I've always hated scalpers and those who purchase from them, but now, the producers of these shows are being scalpers as well. Now they charge $40-50 more for the exact same seats to the exact same show they sold for $80-90 the previous year. They're gouging the public and then wonder why fewer people are going to the theatre each year.
As for the minimalist thing, it depends on the show. Some shows are beautifully written AND need sets while others don't. And then there are shows that are visually stunning enough to make up for the lack in writing. This is not necessarily a bad thing, either. And then there are the shows in which the set layers a concept into the piece that was not provided into the text, such as the revival of An Inspector Calls. It's a fantastic play, but the set and lighting only enhanced what was already a brilliant piece. Personally, I didn't care for the inconsistent staging of the Broadway production of Ragtime and I doubt I would like this minimalist approach either. But then, I'm rather iffy on the book as well. Beautiful score, but everything else was rathy uneven and shaky.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian