Posted: 9/27/26 at 11:53am
At this point, I think Broadway Cares should put the event on pause for the next few years to reevaluate it as a whole, maybe vow for a virtual option, doing it twice a year, or making it a paid tier event. Either way I think the Broadway Flea Market in its current form needs to end cause if it’s gonna keep operating the way it is, someone is going to get severely injured even worse killed
Posted: 9/27/26 at 12:09pm
malcs98 said: "At this point, I think Broadway Cares should put the event on pause for the next few years to reevaluate it as a whole, maybe vow for a virtual option, doing it twice a year, or making it a paid tier event. Either way I think the Broadway Flea Market in its current form needs to end cause if it’s gonna keep operating the way it is, someone is going to get severely injured even worse killed"
You can cut back on the dramatics. They just need to actually have inclement weather plans more than 48 hours of the event.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 1:12pm
This isn’t as bad as Roseland but damn, this is a sh*tshow.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 1:20pm
Went downtown today around 10am. I was willing to wait in line but the line was wild. People were crowding and cutting on the corner of 34/8 with little to no line control. Poor volunteer was running up and down. Looked like 2 or more hours of waiting, so I bailed. Bummed as I really wanted to go this year.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 2:08pm
Thank God it wasn’t raining when I entered around 1005 but then the rain came down hard and there were still a three hour wait in line. Everybody in the washroom drying themselves off with the air blower….😳
Many of the tables told me they could not bring as much as they usually do when it is outside due to lack of space.Did find some treasures though early. Having a quick bite and will be going back in 20 minutes. Please let me know if any of you need anything for those of you who are not able to attend this year.
Updated On: 9/27/26 at 02:08 PM
Posted: 9/27/26 at 2:26pm
I just stopped by and it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. No wait to get in. Inside was crowded but by no means overwhelming or claustrophobic, and I don't love crowds. They had some air going so it wasn't stifling hot with the crowd either.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 2:39pm
malcs98 said: "At this point, I think Broadway Cares should put the event on pause for the next few years to reevaluate it as a whole, maybe vow for a virtual option, doing it twice a year, or making it a paid tier event. Either way I think the Broadway Flea Market in its current form needs to end cause if it’s gonna keep operating the way it is, someone is going to get severely injured even worse killed"
I don't think it is THAT badI And the fun of the event is being there in person and it not being a paid event. Some people already spend a lot of money buying things. JMO
Posted: 9/27/26 at 4:31pm
Just got back. Bought a few magnets and the signed I Bag NY vinyl of Operation Mincemeat that they were selling $200 when it first came out now down to $40. I was there early and yes it was so crowded and moving around was a challenge. Came around 9:30 and the line was already wrapped around the block but at 10 am as they let everyone in it only took me about 20 mins to get inside. But yeah as early as 10:30 it was packed.
Did anyone notice the lack on Tony voter souvenir program / FYC ad books? I didn’t see any single Tony voter book of any plays and musicals nominated! That is soo weird. I only saw an Oedipus and Liberation book. That’s about it. No show campaigned at the Tony’s? So bummed.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 5:59pm
malcs98 said: "At this point, I think Broadway Cares should put the event on pause for the next few years to reevaluate it as a whole, maybe vow for a virtual option, doing it twice a year, or making it a paid tier event. Either way I think the Broadway Flea Market in its current form needs to end cause if it’s gonna keep operating the way it is, someone is going to get severely injured even worse killed"
These are some whackazz suggestions,
1) A virtual option - They already have sales on eBay periodically. They also allow people to participate in the auction items for many days leading up to the event and as it happens in real time. A flea market is an open air bazaar that’s people haggling and selling used goods. How do you expect two dozen organizations to get online so they can sell some rando a $2 Playbill and then they are stuck putting it on hold until they can ship it?
2) Twice a year would be two times the headache. If they keep it in September, the other would be in March, and the weather is less reliably stable in terms of precipitation. You’re gonna end up with a rained out or moved indoors event.
3) What exactly is the point of a flea market if you are requiring people to pay to get in? It’s an elitist concept at minimum. Flea is an opportunity for people of all different financial means to come looking for theatre goodies that they can afford to buy. That $20 or so entry fee could actually go toward selling some of the items up for grabs. It may be a decent chunk of what someone has budgeted for the event. They already have a “tiered” option and that’s the autograph table/Photo Booth. To have people pay to get in where they may only walk out with two five dollar playbills is so ridiculous.
