Hamilton: An American Musical is one of the most popular and acclaimed musicals of the past decade. With music, lyrics, and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway styles to tell the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Since opening on Broadway in 2015, Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon, winning 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Tickets are notoriously difficult to get and expensive. So is Hamilton worth the time, effort, and money required to see it live on stage?
What is Hamilton about?
Hamilton follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers. Act 1 depicts Hamilton’s humble beginnings in the Caribbean, his arrival in New York City, his service in the Revolutionary War, and his role in the newly formed United States government. Act 2 covers Hamilton’s political career as the first Secretary of the Treasury, his extramarital affair and resulting blackmail, his intense rivalry with Aaron Burr, and ultimately his fatal duel with Burr in 1804.
The musical takes historical facts about Hamilton’s life and reframes them with modern sensibilities. Diverse casting portrays the Founding Fathers and other historical figures with actors of color. The score combines hip-hop, R&B, pop, and showtune styles, giving historical events a contemporary and energetic feel. Miranda’s lyrics are witty and dense with references, revealing character and propelling the narrative forward.
What makes Hamilton so popular and acclaimed?
Hamilton has been praised for several aspects that make it stand out among Broadway shows:
- Diverse casting – Traditional white historical figures are portrayed by Black, Latino, and Asian American actors. This highlights the contributions of marginalized communities in America’s origins.
- Music – Hamilton has been hailed for its blend of musical styles. The hip-hop, pop, and R&B numbers contrast with more traditional Broadway songs to create a uniquely contemporary sound.
- Performances – Hamilton features talented triple-threat performers. Complex choreography combines with virtuosic rapping and singing for an electrifying experience.
- Story and themes – Hamilton explores timeless themes like legacy, sacrifice, and human nature through a forgotten Founding Father’s story. The show finds modern connections to Hamilton’s ambition and drive for a “place in the narrative.”
- Acclaim – Hamilton’s popularity feeds its popularity. The show’s 11 Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prize validate Hamilton as a landmark production.
Altogether, Hamilton’s progressive take on history, catchy and complex music, and themes of legacy and storytelling resonate with audiences and critics alike.
What is the experience of seeing Hamilton like?
Seeing Hamilton live on stage is an exhilarating experience. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Immersive theater – No matter where you sit, you feel intimately close to the action on stage. Hamilton is performed in-the-round with the set in the center and audiences seated around it on all sides.
- Nonstop music – Over 20 musical numbers propel the narrative forward. The strength of the score transports you to Hamilton’s world.
- A multi-media feast – Animated scene transitions, revolving set pieces, and costume transformations happen right before your eyes.
- Live emotion – The raw energy of the performers draws you into pivotal dramatic moments like the duels, arguments, and deaths depicted.
Audience members laugh, cry, sing, and rap along during the show. For many, Hamilton offers an unforgettable theatrical event.
Where can you see Hamilton performed?
Currently Hamilton is playing at multiple locations globally:
City | Theater |
---|---|
New York | Richard Rodgers Theatre |
Chicago | CIBC Theatre |
London | Victoria Palace Theatre |
San Francisco | Orpheum Theatre |
Los Angeles | Pantages Theatre |
Sydney | Lyric Theatre |
Additional touring productions travel to major cities across the United States and Canada throughout the year. Upcoming tours have been announced for Fort Worth, Des Moines, Memphis, Louisville, Boston, Greenville, St. Louis, and more.
Dedicated fans even travel to see the same production multiple times. Visiting more than one city allows you to compare different casts and productions.
What are the pros and cons of seeing Hamilton live?
Here are some key pros and cons to weigh when considering Hamilton:
Pros
- Seeing the all the costume changes, dance moves, and stage wizardry live provides an immersive experience that can’t be replicated on the cast recording.
- You get to experience beloved songs like “My Shot” and “The Room Where It Happens” in the context of the full musical.
- Being in the theater for the Hamilton experience – cheering, laughing, crying – is exhilarating.
- If you win the ticket lottery, you can get affordable seats by being flexible.
Cons
- Hamilton’s popularity means high ticket demand. Unless you win the ticket lottery, it can be expensive and difficult to get tickets.
- If you spend hundreds on a coveted ticket, it may set high expectations that are hard to meet.
- Choosing the right date depends on the cast. Your favorite actor may be out sick or on vacation!
- Lottery rules vary. Some require in-person entries making spontaneous trips difficult.
How much do Hamilton tickets cost?
Hamilton tickets are in very high demand, so prices typically exceed other Broadway musicals. Expect to pay:
Seating Section | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Front Mezzanine | $300 – $600 |
Mid Mezzanine | $200 – $350 |
Rear Mezzanine/Balcony | $125 – $200 |
Rear Balcony | $85 – $150 |
Front row orchestra seats can fetch $1,000 or more. By comparison, most other popular Broadway musicals price orchestra seats between $100-$300 and rear mezzanine seats between $60-$150.
Prices also spike higher around holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation season. Matinee shows are generally less expensive than evening performances.
How can you get cheaper Hamilton tickets?
Getting affordable Hamilton tickets requires effort, flexibility, and luck. Here are some options to find deals:
- Ticket lottery – Enter daily lotteries for $10 front row tickets. Odds are around 1 in 300 for most shows.
- Rush tickets – Wait in line same-day for $50 cash-only standing room tickets.
- Broadway Box – This ticket reseller offers discounted Hamilton tickets compared to others.
- Last minute – Check ticket listing sites for unsold seats at the last minute.
- Off-peak shows – Tickets for matinees and nights like Tuesdays tend to be less in-demand.
Subscribing to theater ticket newsletters can provide access to special offers and presales for newly released seats too.
How does Hamilton compare to seeing other Broadway shows?
Compared to most big Broadway musicals, Hamilton offers some key differences:
Hamilton | Typical Broadway Show | |
---|---|---|
Ticket Availability | Extremely limited | Easier to obtain |
Ticket Cost | Expensive $200+ on average | Moderate $100 average |
Hype & Expectations | High due to popularity | Lower and more manageable |
Music & Dancing | Energetic hip-hop and intricate choreography | More traditional showtunes |
Stage Production | Cutting-edge, high-tech sets and lighting | More modest sets and effects |
However, every Broadway musical aims to deliver an exceptional audience experience. While Hamilton goes bigger in scale, seeing any Broadway show live offers a thrill.
Should you see Hamilton on Broadway?
Deciding whether to splurge on Hamilton tickets depends on your budget and enthusiasm for the show. Here are some final recommendations on whether to see it live:
- See it if – You’re a huge fan willing to spend hundreds per ticket and work to get seats. Being in the theater can’t be matched.
- Think twice if – Your budget is tight. Other shows provide great live entertainment for half the price.
- Wait for the tour if – You like the music but want an easier trip. National tours have more ticket availability.
- Skip it if – You just want a casual theater outing. Lower expectations may lead to more enjoyment.
Conclusion
Hamilton’s popularity shows no signs of waning. For die-hard fans, seeing Hamilton on Broadway offers an unparalleled theatrical experience. However, high ticket prices and limited availability may make Hamilton prohibitive. With some planning and luck though, you can find affordable ways to be in the room where it happens.