Hamilton Cancellation Line

[Duddykins]

Does anyone happen to be in the area now and know how bad the line is? Is it any worse than usual with the holiday weekend? 

[rebruth17]

I'm sitting in line right now. Hard to tell how many because people come and go but it's pretty packed. We got here around 8am and it looks like about 20 ppl ahead of us (first ones got here at midnight!) but each of those people could conceivably get two tickets so it's not looking good for 2pm. But I think several people are not staying for evening cancellation line. So who knows!

UPDATE: I've been in NYC a few days and here's what I've learned about the cancellation line: We ended up being second in to get tickets for the 8pm performance. It was a 12 hour wait on a Saturday but well worth it. We paid $200 for our tickets and we were front row center. What an experience!! 

From what I've seen this week, if you get there really early on a weekday (like 7am) you should be good to get in for the evening show...just be prepared to stay all day. My friend is there right now...I think she arrived around 8am and they are #3 and #4 in line. On the weekend, that wouldn't fly...because we arrived at 8:20 on Saturday and we were at least 20th in line. However, with two performances, our chances were doubled, so it can still work out. Keep in mind, each person is offered the chance to buy two tickets, so if you are 10th in line, you could actually be 20th. But since you may have to go straight into the theater, it seems that most people in line are there for single tickets. 

You won't be offered tickets until about 30 minutes prior to show time, unless you want to take the $549 premium tickets if they are offered. Otherwise, your options will be the $200 tickets or the $40 SRO (standing room only...yes you are actually standing) tix. The majority of the "cancellation tickets" seem to come from people who enter the lottery and don't show up within the hour to purchase their tickets. That's the 21 seats in front row center section. And if you get offered those, you pay $200 (not the $10 they cost in the digital lottery). I think they offer these front row seats first before they offer any other $200 seats in the house. I know this because the girls right ahead of us and right behind us in line were seated with us in the front row. Then the couples behind them were in other spots in the house...all great seats tho!

But the bottom line, it seems to me if you're willing to get up really early and spend the day on the sidewalk, you can get in to see Hamilton. And, yes, it's worth it :) Good luck!

[casedilla2]

hey everyone, I know this isn't so much a thing anymore since cancellation line is no longer crazy but just in case anyone was considering hiring a line sitter or anything like that - my friend and I are going to do the line and get there super early on this thursday, 10/13. If you're from out of town or whatever and would like to get tickets without waiting for hours, we'd be happy to work something out where we can get you a pair of tickets as well if you'd be ok with paying for part of our tickets! Message me if you're interested! :)

[RobMains]

Just wondering if anyone has successfully sold extra tickets to people waiting in line. I purchased 3 tickets for my family for 10/16 3pm show and now my wife and son are not able to go. I have listed the 2 tickets through Ticketmaster, but I am wondering if it would be better just to sell them to someone waiting in the line.

Any thoughts?

[AMHM]

I just did the cancellation line on Sunday (post to follow) and there was one woman who was trying to sell a pair of tickets to those waiting on line. She was offering something like $1500 for the pair and was very obnoxious about it - saying that we'd be sorry if we didn't buy her tickets. We all felt she was rude and I don't think anyone was willing to buy from her or pay that much. If we could afford to pay that much we wouldn't be sitting on the cancellation line! I think if you are willing to accept face value for the tickets, you will have a much better shot at being able to sell them, especially if they are good seats. Where are they located? I know there were many people on the line who did not get in on Sunday. That would be my suggestion.

[AMHM]

We just did the cancellation line this past Sunday, October 9. I'll detail our experience below for anyone interested in learning more about it.

