Did anyone else attempt the Hamilton Amex pre-sale today?- Page 4

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 1/25/16 at 11:47pm

Actual, real photograph of me looking at the newly released Hamilton ticket pricing structure today:

 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 12:28am

neonlightsxo said: "I said they were GOING FOR. As in on the resale market. I'm not an idiot, but thank you."

 

LOL I misunderstood you, sorry.

[gypsy101]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 12:29am

It probably really would cut down on scalpers if rear mezzanine was $500, though.

Updated On: 1/26/16 at 12:29 AM

[haterobics]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 12:43am

NJ_BroadwayGirl said: "I'm curious about Ticketmaster's contract and wonder if it would be feasible for the Hamilton producers to demand that the resale feature be turned off. I guess they probably don't care though because the tickets are being sold and they are getting theirs. It doesn't really matter if it reflects poorly on the show. Hey, I answered my own question!"

 

It doesn't reflect poorly on the show either way, but if the tickets weren't resold on Ticketmaster's website, they could be resold on StubHub, eBay, craigslist, etc. So, that really isn't a solution, just moving the target...

[mtchairs]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 3:58am

Prices were a bit of a shock to the system, especially at 2.00am and converting to Aussie Dollars, but I have 2nd Row Centre Front Mezzanine tickets for Thanksgiving week, so I'm happy

 

[NJ_BroadwayGirl]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 7:57am

haterobics said: "NJ_BroadwayGirl said: "It doesn't reflect poorly on the show either way, but if the tickets weren't resold on Ticketmaster's website, they could be resold on StubHub, eBay, craigslist, etc. So, that really isn't a solution, just moving the target.."

 

Very true. But the Hamilton producers don't have contracts with StubHub, eBay, Craigslist. The Tickermaster site is essentially endorsed scalping. 

 

My query is - is ticketmaster successfully combatting scalper robot purchase? If so, then we can't complain about access because everyone has the same shot at buying tickets (pricing structure aside) when they go on sale. If not, it's just like every concert or big event out there where the consumer doesn't have a fair shot. 

[JM226]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 8:12am

except that you have no clue if the producers are potentially receiving a small percentage of the fees and profits netted by TM in the resale market, which would change everything because they're winning twice: when they sell the ticket and when the ticket is resold. 

[NJ_BroadwayGirl]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 8:19am

JM226 said: "except that you have no clue if the producers are potentially receiving a small percentage of the fees and profits netted by TM in the resale market, which would change everything because they're winning twice: when they sell the ticket and when the ticket is resold. "

 

True and I brought that up earlier in the thread. I have heard rumblings that the show does get money back on resales because the Ticketmaster fees are quite high on those - much higher than the original ticket sale. 

 

Theatre producers aren't philanthropists and most of the time they lose money mounting shows. While it is frustrating to see increases, I hope this leads to more productions being mounted and a long life for this show once the frenzy is over. 

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 9:40am

It reminds me of something that was said in the "Why Didn't It Run" panel at BwayCon, when ticket prizing came up. Prizes are going to go up as long as people pay them.

But what worries me is that now other producers will see that it's totally possible to jack up prices that much and it will just fuel the upwards trend. And eventually this will compromise accessibility. They are always talking about how to bring new and diverse audiences to Broadway. Prices like that though certainly won't do it, and if this was also brought up in the panel. If someone who's not a big theater goes hears only about one show these days, Hamilton, and thinks about buying a ticket, and sees those prices, they will likely think that tickets are that high for all shows.

So yay for the producers making money, and having more money to invest in new shows because of it, but some other considerations should go into the pricing as well, like keeping it accessible (that's why most shows have rear mezz/balcony tickets for $40-60) to everybody, and how it will reflect on Broadway, esp with a show that has so much exposure.

[JM226]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 9:47am

accessibility and free market can be in direct conflict with each other but can also be directly linked to the success of the other. in the case of HAMILTON, they offer the lottery and standing room and donated charity comps. they don't have to do any of that but they do because they recognize the need for some accessibility. its not much but it is something ... again, completely optional to them. i think it's fine to recognize that diversity and accessibility on broadway is limited due to the prices but you cannot force something like that unless you plan to have a government sponsored, publicly funded theatre company. like in Europe. that doesn't exist here so we get the free market and that market dictates the pricing. if HAMILTON is selling tickets for hundreds of dollars each, they'll keep the prices there unlike other shows that can maybe only sell $50 or $75 tickets. the free market dictates the pricing and anything beyond that ... like the lottery or rush or standing room.. is a gesture of kindness and goodwill. 

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 7:28am

Looks like they added some summer Monday shows, but no availability right now through T'master.  Friends got good seats at the box office last evening for one of those shows, though.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 8:07am

Ticketmaster is making money twice on those transactions, why shouldn't the show?  (I don't know if they do or not, however.)

 

As far as accessibility: Other shows do not automatically jack up their prices just because a runaway hit does so.  We didn't see it effect other shows when the Producers, Wicked or Mormon was incredibly hot.  It does set a precedent for the next hot show....but certainly, not right out of the gate.

 

I'm not sure the casual theater goer thinks that much about the price....they are seeing it as a luxury, a splurge.  Just like going to a ball game or a concert, prices are high and perhaps expected.  RE-sale on that stuff is also insane.

 

While I won't be purchasing any more tickets for Hamilton, I can't say I blame them.  We aren't just paying for this hit, but all the failures that came before and will sure to happen again.  That being said, I don't often pay full price (I scourge for discounts for every show) and there are even shows that I have passed on seeing because of the price.  In the moment of that decision I'm a tad sad, but I can't really miss what I don't know.

