Denzel Washington to return to Broadway in OTHELLO?- Page 5

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 9/6/24 at 7:59pm

Sutton Ross said: "That's a bit of a generalization, that Broadway has "turned into this". There has always beenshows with huge stars that have very expensive tickets, this is nothing new. Currently shows need to be brilliant or have huge stars to make a profit. It's a business and the goal is profit, like any other business.

Plus, there are always promo codes and good deals floating around for many shows out there. Just not this one.”

 

 

Well that just simply isn’t true. The Producers invented the idea of “premium tickets” and that wasn’t all that long ago. And everyone has noticed the extreme surge in tickets prices in the last few years. I remember paying $200 for a dead center fourth row orchestra seat to Hello, Dolly! with Bette Midler the night after opening and that felt like a splurge, which I was happy to do. You’re really out of touch if you think this is “nothing new.”

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/6/24 at 9:36pm

Lolz. 

[MysteriousLady]

Posted: 9/6/24 at 10:18pm

TotallyEffed said: "Sutton Ross said: "That's a bit of a generalization, that Broadway has "turned into this". There has always beenshows with huge stars that have very expensive tickets, this is nothing new. Currently shows need to be brilliant or have huge stars to make a profit. It's a business and the goal is profit, like any other business.

Plus, there are always promo codes and good deals floating around for many shows out there. Just not this one.”





Well that just simply isn’t true. The Producersinvented the idea of “premium tickets” and that wasn’t all that long ago. And everyone has noticed the extreme surge intickets prices in the last few years. I remember paying $200 for a dead center fourth row orchestra seat to Hello, Dolly! with Bette Midler the night after opening and that felt like a splurge, which I was happy to do. You’re really out of touch if you think this is “nothingnew.”"

Exactly. These prices were unheard of just a few years ago. But that's how it goes and I hope those who can afford this get their money's worth and enjoy. 

[George in DC]

Posted: 9/6/24 at 10:54pm

Sutton Ross said: "Lolz."

 

You must be laughing at your statement because you are wrong, pricing like this  is a very recent trend

Updated On: 9/7/24 at 10:54 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 9:21am

Nah, I'm laughing at how ridiculous a statement that is. People have really short memories I guess because before Covid prices were very similar for many shows. Prices go up when things are more expensive of course but, once again, big stars mean expensive tickets. That's always been a thing.

I know many people talk of needing theater in their lives which I get and completely respect. But, there are a thousand different ways to access it without going to the best theater district in the world. Broadway is a luxury item and it always has been (based on the average salary of theater attendees). The sense of entitlement some people have is gross. If I can't afford something, I don't get to experience it. That's life. 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 9:24am

I paid $1242 for two seats in row 4 of the orchestra in the center section on a Saturday matinee. Yes, the seats are very expensive- but everything is these days. I see a 2:00 matinee- and then they have to perform it again at 8:00- a very rigorous schedule. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 9:28am

Exactly. Have a wonderful time, Bwaybaby! 

[troynow]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 9:36am

George in DC said: "Sutton Ross said: "Lolz."



You must be laughing at your statement because you are wrong, pricing like this is a very recent trend"

The cost of producing a Broadway show has skyrocketed over the past few decades, and many factors contribute to this increase beyond just star salaries. Rising prices for materials, labor, and other production expenses, along with the impact of scalpers, all play a role in driving up ticket costs.

The cost of materials used in set design, such as wood, metal, fabric, and paint, has increased significantly due to supply chain disruptions and rising demand. Modern Broadway productions are also becoming more elaborate, with sophisticated lighting, digital screens, and special effects requiring more investment. Labor costs for everyone involved in the production—from stagehands, costume designers, and lighting technicians to musicians and marketing teams—have also risen, driven in part by union regulations that mandate competitive wages and benefits.

Theater rentals are another major expense, with rental rates increasing as theater owners face higher taxes and maintenance costs. Additionally, elaborate shows often require longer load-in and load-out times, which further adds to the expense. Marketing and promotion costs have soared, with Broadway shows needing extensive campaigns—including digital advertising, social media, and traditional media—to stand out in a crowded entertainment landscape.

