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.
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