SoCalGal,
I am another "socalgal" who had great luck just showing up at the theater when I was in New York a few weeks ago! It happened to be on Mr. B's birthday and the box office had told me the performance was "way sold out." But, being an intrepid ex-New Yorker, I trekked over anyway, and bought an orchestra seat from a lovely lady whose friend could not attend. I also saw that many people were able to buy the "donated back" tickets. I for one was in heaven...Apollo, Prodigal Son, Serenade -- all this and vodka too!
By the way, some regulars that I chatted with in the lobby told me you could "always get a ticket." So good luck and have fun!