This summer, Hamilton: An American Musical, has taken the theatre world by storm. An unexpected success in many ways, Hamilton uses rap, and a medley of other musical styles to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, the first treasury secretary of the United States. In a time of debate over national identity and heritage, Hamilton is incredibly important. By placing people of color in the leading roles, Hamilton reimagines American history for those who have not been represented in the history books. Hamilton adds a new, historical dimension to current debates on everything from government transparency to American intervention in foreign revolutions. Furthermore, the music is new, exciting, and just plain catchy.
Yet, after being nominated for a record 16 Tony awards, tickets are almost impossible to come by. Buying tickets directly from the Hamilton website is notoriously difficult: tickets are released in blocks once every few months, and often sell out in minutes. You can only get two tickets per computer, so if you want more than two tickets you’ll need to have multiple browsers open. Although you can buy resold tickets online, those tickets often can come to over 1,000 dollars a piece, a ridiculous amount. Here’s a guide to how you can get tickets.
1.HamforHam
Every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., there’s an in-person lottery at the Richard Rodgers Theatre at 226 West 46th Street in Times Square. 21 front row tickets to that Wednesday’s matinee are auctioned off for 10$ apiece. Winner can choose between one and two tickets (depending on availability)Sometimes, extra standing room tickets are auctioned off. If you’re interested in attending a HamforHam, arrive early. Sometimes, almost 1,000 people come. The line to enter the lottery normally winds around the block. If you arrive more than a couple minutes after 12, prepare for the light to be cut off before you get to the front. The Wednesday HamforHams give you a better chance of winning than the online lottery, as far fewer people show up in person during the work day than enter the online lottery. As an added perk, Lin-Manuel Miranda and other stars almost only come out and do a small performance for the gathered fans. Past HamforHams have included Jonathan Groff (King George III) miming and acting along to the “The Schuyler Sisters” and the female leads of Hamilton including Phillipa Soo (Eliza Schuyler), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler), and Jasmine Cephas Jones (Maria Reynolds/ Margarita “Peggy” Schuyler) performing “My Shot”. Even if you don’t win, seeing amazing actors having fun live is an incredible experience. Note: if you win, you must pay in cash.
2. Online lottery
Six days a week there’s an online lottery at https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/show/hamilton/ in which 21 front row tickets for that day’s performance are given to winners. Similar to the HamforHam, winners can choose between one or two tickets (depending on availability) and tickets are 10$. Regardless of whether you win, you’re notified via email around 4:00. If you win tickets to an evening performance, you have the one hour window from 4:00-5:00 to claim the tickets online. Later, when picking up the tickets at the box office, make sure to bring a photo ID that exactly matches the name you entered in the lottery. If you don’t bring the ID, you will not be allowed to receive the tickets. The online lottery is notoriously difficult to win because so many people enter, but it’s still good to take a shot. It’s open from 9 AM or 9:30 AM (depending on the day) so you have plenty of time to enter. Entering only takes a few minutes and it’s free to enter.
3. Cancellation line
If you’re deadset on having tickets and you have time, you can try waiting in the cancellation line. The length of the cancellation line varies enormously. During the winter, you only need to wait a couple hours. During the summer, the lines are longer. People generally need to wait about three days (at least). While camping out in Times Square isn’t a fun proposition, it’s not too bad if you’re with friends. People in the line tend to chat and get to know one another. The Marriot hotel next to the theatre will allow you to charge your phone. Pizza places and stores nearby will normally let you use their bathrooms. And of course, there’s no shortage of food in the area. Once you’ve been in line for a couple of hours and get to know the people behind and in front of you, it’s generally accepted to be able to leave for an hour or two to take a break or get some food. You may not sleep well on the cement (even in a sleeping bag) but most people who wait on the cancellation line think it’s worth it. Tickets from the cancellation line come in three prices: premium (starting at a steep $549), standard (starting at $139), and standing room ($40).
Hamilton is one of the best musicals ever made. You deserve to be able to experience it. Good luck!
