Riedel on Hamilton $995 premium tickets — Page 4

sorry, but I can't think of a time where I spent over $100 per ticket to any show. I think people are nuts to waste their money on any show even if they can afford the $450+ ticket prices.

Yep, I can't see people being willing to pay these prices for any other show. Not even Frozen when that comes along, considering people will be buying tickets for parents and children. Unless they're incredibly wealthy, I think they'd rather put the film on than spend $4000.

Shows could raise their prices to the same but they'd be soon bringing them back down again when they realize no one will pay that.

The producers of other Broadway shows aren't dumb. They know their show isn't 'Hamilton'. They know there probably wont be another show that can afford to charge these kind of prices for years to come.

Updated On: 4/24/16 at 08:41 PM

Phantom4ever said: "I wish someone would show me some proof that the scalped Hamilton tickets go down in price as the show gets closer. I have yet to see it. And yet it's my only hope."



Two tickets, 2nd row center. These tickets dropped about every hour starting around 3pm. I like to watch incase I pull the trigger again. If it's a pick up only ticket, print directly at StubHub on 40th St and walk briskly to the RRT. If it's a download ticket, you can do the same or print at the FedEx Kinkos at the Marriott next door or Staples on 8th Ave near the theater.



I've noticed this price drop trend a lot now.

I said this in 2011 (i.e., BOM days) but I can't see how this kind of economics is healthy for the wider Broadway economy - when people are spending thousands to see one show I can't see how they'd afford to or have much interest in seeing multiple shows (i.e., their 'budget' on Broadway shows would be spent). Though I have no actual evidence to suggest it is a negative thing for the wider broadway economy, and Hamilton is clearly bringing people to the theatre that probably wouldn't have gone otherwise, so maybe it's actually a good thing for the long-term.

But I say raise the prices. I'd much rather be paying $1,000 to the Hamilton producers than a greedy ticket scalper. This show is a classic example of why premium pricing was invented* - but the unprecedented demand for this show clearly shows that the show needs to be priced even higher.

* I find that many struggling shows continue to use this model where it isn't that useful. Holding premium priced seats and then selling them at the last minute to half price TKTS goers is probably not going to keep those who pay full-price very happy.

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 04:38 AM

Oh sorry I didn't mean it like that. What I mean is, in my opinion premium seating only works when there actually demand for a show. Holding a bunch of prime orchestra seats that don't get sold until the last minute at a cheap price is a bit annoying for those that would have been willing to buy them at full (non-premium) price because they end up getting 2nd-tier seats or not purchasing tickets at all because they are dissatisfied with the seats available. I suppose many people who buy full-priced (non-premium) wouldn't know that this happens, so maybe it doesn't bother too many people. I can say that it bothers me and a couple of posters on this forum who have expressed similar frustration at this situation in the past, though.

"The price tag of $995 is insane, but it's also insane to see rear mezzanine seats on Ticketmaster for a whopping $3,000. I understand supply and demand, but the price tag being so hefty is just mind boggling. I wish there was some happy medium way to make it so that all parties come out on top, but it's not very ideal or likely."



"come out on top"??? i don't understand. are the people who pay $1,000+ per ticket being REQUIRED to spend the money and buy it? are the producers of Hamilton sticking a GUN to their head and forcing them to go see the live performance of a musical that will be around for many more years? there can be no "loser" in a consenting exchange of commerce via the free market. how is it that someone is 'losing' here? are you referring to people who don't have the means to afford such a ticket price? if so, I'll repeat what I say every single damn time:



1.) live entertainment is NOT a right. it is NOT a necessity. it is a luxury... it is a privilege.



2.) there are PLENTY of ways to access both this show and other shows in an affordable way: lottery, cancellation, rush, gifting, discount, etc. just because YOU haven't been the beneficiary doesn't mean you're losing and someone else is coming out on top.



the dramatics, rhetoric and hysteria on display by people who would rather live in a government regulated financial market, like North Korea, is getting to the point of absurdity. i hope you're all just trolling at this point...

Dave13 said: "I am all for putting the brokers out of business. I rather see the show get the money that a scalper.

Agreed. Plus, if that money's getting into the right hands, at least some of it will go toward the creation of more theatre. I'd rather that a hundred times over than scalpers getting rich off of it.

^^^ if people complained about not being able to afford the show, i would never speak up or response. unfortunately, that's NOT what people complain about. they complain about it not being more "fair." they complain they're getting 'screwed' and 'shut out,' which is completely different than bemoaning the fact that you cannot afford a ticket. that implies and insinuates that something potentially nefarious is happening... it also gives off an attitude of self-entitlement. THAT is what I am responding to. nothing else. give me a break with your ridiculous, completely baseless accusations.

"2.) there are PLENTY of ways to access both this show and other shows in an affordable way: lottery, cancellation, rush, gifting, discount, etc. just because YOU haven't been the beneficiary doesn't mean you're losing and someone else is coming out on top. "



Yes there are but I think there are people like myself pointing out how amazing it is to us to spend $995 for one ticket. Like I posted earlier, I am spending a few dollars less for a 7 day cruise with a balcony cabin. To each their own I guess - lol. I paid $89 to see Hamilton last September.

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 10:56 AM

Many cruises now offer very exclusive staterooms that could cost up to $30k- there was just an article in the NYTimes about businesses offering premium experiences to the very wealthy.

The fact is: people who can afford these luxuries will pay for them. Broadway is not a populist venue and has not been in some time.

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 11:10 AM

dramamama611 said: "People always complain about whatever show is most expensive...even at face value. Heck, around here, it doesn't even have to be most expensive



Again....all of my tickets have been either through the website or at the box office...face value. It can be done.



"

^ This. At the end of the day, if you have an Amex when tickets are put on pre-sale, you should be able to purchase a seat at face value.

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 12:12 PM

I don't see how this has any ripple effects beyond Hamilton and any other as-yet-unknown shows that can get away with it (Bette as Dolly?). Otherwise, other shows that sold premium seats: Spring Awakening, The Last Ship, Amazing Grace, Doctor Zhivago, Holler If Ya Hear Me, and on and on....