Hamilton ticket prices-seriously?

[starcatchers]

""Usually, unless it is a black oriented show, most black people don't attend theatre."
Dear lord now I need a smoke too."

 

Me too. And an Advil for the splitting headache I have after reading this thread. 

[ErikJ972]

"Erik, not all, but that is the case for the most part. Just the way it is."

 Forget the bowl, anyone bring a bong?

[uncageg]

I am assuming you have both worked with the black community and have actually asked them why they don't attend the theatre often. I have.

[DivaProf]

"I am assuming you have both worked with the black community and have actually asked them why they don't attend the theatre often. I have."

 In my experience, Broadway appeals to a very specific demographic.  I work with many in the white community, and most of them don't regularly attend the theatre either.  I think people under 40, straight men of all races, and African-Americans, Latinos and Asians are underrepresented in theatre audiences, except at select shows.  It doesn't appear to be an issue of whether or not they can afford it, it seems to be a lack of interest/relevance.   I don't view this as an issue exclusive to African-Americans, but I also can think of 10 African Americans off the top of my head (I just counted) who do attend the theatre, so my perspective may be skewed.

[macnyc]

To build on what DivaProf, above, is saying: I went many many years without attending the theater despite living in NYC. I think the theater can be intimidating. There's so much going on, both Broadway and Off and Off Off, and it's hard to decide where to start. That's where word of mouth will come in for Hamilton, as it did for Fun Home. I'm telling everyone I know to see both those shows. So it's easy for someone not into the theater to focus on one show and get tickets. The word of mouth for Hamilton is very strong, and that will induce many non theatergoers, no matter their age, race or gender, to see the show. Lin-Manuel knows this very well, and I think he will prevail at having some affordable seats for each performance. We shall see!

[ErikJ972]

"I am assuming you have both worked with the black community and have actually asked them why they don't attend the theatre often. I have."

 LOL. Not even a bong is big enough.

Tell that to the many groups of African American students I have taken to Broadway shows over the years. Their first question after the show is usually "when can we do this again?" Last year we took them to see Kinky Boots and they loved it. I would love to take them to see Hamilton, but at these prices that's not gonna happen.

I wish you could come as them "why don't black people like theater?". I'm sure their reaction to you would be priceless.

[xxdrewboy85xx]

LOL. Not even a bong is big enough

 

It's ok. I'll bring a rig and some dabs. 

[ErikJ972]

Hooray!

[uncageg]

I actually wasn't including students in my comments. As a student I saw a lot of shows. I was speaking mostly of adults. Diva explained it very well.

I won't go round and round with this but it is what it is. I have questioned friends in the African American community and started a program for students. I think Diva hit the nail on the head with the word relevance. I too can think of 10 African Americans who go to the theater. Actually more. But as a whole, the community is not a big theater going community.  I am part of that community, have asked that community for years why they don't go to the theater and the first answers werenot money.  Not sure if anyone read the interview I posted but it is discussed.

[ZannaDo]

It's probably also worth considering that African-Americans make up 13% of the US population, so by virtue of proportion alone, it stands to reason that they would make up less of the theatre-going audience. 

[Phillypinto]

thats a good point

[mpd4165]

"thats a good point"

 Oh, no. Your (racist) point was that Black and Latino groups can't afford theater BECAUSE they are Black/Latino. 

[Phillypinto]

because those groups generally have less money

[uncageg]

Trust me, Blacks and Latinos will spend money on what they really want. Them not attending theatre more often has nothing to do with money. You are missing the bigger point here Philly.

[Mister Matt]

When making my morning bowl of cereal, I noticed a photo of Phillypinto's marbles on the milk carton.

[Auggie27]

I was at the "Hamilton" box office this very afternoon, and had a great talk with a generous if beleaguered staff member.  He's never seen such hysteria. And pointed out how good the rear mezz is in the Rodgers, that you can see and hear wonderfully (and the show is amplified to the max). Yet people insist on "center orchestra" and now must wait until January or February. Weekends?  Even longer. He stated: Everything in front of row N in the center in Premium for "Hamilton."  The savvy gentlemen admitted that's insanity.