 

I also think live theater isn't considered a frequent thing, it was special.    This idea of seeing MANY shows and certainly the same show multiple times, is relatively new. My parents see professional theater once or twice a year depending on what tours through Memphis....it's a big deal to them and they make a fancy night of it with their friends: fine dining, dressing up.  They have never in their life seen the same production twice.  They don't complain about prices because it's special and classy.  

 

Seeing a b'way show shouldn't be like popping a dvd into a machine, or casually scrolling through your dvr listings.  (which is why I hate all the whining about not having shows filmed for the public)  It's a unique time in place that happens when you are there in the theater.....and only then does the magic happen.

Updated On: 1/27/16 at 08:07 AM

[macnyc]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 8:53am

Very well expressed, dramamama!

[Sam2]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 10:23am

I don't necessarily disagree with your post, Dramamama, but seeing these prices rising once again makes me worry about the accessibility of live theatre. It's a problem that has been there for ages, without a doubt, but I still consider it as highly upsetting. Off course I am happy to hear that your parents along with many others are enjoying theatre as a very special not very frequent event, and I agree with you saying that going to the theatre doesn't have to be as common as watching a DVD, but what about the people who barely had the money to see Hamilton (or any show, because prizes have been going up for a long time now) before the current prize increasing? For a lot of us theatre goers it probably won't matter, because in a season filled with shows it's easy to leave one out and spend the money (partly) on a Hamilton ticket, but there actually are people that can only afford going to the theatre once a year. $20 might make the difference between them seeing a show (Hamilton) and them not getting to see it. Broadway shouldn't be there exclusively for the middle or (and that's where it's going) upper class, everybody deserves to hear its stories. 

[JM226]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 10:26am

the free market dictates accessibility. as i said before, there are plenty of options for cheaper accessibility to the hottest ticket in NY: rush, standing room, lottery, cancellations, charitable donations. they  are honoring the need in a small way. more then gracious of them to do that. 

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 10:34am

^^Exactly. And let's not forget that theatre does happen outside of Broadway. Sure, prices may continue to climb in midtown, but there are plenty of other more accessible options. I love Broadway as much as the next poster on this board, but it's certainly not the be-all end-all.

 

Not to mention, Lin has confirmed on Twitter that all of the touring productions will hold a lottery at each of their stops. If that isn't striving for accessibility, I don't know what is. It's generally far easier to win lottery tickets to a hot show in the average touring market when taking into account its Broadway counterpart.

Updated On: 1/27/16 at 10:34 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 10:42am

I honestly don't see how its any different than any other expense.  Filet Mignon is delicious, but I don't feel my budget can afford it.  Should there be accessible Filte Mignon?  Or what about a great vacation to Antigua.  Does that have to be accessible?

 

As said, there IS affordable theater in nearly every community.   Frankly, I think making sure folks have accessible and affordable healthcare and food is far more a concern than a b'way show.

 

I go without a lot of other things so that I can afford my theater passion.  THAT is my choice.  

[JM226]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 10:54am

exactly, dramamama. there is a difference between a need and a luxury. entertainment is a LUXURY. healthcare, shelter, food... is a NEED. doesn't mean everyone has those things -- far from it. but let's focus on accessibility to the real essentials. not entertainment which is a luxury. 

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 11:21am

"Entertainment"?  What about art?

[LJD123]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 1:25pm

Does anyone know if ALL seats were released as part of the AMEX presale or if there is a chance tix will be available on Feb 2nd as well when they go onsale to general public?

[JM226]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 1:48pm

FindingNamo said: ""Entertainment"?  What about art?

 

"

hi namo. i value art but it is not on same level as healthcare and shelter and food. cannot be.  and broadway while art IS entertainment. entertainment is a luxury. just like movies.  there is free entertainment -- and cheap entertainment -- that exists though. why does it have to be HAMILTON for $5,000??? 

[nealb1]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 2:45pm

I got front row Mezz for November 16th.  Very excited!

[SFFrontRow]

Posted: 1/27/16 at 9:37pm

Can someone confirm that tickets for normal prices were being released in these "new blocks" of tickets? I saw Hamilton in November (bought the ticket last May before the bandwagon started on this - and it had already but the non-theater people did not really know about it yet) and I "only" paid 147.00 for first row front mezz (3 seats from side aisle on stage right).

I went online yesterday to see for May and then November 2016. There were really great seats (orchestra side aisle, stage right, row C or D) but they were all listed as Amex Preferred and all cost $549 or there abouts.

What??!! Is this now standard pricing? If it is, I cannot wait until they are on the 50% line and doing 60% business. Albeit in 2026 - LOL.

At least I got to see it, and for you still trying, keep trying. It is a really good show. I did not appreciate it as much while seeing it as I have by listening to the cast recording. What an amazingly written show, and if you "hate rap", DONT let that turn you off. It is a really interesting score and the book/lyrics are really really educational in a kinda cool way. Is it THE BEST MUSICAL I HAVE EVER OR WILL EVER SEE? It is up there, but I have had other theater experiences that were just as/if not better than Hamilton.

Anyway, I digress. Is this the standard pricing? I want to see it again, but thinking not for the price. If I waiting and seeing a replacement cast is not good enough (at more normal pricing), then the show does not hold up. But, I think it will. But PLEASE, don't just get lookalikes for the replacements. 

Sorry that my train of thought is all over the place.

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 1/28/16 at 12:29am

If it's Amex Preferred Seating (vs resale) it's premium seating, and the normal price for that. If you go toward the beginning of this topic you'll find some reports of people talking about how far they extended the premium seating section, and how expensive it is. Non-premiums are at $199-$230 or something like that, and around $120-$150 in the rear mezz (don't quite remember, but in that ballpark)

[BobChapski]

Posted: 1/28/16 at 12:41am

I got tickets as part of this week's pre sale for $199 each. So yes there were some that were not Premium.

Updated On: 1/28/16 at 12:41 AM