We (my daughter and I) arrived at the theater at around 5:10am and were first in line. Shortly after we arrived, 4 college students arrived. We all settled ourselves on the stairs. The line begins on the stairs closest to the box office. It was nice to be sitting under the marquis because it ended up raining the entire time we were there. About 45 minutes later, a woman and her son joined us. Then, another woman with her son joined after that. About a hour later (around 7am) 2 more single people joined. By the end of the day, there were probably at least 20 people, if not more, on the line, but I couldn't see that far back. We all took turns going to the Marriott to use the bathroom (FYI- some of the bathrooms are now locked (hotel key card access only) - but apparently there are bathrooms on just about every floor so we either went to the third or fourth floor. The second floor ones were locked.) There is also a Starbucks inside the Marriott if you are looking for a hot beverage. At noon, the new Hamilton pop store opened and one of the moms took the three kids over to take a look. Our line kept getting longer but I could only really keep track of the first 10-12 or so people. We got lunch at the pizza place across the street. At about 2pm, the lottery winners started showing up and were put directly ahead of us on the line. We kept counting to see how many there were so we could get an idea as to how many might be left! At 2:30p they started processing the lottery winners. Then at about 2:35p they called us in! We were directed to the box office window on the far right. The attendant simply told me how much the tickets were and asked for my credit card. At this point, I had no idea what I was buying - only that it was $398. I signed the slip and then she handed me the two tickets. We were in the front row! Orchestra center, first two seats off the aisle. The front row is CC. The next two tickets were also front row, the two seats to the left of us. Then, the two after that were about 10th row orchestra center, first two seats off the aisle. The next two were about 12th row orchestra center, also first two seats off the aisle. Then, the next two were Standing Room. I don't know if anyone else got in after that. I had hoped to see more of our cancellation line people after the show but we did the Stage Door line and then we lost track of everyone else. Overall, it was an amazing experience. Everyone on the line was so incredibly nice and supportive. We all took turns getting coffee, food, bathroom trips, etc.  It was a long wait but it didn't feel as long as it sounds and definitely worth it! Sitting that close is very cool - and the actors would, at times, even make eye contact with us!

The Stage Door line was great - we got a good spot and were able to see Michael Luwoye (Hamilton), Lexi Lawson (Eliza), Chris Jackson (Washington), Rory O'Malley (King George), and Seth Stewart (Lafayette/Jefferson). The rest did not come out. My daughter did get a photo of Anthony Ramos on his way in to the theater beforehand.

I hope this helps anyone considering trying out the cancellation line. Please feel free to post questions and I will be happy to answer.

[mmmbop]

Hi there! So we are going up there next June and I'm trying to get an idea of whether it would be a good idea to try the cancellation line. What are the chances they sell tickets? I haven't been to NYC in four years, so if hate to spend the entire day on line just to not get tickets, but I will accept a CERTAIN amount of risk. Do they sell the regularly priced seats or is it only premium? Is there a better chance of getting tickets on two show days, or do twice as many people show up? What time do you need to get there, and what time does the BO open? Thanks!

[mailhandler777]

^^The bathrooms on the 8th floor of the Marriott are open all the time(well when you can get into the hotel if you aren't staying there). 3rd floor bathrooms usually open up only during the show which is a matinee at 2 on Saturday and Sunday. Most of the others on other floors are key card access only. That's not a new thing. 

[Ana_Smith]

Hi, everybody! This is my first post, but I've been trying to figure out how the cancellation line works for a while now, in preparation for my own experience next December.
 

SarahNYC2 said: "Question-I will be in NYC from Dec. 26-Jan. 2nd. My days are completely free. I am trying to figure out if that will be a time when no sell backs will be available, or maybe a great time. Anyone have an opinion? Suggestions? I appreciate all the advice on here so whatever your thoughts I'd love to hear them." 

 
I'm traveling from Uruguay for those exact same dates and I've been wondering the exact same thing. So, I'm bumping you up :)

I realize that during the holidays, Broadway may get busier than ever but, are there still chances of scoring tickets through the cancellation line if we show up early? (I hope it's not too cold :P)

What do the experts say?

I'll be reading you. Thank you!