Spare the dramatics. Flea is always going to be one of those events that are crowded as hell, people jockeying over different items, and definitely will test one’s patience and tolerance for chaos. It cannot be everything to everybody or nobody is pleased.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 6:12pm
The whole "The Flea is Dangerous!" is so overblown. People are Rude and Pushy. There is not a danger there. If there were ever any actual injuries stemming from this, it would absolutely be picked up by a publication. It wouldn't be the vague non-specific anecdotes from randoms on the internet.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 6:13pm
To that end, I spent WAY more than I normally have, because I could. The name of the game this year was windowcards. I got a ton of them, including a signed Rachel Zegler EVITA (Broadway) and a Hiddleston/Atwell signed MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Broadway).
I did find the circumstances a bit hellish, especially since I got a lot of good finds earlier in the day and, despite having my car steps away from the building, I was forced to stay in because I otherwise would’ve had to join the line again in the pouring rain. I loved that the autograph table was elevated off the main floor and the room was smaller and intimate. I did the 1-1:50 slot and got quite a few people.
It felt very low pressure and you had quite a bit more time to interact with everyone, so I had some lovely chats along the way. My only gripe was that Bernadette was in such high demand for photos that she was at the table all of 5 seconds and then was at the Photo Booth. The staff, however, were keen on making sure our items were brought over to her to sign (and she did).
The lack of food/drink inside and the inability to not come and go freely without penalty of waiting was awful, but I survived. I’m going for a nice big dinner at Becco before I go get my personal apology from September L. Davis.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 6:26pm
The lack of even water in there was awful. Luckily a VERY nice security guard gave me a bottle of water he had and I couldn’t thank him enough.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 8:28pm
delete.
Updated On: 9/27/26 at 08:28 PM
Posted: 9/27/26 at 8:31pm
quizking101 said: "malcs98 said: "At this point, I think Broadway Cares should put the event on pause for the next few years to reevaluate it as a whole, maybe vow for a virtual option, doing it twice a year, or making it a paid tier event. Either way I think the Broadway Flea Market in its current form needs to end cause if it’s gonna keep operating the way it is, someone is going to get severely injured even worse killed"
These are some whackazz suggestions,
1) A virtual option - They already have sales on eBay periodically. They also allow people to participate in the auction items for many days leading up to the event and as it happens in real time. A flea market is an open air bazaar that’s people haggling and selling used goods. How do you expect two dozen organizations to get online so they can sell some rando a $2 Playbill and then they are stuck putting it on hold until they can ship it?
2) Twice a year would be two times the headache. If they keep it in September, the other would be in March, and the weather is less reliably stable in terms of precipitation. You’re gonna end up with a rained out or moved indoors event.
3) What exactly is the point of a flea market if you are requiring people to pay to get in? It’s an elitist concept at minimum. Flea is an opportunity for people of all different financial means to come looking for theatre goodies that they can afford to buy. That $20 or so entry fee could actually go toward selling some of the items up for grabs. It may be a decent chunk of what someone has budgeted for the event. They already have a “tiered” option and that’s the autograph table/Photo Booth. To have people pay to get in where they may only walk out with two five dollar playbills is so ridiculous.
Spare the dramatics. Flea is always going to be one of those events that are crowded as hell, people jockeying over different items, and definitely will test one’s patience and tolerance for chaos. It cannot be everything to everybody or nobody is pleased."
The Flea should always be safe and accessible. Period. I didn't attend because I'm losing my eyesight and I didn't feel safe attending. I cannot imagine what it would be like to try and attend in a wheelchair. Or with a walking stick or a walker. I don't think that it's dramatic to expect the flea market to be a safe environment for all.
Posted: 9/27/26 at 8:32pm
TheatreFan4 said: "The whole "The Flea is Dangerous!" is so overblown. People are Rude and Pushy. There is not a danger there. If there were ever any actual injuries stemming from this, it would absolutely be picked up by a publication. It wouldn't be the vague non-specific anecdotes from randoms on the internet."
How very privileged a view. Last year, I was almost knocked over twice. Had I been alone and not with someone helping with my vision needs and holding my arm, I woudlve fallen. I didn't attend this year because I was afraid to.
Posted: 9/28/26 at 6:04am
iluvtheatertrash said: "The Flea should always be safe and accessible. Period. I didn't attend because I'm losing my eyesight and I didn't feel safe attending. I cannot imagine what it would be like to try and attend in a wheelchair. Or with a walking stick or a walker. I don't think that it's dramatic to expect the flea market to be a safe environment for all."
I noticed yesterday was that they were letting those with mobility issues into the venue through a dedicated entrance ramp/door instead of forcing them through the general line, which would not be found at the normal outside market. But after that, BC/EFA can only do so much to make the environment safe - the rest is up to the patrons and unfortunately some are very much jackasses.