Health and safety regulations, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, have also added new compliance costs, such as enhanced sanitation measures and increased insurance premiums. These regulations and other requirements have made production more expensive, necessitating even higher ticket prices to cover the expenses.

When "Hamilton" first went on sale to the public, scalpers quickly bought up tickets and resold them for as much as $800. This additional money went to resellers, not to the talent or to royalties for the creators and makers of the show. If the public is willing to pay such high prices, it is only fair that the creatives, designers, and others who bring the show to life should benefit from the demand.

Adding to these costs is the presence of big-name stars, who can command top dollar on Broadway. High-profile actors like Bryan Cranston (*Network*), Hugh Jackman (*The Music Man*), Al Pacino (*The Merchant of Venice*), Denzel Washington (*Fences*), Bette Midler (*Hello, Dolly!*), Daniel Craig (*Macbeth*), and Bradley Cooper (*The Elephant Man*) can significantly drive up ticket prices.

Many other stars also command high ticket prices when they come to Broadway:

- **Nathan Lane** - A Broadway legend, known for his roles in *The Producers* and *Angels in America*.
- **Patti LuPone** - Iconic for her roles in *Evita*, *Gypsy*, and *Company*.
- **Meryl Streep** - Though not a regular, Streep's presence on Broadway would undoubtedly draw top dollar.
- **Mark Rylance** - Acclaimed for performances in *Jerusalem* and *Farinelli and the King*.
- **Jake Gyllenhaal** - A crossover star known for *Sunday in the Park with George*.
- **Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick** - Their recent run in *Plaza Suite* created substantial buzz and ticket demand.
- **Glenn Close** - Noted for her work in *Sunset Boulevard* and *A Delicate Balance*.
- **Ben Platt** - Star of *Dear Evan Hansen*, who continues to draw a younger audience.
- **Idina Menzel** - Known for *Wicked* and *Rent*, with a massive fan base.
- **Lin-Manuel Miranda** - Creator of *Hamilton* and *In the Heights*, with immense popularity.
- **Audra McDonald** - A six-time Tony Award winner synonymous with Broadway excellence.

The immense drawing power of these stars, combined with rising production costs, results in soaring ticket prices. When a show features multiple stars or a particularly high-profile name, ticket prices can reach staggering levels to offset these expenses. Ultimately, the combination of increased costs and the demand for star-driven productions creates a perfect storm that makes Broadway tickets more expensive than ever.

Also lastly, the people investing their dollars in these productions also deserve a fair shake to at least get their money back if there is not going to be a huge profit.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 9:49am

If you look at concert tickets- they too have risen dramatically. I don't think $621 per ticket for a close up seat for a major dramatic offering on BWAY is outrageous. Look at the prices at Ticketmaster for any top level concert and it is way higher than that. The prices for Bernadette Peters concert in Atlanta were in the 4's for close up seats- and that is just a concert- not a full rendering of a classic play with other actors, scenery, etc. All in all, that is what you have to pay to see these types of productions- and, of course, it is a shame that people who love these performers might not have the funds to pay for tickets- but there is always someone else willing and able to pay- and that's the way it is.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 9:50am

When "Hamilton" first went on sale to the public, scalpers quickly bought up tickets and resold them for as much as $800

It was way more than that at the peak but the producers of Hamilton actually were selling legit tickets for $749 for premium seats in 2015 - 2017. So, not so recent or just in the past few years. It's always been a thing in the past few decades as you said. Thanks for the info as always, Troy. 

[MysteriousLady]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 9:56am

Sutton Ross said: "When "Hamilton" first went on sale to the public, scalpers quickly bought up tickets and resold them for as much as $800

It was way more than that at the peak but the producers of Hamilton actually were selling legit tickets for $749 for premium seats in 2015 - 2017. So, not so recent or just in the past few years. It's always been a thing in the past few decades as you said. Thanks for the info as always, Troy."

