This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
mitchern
Understudy Joined: 5/7/03
#1This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:07am
These prices are absolutely insane - as is paying more than $3k a ticket to see Tituss Burgess (or anyone!)
#2This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:11am
This thread needs more context
Well I didn't want to get into it, but he's a Satanist.
Every full moon he sacrifices 4 puppies to the Dark Lord and smears their blood on his paino.
This should help you understand the score for Wicked a little bit more.
Tazber's: Reply to
Is Stephen Schwartz a Practicing Christian
Huss417
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#3This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:14am
rosscoe(au) said: "This thread needs more context"
I paid about 300 to see Titus's Burgess in Oh Mary!
This thread seems somewhat insane to me.
"I hope your Fanny is bigger than my Peter."
Mary Martin to Ezio Pinza opening night of Fanny.
Updated On: 3/22/25 at 10:14 AM
mitchern
Understudy Joined: 5/7/03
#4This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:18am
Sorry, I was annoyed and forgot the link:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/crazy-broadway-ticket-prices-does-clooney-or-denzel-charge-the-most/
macbeth
Broadway Star Joined: 5/7/03
#5This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:19am
You just need to look at a show like Wicked and how it's average ticket price has increased:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses/WICKED
It does seem unsustainable
MemorableUserName
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/27/19
#6This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:25am
Yawn. Nonsense clickbait. Yes, there are often egregiously priced tickets on resale sites. That doesn't mean they're sold for that price. And a reseller willing to hike the price that much, or the person willing to pay it, gets what they deserve.
After the hysteria peddling:
"Now, these resale prices fluctuate not just on a daily basis, but an hourly one; prices could be much less—or much more!—now than when we looked them up, and next week different stars could be commanding top-dollar compared to the ones right now. But the difference between the movie stars’ baseline ticket prices and the theater stars’ resale surge is fascinating to me. Theater lovers apparently want to see good theater, movie stars be damned, and are willing to pay for it.
And, for what it’s worth, these are obviously not average ticket prices. It is possible to see these productions for much, much cheaper. That is how I, someone who works in media (aka a Poor Person), sees shows—although it would be a stretch to call tickets affordable."
Dolly80
Broadway Star Joined: 5/15/11
#7This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:40am
While this article is infuriating, no one is paying $2k to see Bernadette Peters.. I do think the producers of Othello and Good Night should hang their heads in shame at the prices. It’s horrifying what they are charging.
#8This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 10:45am
I think I’d be literally the only person in the world who would pay $2,000 to see Bernadette Peters.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#9This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 11:21am
I've said before I don't think this is sustainable strategy, and I definitely don't buy into the argument that people buying these expensive tickets is a rising tide that will lift all boats. If anything, I think it reduces the amount people will be willing to spend on other things- from other tickets, to pre/post-show meals and drinks, to other activities in NYC if they're visiting. Yes, these productions employ a constellation of people, but that is a comparatively smaller impact. There is a palpable sense of economic uncertainty right now and consumer confidence is taking a hit, which means extraneous spending will also be taking a hit.
Moreover, neither Othello nor Good Night are drawing good word of mouth and neither seem posed to net their stars awards. A Broadway run is a major commitment, especially for Hollywood stars, with the allure of prestige being a major selling point for their participation. Folks like Gyllenhaal and Washington clearly love the stage and would likely keep doing Broadway regardless, but that can't be said for other celebs like Clooney. They'll want projects that mean something to their careers, wallets, and image (and Broadway can't compete with Hollywood on the wallet).
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Updated On: 3/22/25 at 11:21 AM
Mike66
Leading Actor Joined: 12/17/15
#10This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 12:33pm
MemorableUserName said: "Yawn. Nonsense clickbait. Yes, there are often egregiously priced tickets on resale sites. That doesn't mean they're sold for that price. And a reseller willing to hike the price that much, or the person willing to pay it, gets what they deserve.
As someone who sells tickets online (tennis, not Broadway), I will often list a ticket for a VERY high price -- I'm actually just trying to get it listed on the site. It takes much less time later to change the asking price than it takes to go through the listing process.
That might explain some of the truly wacky prices that come up when you search. Or maybe not. (There is an old joke about the fellow selling pencils with a sign that says 'pencils $100 each. A man comes up and says -- "I bet you dont sell many at that price" and the response is "i dont have to sell many at that price..)
MemorableUserName
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/27/19
#11This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 12:42pm
Mike66 said: "As someone who sells tickets online (tennis, not Broadway), I will often list a ticket for a VERY high price -- I'm actually just trying to get it listed on the site. It takes much less time later to change the asking price than it takes to go through the listing process.
That might explain some of the truly wacky prices that come up when you search. Or maybe not. (There is an old joke about the fellow selling pencils with a sign that says 'pencils $100 each. A man comes up and says -- "I bet you dont sell many at that price" and the response is "i dont have to sell many at that price..)"
Very interesting. And even more reason why an article that boils down to, "Look at these ridiculous resale prices!" is pointless.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#12This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 12:56pm
Yawn. Comparing re-sale, scalper prices to original costs is ridiculous.
Yes, some tickets are obnoxiously priced and if you've waited to the last minute to get tix to a hot show or hot cast member - you are likely going to pay a premium to do so. I saw three shows a few days ago - bought 2 tickets for each show. (OM, Streetcar and Othello.) I was mid mezz for two shows and mid orch for the third. I paid somewhere around 800 for all tickets combined. Note: I did purchase both Streetcar & Othello very early upon their availibility. I even became a member at BAM to access those tickets before general sale - the amount of the ticket discount I got for BEING a member was very close to how much it cost to BECOME a member. (the amount I paid for that is included in my all-in-price)
Value is in the eye of the beholder. If you feel like Titus is worth 3k? That's your call and your money.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#13This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 1:00pm
That unpaid intern should be really proud they got their bullsh*t article published!
शक्तिशाली महिला
Jarethan
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/10/11
#14This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 2:05pm
binau said: "I think I’d be literally the only person in the world who would pay $2,000 to see Bernadette Peters."
Would you really. I love BP, and have seen her countless times, but ...
Just curious as to whether you are being hyperbolic to make a point or really would, and under what circumstances? Of course, if you are truly wealthy, I guess it doesn't matter how much you pay.
#15This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 2:12pm
I am not wealthy - I don’t even own property. I just choose to spend my money on things I’m very passionate about, even if I probably shouldn’t. I would pay $2,000 to see Bernadette Peters in these kinds of scenarios:
* Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd (especially years ago but even now)
* Claire in The Visit with Mandy Patinkin
* a reunion concert of Sunday with Mandy both in their original roles (TBH I’d probably pay more for that).
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
schubox
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/16
#16This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 5:24pm
Someone will pay me $3k for my Tituss ticket?
#17This is insane - Why A-Listers are NOT Broadway’s Most Expensive Draw
Posted: 3/22/25 at 7:17pm
I’m more than willing to hand over a chunk of change for Keanu.
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