From what I was told by one of the volunteers, one component most people aren’t aware of or understanding is that Hammerstein Ballroom has a longstanding relationship with BCEFA and so that connection made the quick turnaround possible so the event can continue on mostly unabated. Someone suggested they should have had the Javits or something as a backup, but that venue would have cost BCEFA a lot of money - money that they are trying to raise to actually help people.
Posted: 9/28/26 at 6:27am
I hear you, quizking. I do. I used to love the flea, but I just can't do it in its current state. And it I'll only get harder as my vision gets worse too.
I wish they had some kind of like... "closed hour" at the start which is only for patrons with disabilities. But then that means we'd get first dibs and that's not fair. It's a lose lose for BCEFA. Frustrating for us, but I'd rather it go on and they make the money than it NOT happen.
Posted: 9/28/26 at 7:50am
iluvtheatertrash said: "I hear you, quizking. I do. I used to love the flea, but I just can't do it in its current state. And it I'll only get harder as my vision gets worse too.
I wish they had some kind of like... "closed hour" at the start which is only for patrons with disabilities. But then that means we'd get first dibs and that's not fair. It's a lose lose for BCEFA. Frustrating for us, but I'd rather it go on and they make the money than it NOT happen."
It's usually outside. There's absolutely no way they could control that area. Also, how would you provide proof of needing to access the items first? I have a disability as well and while I do get frustrated with the lack of care people have- I literally had someone leaning over me to try to get to items. I had to say something to them to get them to move back.- I wouldn't ask for priority access to an open air space. I would not go so far as to say it's a lose/lose situation right now
Updated On: 9/28/26 at 07:50 AM
Posted: 9/28/26 at 8:32am
witchoftheeast2 said: "iluvtheatertrash said: "I hear you, quizking. I do. I used to love the flea, but I just can't do it in its current state. And it I'll only get harder as my vision gets worse too.
I wish they had some kind of like... "closed hour" at the start which is only for patrons with disabilities. But then that means we'd get first dibs and that's not fair. It's a lose lose for BCEFA. Frustrating for us, but I'd rather it go on and they make the money than it NOT happen."
It's usually outside. There's absolutely no way they could control that area. Also, how would you provide proof of needing to access the items first? I have a disability as well and while I do get frustrated with the lack of care people have- I literally had someone leaning over me to try to get to items. I had to say something to them to get them to move back.- I wouldn't ask for priority access to an open air space. I would not go so far as to say it's a lose/lose situation right now"
You're right. I was really just musing and thinking about how they could possibly do something to ensure safety. But you're right. How would they?
I'm so sorry someone did that to you. It's so rude and obnoxious. My vision loss is a fairly recent development and while I always knew disabled people had a harder time navigating this world that simply isn't accessible enough, it's still been a wake up call to be experiencing it myself. I never liked crowds but this was the first time I was actually afraid to attend because it didn't feel safe anymore for me.
Posted: 9/28/26 at 10:16am
Jordan Catalano said: "This isn’t as bad as Roseland but damn, this is a sh*tshow."
That was the last time I ever went. I have never experienced anything like it before. I thought the heat in there was going to kill me.
Updated On: 9/28/26 at 10:16 AM
Posted: 9/30/26 at 11:41am
I am a Roseland year survivor and I was telling someone that if on a scale of 1 to 10 - 1 being the worst, 10 being the best - Roseland was a 1, Hammerstein was a 3. Hammerstein had space in the basement [as noted by others above] to allow folks an escape from the main floor whereas Roseland had not a single ounce of space to allow for breathing room.
I waited on line to get in for about 2 hours - I got on the line around 10:30-10:45 and got in roughly around 12:30-12:45ish. While I was on line, they told us at one point that the Lost Boys, Outsiders, and Hadestown tables had hit capacity for the day which I am sure at the time was true, but I was able to get to Lost Boys and Outsiders by the end of day. With that announcement, it felt like the line moved a bit faster.
Once I got in, I immediately went down to the basement which I think made all the difference. As I mentioned, there was space to breathe and just wander around a lot more freely than the main floor. People were sitting on the floor with their purchases and just enjoying the space. At one point I sat there and watched the stage combat company do a demostration which was really interesting.
I eventually made my way up to the main floor and it was chaos, but that was no surprise. They had a Broadway Cares volunteer keep coming up the middle of the walk way telling people to clear the middle, which felt counterintuitive because it only made it worse.
I didn't get to several tables I normally do because of the layout [example: Curtain Call], but I overall came out very happy with my finds. I got a Heart of Rock and Roll full company signed windowcard from the Maybe Happy Ending table for $15!