[CassandraReads]

I would assume there will be tickets available each of those days through the cancellation line because they are selling unclaimed lottery tickets and unused house seats that are usually saved for special guests. I think the key is just lining up as early as you can handle. The time really flies. 

[adora514]

Hi! I'm here to share my experience lining up in the cancellation line on Sunday, October 9th. We just flew in from the Philippines and arrived very late in the evening so our initial plans of lining up at 7am didn't happen. The weather that day was really bad. It was windy and cold. We were planning just to check out the line but when we got there at 1030am we decided to wait because we were 15th (but later on turned out we were 20-21st because of the plus ones that only arrived maybe an hour before the show started) in line and a staff member went out to count the people in line and told us he thinks we would all get in because of the weather. Unfortunately, it was quite the opposite. They only started to release tickets ten minutes to 3pm and they only released 7 standard priced tickets and 4 standing room only tickets. We met a lot of nice people though. The first to line up that Sunday arrived at 5am. Hope this helps. 

[mmmbop]

So they sell SRO with cancellations? Cool. And "cancellations" aren't really cancellation right? It's the premium seats they hold for special people?

[AMHM]

Yes, they do sell SRO. I could be wrong but I think they go for $40? If someone knows better, they can correct me! And yes, the seats are premium or lottery. I don't know about others - other people on this forum might have more information on that.

[AMHM]

If any of the four college guys who were on the cancellation line behind me and my daughter on 10/9 are on this forum, can you message me? I have photos for you!

[casedilla2]

Hey y'all! My friend and I are second/third in line right now, if anyone wants a pair of tickets for tonight we'd be happy to work something out to get you tickets as well! :) Feel free to message me!

[samandryanmom]

My daughter and I are arriving tomorrow morning and are going to try the line for tomorrow night's show. What time did you arrive this morning? I'm not sure if we can get there early enough to even have a chance.

[Smartin028]

Hi! 
I live close to the theatre. I was also curious what time I should arrive for the cancellation line tomorrow. 

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

AMHM said: "Yes, they do sell SRO. I could be wrong but I think they go for $40? If someone knows better, they can correct me! And yes, the seats are premium or lottery. I don't know about others - other people on this forum might have more information on that.

 

For the sake of other users, don't confuse "premium" seats with "house/VIP" seats.  

Cancellation line sells:

Premium seats $549 when available (sometimes available on Ticketmaster)

House seats $199 when available 

Unclaimed Lottery ($199??) and

Standing Room Only $40 

Cancellation Line thread member and contributor since my failed attempt in March =)

 

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

Smartin028 said: "Hi! 
I live close to the theatre. I was also curious what time I should arrive for the cancellation line tomorrow. 

It's best to private message this question or be out seated. The scenario of asking publicly and someone replying 5am, and another one reads that and decides to line up at 3am, if one was thinking 4:30am would be good.  

 

[Lauram1014]

I did the cancellation line tonight (10/13) and they only let 5 people in, so if you're planning to stand in line all day on your visit, just know that there may not be many tickets at all for the night you're there. 

[VirginiaWoolf]

I did the cancellation line on Sunday as well (many from the forum on line with me). I got there at 7 am, and was 11th in line (although one pair ahead of us ended up with four tickets). Since it was a holiday weekend and a cold, rainy morning, I'm not sure you can use my experience to forecast what another Sunday would be like. I can say that it was really a fun experience to be on line and the camaraderie of the group was wonderful.

The incredibly nice woman behind me (who got there a bit before 9 am and did not get seats) had been there the night before and said that box office staff had come out sporadically while she was on line to offer both $549 premiums and $199 seats. That didn't happen at all on Sunday. They didn't take the first pair until after 230 and never came down the line at all; they just took two at a time (or four, in the case of the family in front of us). I may be mistaken, but I think all of the seats offered were $199.

At 2:58, the box office person came out and announced she had no more seats but had some standing room tickets. They gave out six. So 15 people total from the line got in. My friend and I got the last standing room tickets. They were $40/each. I couldn't see everything that happened on the second level of the stage, but overall, I had great sight lines and the show was amazing.

