[Carey Carlan]

Jason wrote in
:

that's positioned in the front row of seats about 10 feet above the
stage floor. They won't let me get any closer.

With all the other troubles you describe, distance is your enemy. The
background noise will be fairly constant regardless of mic position, but
the signal will get louder the closer you get. You must convince them to
let you record from the stage. If they need convincing, play your
recording for them--they'll either agree or cancel the recording.

You can try hypercardioids from a short distance (much closer than the
front row) or omnis practically in the group (just 2-4 feet away and up a
bit).

Digital noise reduction and added reverb will band-aid this closer sound
well enough to be listenable if used wisely.