Location Is Everything

Trying to generalize about seating in places as different as the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson and the new Kodak Theatre can seem like a fool’s errand. But here are a few all-purpose guidelines for scoping out L.A.’s larger entertainment venues:

* In houses of 1,000 seats and more, be wary of rear orchestra seating and areas under the mezzanines and balconies, where sound can be muffled and distant.

* Don’t order tickets without consulting a seating chart. Many venues now post floor plans on their Web sites. And don’t accept telephone salespersons’ claims that they can’t describe where your seats are located; at large venues, such information should be readily available.

* If you’re leaning toward a less expensive seat, ask the salesperson to put you in the part of the inexpensive section that’s closest to the pricier seats.

* If you’re in the nosebleed areas at an opera or a play, spend the extra $5 to $10 for binoculars. They’re not the perfect solution, but they can make the difference between a good experience and a forgettable one.

* For long-running shows, if you can’t find a decent seat at a price you like, don’t be stampeded by promoters’ warnings to “hurry up and buy now.” If a show is very popular and able to extend its run, more good seats at reasonable prices eventually will be put on sale.