[chickabloaww]

Read this thread for tips before I waited in the line, thank you. So only right i tell myyyy stoooorrryyyy 

I waited in line on Tues 10/11. I went by myself and got there around 3pm. i was #17 in line. After reading some of the recent stories on here I was a little surprised to be this far back after arriving at that time, but oh well! 

The time passed by pretty quickly. People in line were very friendly. They made everyone stand up and get into a straight tight line around 6pm. Then time started to drag. They didn't let the first people from the cancellation line in to the box office window until around 6:45-6:50 I would guess. (7pm show) I didn't get up there until 7 on the dot. They don't tell you anything about the seat, they were rushing everyone crazy, a staff member outside called me in and rushed me up to the window and the face behind the window yelled out "$199!" and I flung over my card not having any idea where I'd be.  I was elated to see that it was Orchestra Row H!!! Grabbed a beer very quickly on the way in cause there was no line (a sam adams.. i was laughing at how all the drinks and beers were theme-appropriate), and the music started less than a minute after getting into my seat. My coat wasn't even off yet! Stressful but so worth it.  I don't know if anyone behind me got in, there was no time to check for that. I really hope they did. 

Ended up being seated right next to the girl who'd been next to me in line which was cool to share the experience together, and also meant they had pairs available, not just single tickets. 

Our seats were way over to the right, almost near the door, which made me a bit nervous when I first saw that seat # on the ticket, but it was an incredible seat. Nothing bad at all about being in that spot. Row H is a row they made of actual wooden chairs placed behind the last row of theater seats. Easy to get in and out of during intermission, and we were perched up a little higher because of that as well. Great view. 

When 2 of my friends heard my success story the next morning, they went and got in line that same day. They arrived around 4pm for the 8pm show on Wed 10/12. They were #11 and 12 in line. I thought for sure they'd get even better seats than me. But they were only offered standing room. $40/ticket. They stood up in the balcony. Didn't matter to them, they absolutely loved it and were happy to be in, and you can't beat that price to finally get to see this show.  

Totally worth it and will definitely do this again someday with others now that I know it works fairly simply!  thanks all for the tips and good luck

 

 

 

 

[whatdoesntkillme]

I was walking around Times Square around 12:30 AM last night/this morning, and there were 2 really nice young women sitting on the stairs of the Rodgers. Surprised at seeing someone there that early, I asked, "are you the cancellation line?" and they said yes and hoped that my sister and I were joining them overnight. When we mentioned that we're seeing The Color Purple tonight and Hamilton Sunday, one of them whipped out the Alice Walker novel and told us that they were seeing it Sunday! So we have a flip-flopped weekend compared to them. 

Apparently they had been sitting there since before last night's show let out because they had previously seen droves of people sleeping out in August, and a snarky little kid went up to them and said "you know you can get here at 7 AM and be fine." Clearly he reads these boards!

Good for them for wanting to really secure those seats though! They were very nice and I'm sure they'll love the show. 

[HamiltonObsessed]

Does anyone know if the line will get longer/ you'll have to get there earlier now that Christopher Jackson is leaving the show?

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

HamiltonObsessed said: "Does anyone know if the line will get longer/ you'll have to get there earlier now that Christopher Jackson is leaving the show?

Chris Jackson AND Anthony Ramos the week after.  Lines didn't go insane for Daveed and Renee but expect more people.  Not like that of Lin leaving but more people will want to go and try the line.

 

[Tom M2]

Hi everyone!

I'll be waiting in the cancellation line with my friend for the upcoming Saturday matinee (10/22) and we're more than happy to let up to two others come as our "plus ones". We'll almost certainly be the first in line and can basically garauntee you awesome seats. All we ask is that you help us pay for our tickets in exchange. Comment below or PM me if interested. 

Thanks!