But I got very nice seats for an October weekend in the front of the rear mezz for $89. This insane idea that the only place to see a show is in the first 8-10 rows of the center is a new elitism. The goal is to see and experience the play, not to have bragging rights about how much you spent. The new elitism? Where you sit?  I have sat outside those hallowed premium parameters more often than not, and have enjoyed thrilling nights from everywhere in many a B'wa house. If you want to see this show, dare to pay a reasonable price and see it from the mezz. I am not flush, and couldn't possibly enjoy a musical for $350.  Or more.  Frankly, I doubt I'll ever spend even $167, which is what the side orchestra is here. 

[ZannaDo]

How can everything in front of Row N be premium? Is that new? Both myself and several other people I know purchased tickets between rows K and M for the 167$ price. I guess when they saw the demand they must have made more seats premium. I can understand it being frustrating, but as I said before, if that is the market value of the ticket, I'd rather see the show make it than a scalper. 

Anyway, I completely agree with you regarding the elitism some people exhibit regarding their seat locations. Some of my favorite performances I have ever seen have been from the back row of the mezzanine. Experiencing the show is what's important. 

[Auggie27]

He said everything center of N. And held up the diagram.  Maybe it's changing? Maybe when they began that wasn't true? I was startled, but the graphic illustration was there.  

[Auggie27]

My first actual B'way show (though I'd seen touring companies): last row of the Imperial.  "Zorba."  August 1969. Unforgettable. ($5.00) Would it have been better, sight-line wise, from D center?  Sure. But part of the experience was about that back wall, oddly enough.  Rather than feel removed, I felt part of this huge audience, all in front of me. I also recently saw "The Visit," TKTS line seats (otherwise Premium), Orch. row D, center.  It was wonderful, but I don't think the experiences are very different, ultimately. 

[qolbinau]

Well I disagree completely, I think the experiences are completely different setting in the Mezz vs the Orchestra. The sound is worse (sometimes over-amplified), the view is worse (it's harder to see facial expressions) and the audience I've found can misbehave much more in the mezz vs the Orchestra.

I personally don't think it's elitism, but simply wanting to have a good time. I see the value in paying a ****load of money to see Angela Lansbury 2 feet away in Driving Miss Daisy, or Bernadette singing her amazing performance of "Send in the Clowns". Plus, the added benefit of sitting closer is that we are usually helping these shows survive financially. 

Being able to see the Visit in premium seats for TKTS prices is exactly part of the reason this show is closing on Sunday (although I acknowledge that we might as well take the opportunities if they are there, and TKTS is a lot more expensive than say TDF).

Happy for you if you can see it in the last row and still have a good time, I personally find the experience to be not as good.

[bfreak]

I don't mind sitting in the rear mezzanine or anything, but if I do end up in the orchestra was is the last row I could be in that won't be obstructed by the overhang? Thanks.

[Mr Roxy]

To golb

If the show was selling , it would not be on TDF. We should support any show by paying outrageous prices? So when they turn a profit, we should share in the profits as well. It is just greed pure & simple . Many do not have the disposable income to pay these prices. People need to save the money for more mundane things as food and lodging

By all means, you feel free to support them in this way.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

So when they turn a profit, we should share in the profits as well

Roxy's a commie!

[qolbinau]

At the end of the day, this industry will not survive on TDF prices. I suppose as an individual it's difficult to really make a difference (though no single rain drop ever thought they were part of a flood), and maybe it is indeed the case that some people simply cannot afford it. Also, I have on occasion paid dirt cheap prices to see a Broadway show because I wasn't particularity keen to see it at the time.  However, I do still feel a bit of conflict knowing that it's a bit hypocritical for me to complain that a show is doing poorly while paying only a rush ticket price to see it (e.g., when I saw Bridges).

[FindingNamo]

I've said it a million times, Roxy's a conservative capitalist except when he HATES capitalism. 

[Phillypinto]

qolb, how much did you pay for The Visit