And no stanchions are provided near the entry to dissuade those who are too entitled to wait in line from scooting in at will - ahead of us suckers waiting our turn. Treating one's patrons like cattle is in...