I ended up dipping out for a lunch break around 2-ish and came back from 3:30ish to the end of day. By then the crowds had thinned out and you could get around much easier, plus the mid to end of day deals started. They also counted down from the stage to 6pm when they officially closed and kicked everyone out.
My big end of day win was getting a Spelling Bee off-Broadway original revival cast windowcard and Chip name plate for $15. My most expensive thing I got was one of the Santa Carla t-shirts from the Lost Boys table for $45. In general, I spent a little more than intended, but nothing major.
It was definitely messy, but it's always messy no matter if it's indoors or out. It's one of my favorite days of the year and I absolutely think it's what you make of it. Huge shout out to the Broadway Cares team and all the folks who ran tables/volunteered/etc and to the security team at Hammerstein for handling all the chaos of it all.
Let's all start manifesting good weather for next year.
Overall haul:
- Heart of Rock and Roll signed windowcard.
- Spelling Bee off-Broadway windowcard + Chip name plate
- Operation Mincemeat Agent names t-shirt.
- Operation Mincemeat "Burning with destiny's light" opening night gift t-shirt.
- Hwaboon t-shirt from Maybe Happy Ending.
- 2025 Broadway Cares season t-shirt.
- Death Becomes Her sweatshirt.
- Cruel Intentions windowcard.
- The Cher Show out of town try out windowcard.
- Wicked 20 "Oh, what a celebration we'll have today" tote bag.
- Catherine Parr SIX tote bag.
- Cursed Child Hogwarts tote bag.
-Ragtime revival cup.
- Titanique cup.
- "Serving Lunt" hat from Death Becomes Her.
- A R+J & J hat from the crossover from Romeo + Juliet & Juliet.
- Mean Girls first national tour track jacket.
- A Just in Time opening night bookmark.
- Just in Time Broadway Cares button.
- A wristband Jonathan Groff gifted the cast/crew of Just in Time for his last performance that says "It wasn't enough" with the date of his last show on it.
- How to Dance in Ohio cast recording [a freebie].
- Blood Love: A Vampire Pop Opera sweatshirt.
- 2 Wicked legacy playbills - the 1 with Talia and Britney and the 1 with Idina and Kristin from Popular.
Updated On: 9/30/26 at 11:41 AM
Posted: 9/30/26 at 11:59am
Curious if anyone spotted anything from the most recent Death of a Salesman revival? They didn't have any official merch or a windowcard, so I was hoping to come across some cast or crew gifts or gear but didn't make it.
Posted: 9/30/26 at 1:47pm
Just got back to Montreal from a very memorable weekend in New York despite the weather!
Despite the long lines and the rain I was very pleased I made the decision to go to the Broadway flea market this year. While it was definitely difficult getting around to the tables I managed to amass a very decent amount of collectibles this year.
A summary of my Broadway haul this year! Luckily I brought many bags with me to protect these items from the rain!
Diana the musical promotional corgi doll for opening night in perfect shape!
The lost boys signed playbills. Many of them had smudges. Was able to choose from quite a large pile 2 perfect copies. Signed window card was nice but too large to transport without getting damaged. Also had a nice chat with LJ Benet who was at the table. He explained to me how they did the flying sequences with special lighting.
&Juliet Broadway script featuring commentary from the creative team. Never knew this book existed. Approximately 60 pages. $2 !!
Has anyone ever seen this book? Not sure if it wassold in stores.
Hamilton opening night and public theater playbills signed by Lin! I was pleasantly surprised to find an original ticket from the public also signed by Lin within the playbill that I only noticed once I got home as it was in a protective sleeve!
As I am a HUGE fan of chess the musical,I was very happy to find a plethora of items that I did not know existed. The first table I went to had an opening night picture of the Imperial Theatre in a silver frame. As well beautiful tall thin glasses with chess the musical on one side and one night in Bangkok on the other side which I was told was a road conference gift. They had quite a few so I grabbed 4 of them. Also a cast signed playbill. At another table they had book marks as well as chess pens. I grabbed a dozen of each 😂 and the only charged me $5! While digging in the box for the bookmarks, I found a tiny little outsiders black tire keychain which was a road conference gift as well and they only charged me $2. They obviously did not know how rare it was!
At this same table they had 2 copies of the chess 1988 promotional flyer as well as an invitation ticket to the opening curtsin which says will rise promptly at 6:30 PM blacktie event. Quite a unique item! I took both!
Tony 2026 playbill $1
Schmigadoon beautiful card that says congratulations on opening night and opens into a 3D insert $1
Hadestown opening night coin as well as the fandango similar silver coin
Ragtime , Hamilton and come from away opening night coins
Some beautiful promo hats from masquerade (with O.G written on front) oeudipus and waiting for godot bowler hat given at previews. Can anyone tell me if this masquerade hat was sold at the theater as I have never seen it before. Each were $2 at the end of the day!
