Writing this review is difficult because Wicked is such a phenomenal production and holds a special place in my heart as a retired music educator. For years, I’ve directed choral arrangements from the show, accompanied students performing its songs, adjudicated show choirs who’ve performed its music, and watched the movie more than a dozen times. Finally seeing it live was meant to be a dream come true.Unfortunately, my experience was ruined by the seating situation—and I want others to be aware before purchasing tickets.The seats I purchased were labeled as having “some obstructed view.” Let me be clear: that description is wildly misleading. In reality, unless you’re under two feet tall to see between the bars or over six feet tall to see above them, you will not see the stage at all. For over 2 ½ hours, we craned our necks, shifted uncomfortably, and tried in vain to enjoy the performance. It is unacceptable to sell seats like these at full price.This was especially disheartening because I had purchased the tickets as a gift for an elderly friend who traveled from Birmingham, Alabama, and for my mother, who lives with Alzheimer’s. What was meant to be a joyful, meaningful experience turned into an afternoon of frustration and disappointment.Adding to this, the theater did not enforce their policy of not seating latecomers after curtain. For nearly ten minutes, we were up and down in our seats as people squeezed past us, further disrupting the performance. Ushers frequently entered and exited the theater during the show, letting in light and creating unnecessary distractions.The cast and performance were wonderful—but the overall theater experience was a huge letdown.If you are considering seats marked “some obstructed view”—think twice. That term, in this case, basically means you will not see anything. Save yourself the disappointment. Do not waste your money.