No matter how many times you repeat this, you are wrong. The top price for any play on Broadway (regardless of how famous the actors were) used to be (adjusted for inflation) about $75. 75 is far less than 800. 

Updated On: 9/7/24 at 09:56 AM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 10:39am

Ah yes, the top ticket was always 75 dollars for any play on Broadway. Ever. Maybe the Monopoly version you were playing? Also Hamilton is a musical and if you think that their top ticket in the years I mentioned was ever $75....I honestly don't know what to tell you. Facts matter regardless of your opinion of me being wrong, which I'm not. Just an example of a random February week for Hamilton below.

Feb 12,
2017

7

$2,903,693

Average ticket: $270.54 Top ticket: $849.00

10,73310,568

101.56%

8

-0.2%

 

 

 

[MysteriousLady]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 10:43am

Sutton Ross said: "Ah yes, the top ticket was always 75 dollars for any playon Broadway. Ever. Maybe the Monopoly version you were playing? AlsoHamilton is a musicaland if you think that theirtop ticket in the years I mentioned was ever $75....I honestly don't know what to tell you. Facts matter regardless of your opinion of me being wrong, which I'm not. Just an example of a random February week for Hamilton below.

Feb 12,
2017

7

$2,903,693

Average ticket: $270.54 Top ticket: $849.00

10,73310,568

101.56%

8

-0.2%





"

It may surprise you to know that Broadway history begins long before Hamilton. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 11:40am

This is the Othello 2025 thread. We are talking about this production's prices and the incorrect statement that these high prices came out of nowhere. I mentioned Hamilton and Troy touched on that as well because prices have always been high with high profile casting and/or high demand shows.

Anyways, everyone here knew that these prices would be extremely high given who is involved. Complaining about it is wild to me. I hope people absolutely love this show though. What a cast!

 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 9/7/24 at 8:09pm

Who said they came out of nowhere? I just mentioned The Producers which hit Broadway almost 25 years ago. I never implied this happened overnight, the wild rise in prices can be easily traced, especially with your handy Hamilton numbers. (Which really isn’t a great example, it was a major cultural phenomenon that was even featured on the cover of Rolling Stone. It was not your average Broadway play with an A-List movie star) We all know how supply and demand works and yes, some of us are concerned that we are hurtling towards $500 single tickets in the mezzanine. You’re allowed to be a staunch capitalist and anyone else is allowed to…not be one?

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 9/8/24 at 6:34am

High prices for entertainment is just the way things are now. A concert ticket- in a huge arena - often tops 1000 for the top acts- and this is for a big arena show. Take a look at what Vegas concerts are asking and getting. Broadway is no different- and is actually a better deal. So what if Denzel is charging above 600 for an orchestra seat in a small theater for a limited run. He deserves to be paid at least on par with a pop singer. For those who decry ticket prices on Broadway- wake up! Broadway- with small theaters- if a musical you have live musicians- and everything that goes into producing and presenting a Broadway experience- is actually a bargain. I know it is expensive- but so is every other quality entertainment. People on budgets are getting priced out of a lot of entertainment- but if you noticed- the prices asked are not at all deterring people from paying up- I saw Hell's Kitchen and that was close to 400 a ticket for orchestra seats.Bottom Line--- live entertainment is very expensive. 

Updated On: 9/8/24 at 06:34 AM

[Tom-497]

Posted: 9/8/24 at 12:56pm

I got a 7th row orchestra seat (three seats in from far-left) for $216, which seemed like a very good price to me.

Anyway, the discussion here led me to look up (in old NY Times ads) some top prices from well-known shows. In case it is of interest, below is what I found (the Producers price is actually from a news article, not an ad).