Zippo lighter promotional item for opening night made for just in time which I believe was a gift from Jonathan to the rest of the cast. As this was a pricy item they threw in a whole bunch of promotional matches as well with acutely ill yellow rubber ducks in a statin pouch.
I saws fans made for Cats th eJellicle ball as well as large disco balls ? Does.anybody know if these were old at the theater.
Did anyone see any other cool chess items that day!
Updated On: 9/30/26 at 01:47 PM
Posted: 9/30/26 at 1:52pm
ClumsyDude15 said: "I am a Roseland year survivor and I was telling someone that if on a scale of 1 to 10 - 1 being the worst, 10 being the best - Roseland was a 1, Hammerstein was a 3. Hammerstein had space in the basement [as noted by others above] to allow folks an escape from the main floor whereas Roseland had not a single ounce of space to allow for breathing room.
I waited on line to get in for about 2 hours - I got on the line around 10:30-10:45 and got in roughly around 12:30-12:45ish. While I was on line, they told us at one point that the Lost Boys, Outsiders, and Hadestown tables had hit capacity for the day which I am sure at the time was true, but I was able to get to Lost Boys and Outsiders by the end of day. With that announcement, it felt like the line moved a bit faster.
Once I got in, I immediately went down to the basement which I think made all the difference. As I mentioned, there was space to breathe and just wander around a lot more freely than the main floor. People were sitting on the floor with their purchases and just enjoying the space. At one point I sat there and watched the stage combat company do a demostration which was really interesting.
I eventually made my way up to the main floor and it was chaos, but that was no surprise. They had a Broadway Cares volunteer keep coming up the middle of the walk way telling people to clear the middle, which felt counterintuitive because it only made it worse.
i didn't get to several tables I normally do because of the layout [example: Curtain Call], but I overall came out very happy with my finds. I got a Heart of Rock and Roll full company signed windowcard from the Maybe Happy Ending table for $15!
I ended up dipping out for a lunch break around 2-ish and came back from 3:30ish to the end of day. By then the crowds had thinned out and you could get around much easier, plus the mid to end of day deals started. They also counted down from the stage to 6pm when they officially closed and kicked everyone out.
My big end of day win was getting a Spelling Bee off-Broadway original revival cast windowcard and Chip name plate for $15. My most expensive thing I got was one of the Santa Carla t-shirts from the Lost Boys table for $45. In general, I spent a little more than intended, but nothing major.
It was definitely messy, but it's always messy no matter if it's indoors or out. It's one of my favorite days of the year and I absolutely think it's what you make of it. Huge shout out to the Broadway Cares team and all the folks who ran tables/volunteered/etc and to the security team at Hammerstein for handling all the chaos of it all.
Let's all start manifesting good weather for next year.
Overall haul:
- Heart of Rock and Roll signed windowcard.
- Spelling Bee off-Broadway windowcard + Chip name plate
- Operation Mincemeat Agent names t-shirt.
- Operation Mincemeat "Burning with destiny's light" opening night gift t-shirt.
- Hwaboon t-shirt from Maybe Happy Ending.
- 2025 Broadway Cares season t-shirt.
- Death Becomes Her sweatshirt.
- Cruel Intentions windowcard.
- The Cher Show out of town try out windowcard.
- Wicked 20 "Oh, what a celebration we'll have today" tote bag.
- Catherine Parr SIX tote bag.
- Cursed Child Hogwarts tote bag.
-Ragtime revival cup.
- Titanique cup.
- "Serving Lunt" hat from Death Becomes Her.
- A R+J & J hat from the crossover from Romeo + Juliet & Juliet.
- Mean Girls first national tour track jacket.
- A Just in Time opening night bookmark.
- Just in Time Broadway Cares button.
- A wristband Jonathan Groff gifted the cast/crew of Just in Time for his last performance that says "It wasn't enough" with the date of his last show on it.
- How to Dance in Ohio cast recording [a freebie].
- Blood Love: A Vampire Pop Opera sweatshirt.
- 2 Wicked legacy playbills - the 1 with Talia and Britney and the 1 with Idina and Kristin from Popular."
How much was the Hwaboon shirt, if you don't mind me asking? I wanted to buy one but I thought they'd have theater merch prices!
Posted: 9/30/26 at 1:56pm
^It was $20. I got it toward the middle of the day, so the price may have dropped prior to that. I originally wanted the Little Forest Robot sweatshirt, but they ran out.
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