Guys & Dolls
1950: $6.60
Today: $83.04

Gypsy
1959: $9.40
Today: $100.57

Company
1970: $15.00
Today: $122.55

Evita
1979: $25.00
Today: $105.41

Phantom
1988: $50.00
Today: $135.93

Victor/Victoria
1996: $75.00
Today: $152.30

The Producers
2001: $480
Today: $849.63

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 9/8/24 at 1:13pm

Inflation isn't a good comparison for Broadway:

Using the percentage increase of union minimums will paint a better picture. Some of those shows were incredibly cheap to run and put up back in the day because actors and musicians and crew were being paid criminally low wages, working conditions were worse, the cost of goods/services were much lower, and budget lines like Sound and automation and projection and certain forms of advertising simply didn't exist.

Nowadays, hit shows are also grappling with a ruthless resale market. While it did exist for hit shows dating back to the original My Fair Lady and before, the internet has made it much much easier to acquire tickets and resell them at a sky high price. If a broker buys for $200 and resells for $800, that's $600 that's not going to the hardworking people who actually put on the show.

Being that premium ticketing is a bit of a free-for-all and didn't exist meaningfully prior to the 2000s, measuring the cost of the lowest price is generally the best way to paint a picture of how pricing has evolved.

Updated On: 9/8/24 at 01:13 PM

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 9/8/24 at 1:16pm

Wild that some Amex Preferred in the first row front mezzanine on the side are as low as $216, when the seats next to them are $621, minimum. Probably the best deal on there. 

Updated On: 9/8/24 at 01:16 PM

[Jarethan]

Posted: 9/8/24 at 3:06pm

Tom-497 said: "I got a 7th row orchestra seat (three seats in from far-left) for $216, which seemed like a very good price to me.

Anyway, the discussion here led me to look up (in old NY Times ads) some top prices from well-known shows. In case it is of interest, below is what I found (the Producers price is actually from a news article, not an ad).

Guys & Dolls
1950: $6.60
Today: $83.04

Gypsy
1959: $9.40
Today: $100.57

Company
1970: $15.00
Today: $122.55

Evita
1979: $25.00
Today: $105.41

Phantom
1988: $50.00
Today: $135.93

Victor/Victoria
1996: $75.00
Today: $152.30

The Producers
2001: $480
Today: $849.63"

Probably worth pointing out the The Producers did not have a huge number of premium seats.  80% of the orchestra was $100.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 9/8/24 at 4:21pm

All we can say is- times have changed. Makes no difference if we think or do not think tickets to concerts or sports everts are outrageous or not- they are not gonna change- period. Airlines also have gotten expensive- so have cars. Just the way it is. For those who can afford these things- that is okay- for others who cannot- it is not so good- but that is the way it is and is gonna be- or gonna get get even more expensive as time moves on. Nothing wrong with watching a good movie on tv- a lot cheaper and no crowds.

[JasonC3]

Posted: 9/8/24 at 6:48pm

BWAY Baby2 said: "All we can say is- times have changed. Makes no difference if we think or do not think tickets to concerts or sports everts are outrageous or not- they are not gonna change- period. Airlines also have gotten expensive- so have cars. Just the way it is. For those who can afford these things- that is okay- for others who cannot- it is not so good- but that is the way it is and is gonna be- or gonna get get even more expensive as time moves on. Nothing wrong with watching a good movie on tv- a lot cheaper and no crowds."

Average airfares (when adjusted for inflation) are much lower than previous decades:
https://www.bts.gov/content/annual-us-domestic-average-itinerary-fare-current-and-constant-dollars

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 9/9/24 at 5:09pm

Not first class fares.

[JasonC3]

Posted: 9/9/24 at 5:16pm

BWAY Baby2 said: "Not first class fares."

LOL. Changing the goalpost to a standard less relevant to the average person.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 9/9/24 at 11:44pm

Regardless- all in all, changing 621 for a ticket in the orchestra for Othello with Denzel and Jake starring- I think is fair- and maybe a bargain when measured against concert tickets. My opinion- but- of course- our opinions mean nothing- things are what they are- and they will only increase charges as time goes by. If you do not like it- watch television. . 

Updated On: 9/9/24 at 11:44 PM