Getting rush tickets for popular Broadway shows like The Music Man can be a great way to see the show for a discounted price without buying tickets far in advance. However, because rush tickets are limited and offered first come first served, knowing what time to get in line is key to scoring seats. Here are some tips on when to arrive to wait in the rush ticket line for The Music Man.
What are rush tickets for The Music Man?
The Music Man rush tickets are a certain number of tickets that are sold on the day of each performance for $47. These rush tickets can only be purchased in person at the Winter Garden Theatre box office when it opens. The Music Man has one of the more popular rush policies on Broadway, making a limited number of rush tickets available for every performance.
What time does the box office open?
The box office at the Winter Garden Theatre opens at 10:00 AM Monday through Saturday, and at noon on Sundays. This means rush tickets go on sale at those times. Show up any earlier and you’ll just be waiting on the street.
When should you get in line?
There are a few factors that determine when you should get in line for rush tickets:
Day of the week
Earlier is better on weekends. Friday and Saturday nights are the most popular performances. Consider arriving at 7:00 AM or earlier those mornings to increase your chances. The line will likely already be very long.
For weekday performances, arriving between 8:00-9:00 AM is typically early enough. Thursdays tend to be busier than other weekdays.
Weather
Bad weather keeps some people away, improving your chances even if you show up later. On nice days, expect larger crowds and plan to come earlier.
Time of year
The busy tourist season and holidays bring larger crowds. Line up earlier if seeing the show between May and September or during Christmas.
School breaks
Student rush makes the regular rush line longer during summer vacation or other school breaks. Add extra time those weeks.
Hot shows
The hotter the show, the longer the line. The Music Man is very popular as a new revival with big stars. Treat it as a hot show and line up early.
How early do people typically arrive?
For very popular shows like The Music Man, the front of the line can form 3 hours or more prior to the box office opening. Many people arrive between 1-2 hours early. Keep in mind that the line moves slowly at first, then speeds up closer to opening.
Here are some estimated times people arrive for The Music Man rush:
Arrival Time | Estimated Spot in Line |
7:00 AM | First 5-10 people |
8:00 AM | Around 15-25 back |
9:00 AM | 30-40 back |
Of course, these are just estimates and vary day to day. Earlier is always better for popular shows.
Does everyone in line get tickets?
Not always. Only a limited number of rush tickets are available – it can be as few as 20 tickets per performance for very hot shows. Plus, not everyone waits for rush. Some people further back in line may purchase other tickets if rush sells out by the time they reach the front.
In general, plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the box office opens to likely get rush tickets, and 2+ hours ahead for your best chance on busy days. But nothing is guaranteed with rush tickets.
Where is the rush line?
The rush ticket line for The Music Man forms along West 50th Street, on the left side of the Winter Garden Theatre. Look for the signs for the box office. Make sure you are in the rush ticket line rather than the regular ticket holder line or cancellation line. Ask a staff member if you are unsure.
Can you increase your odds of getting rush tickets?
Here are some tips to improve your chances for scoring The Music Man rush tickets:
- Go earlier than you think you need to – better safe than sorry.
- Aim for less popular times – Tuesday matinees are less busy than Friday nights.
- Check the weather – rain and cold keeps crowds away.
- Don’t go on holidays or during school vacations.
- See the show after it has been open for a while – rush lines are shorter once the initial buzz dies down.
- Go with 1 other person – odd numbers of tickets are sometimes easier to accommodate.
- Be prepared to split your group up if needed – take any seats you can get.
What can you do while waiting in line?
Be prepared for the wait – bring:
- A bottle of water and snack
- An umbrella or rain gear
- A jacket in cold weather
- Entertainment such as a book, podcast, cards, portable chargers for your phone
Also, get to know the people waiting around you! Bonding with your line-mates can make the time go by faster. You’re all in it together hoping for rush tickets.
Is the wait worth it?
For many theatergoers, yes! The savings off full priced tickets makes enduring the rush line worthwhile. Just being in the Broadway theater district feels exciting. Rush allows you to see shows you otherwise may not be able to afford.
However, it requires effort and time. You have to be strategic in choosing off peak days/times and willing to wait 1-3 hours in line. It’s not for everyone, but an amazing experience for devoted theater fans.
What’s the process once the box office opens?
Once the box office opens, the line starts slowly moving forward. Have your ID and payment ready. When you reach the window, let the agent know you want 1 or 2 rush tickets for that day’s performance.
If tickets remain, you pay in cash or credit card and receive a voucher to redeem at the door. Retrieve your actual ticket(s) at the will call box office about an hour before show time. You may get to select your seating section if given a choice.
Be flexible – if only single seats remain and you need two, decide if you’re willing to split up. Take whatever tickets you can get.
If rush is sold out, nicely ask about standing room only availability or other discount options. You can also request to be waitlisted in case more seats become available.
What if you don’t get rush tickets?
Don’t despair! Here are some options if you don’t get rush tickets:
- Ask about standing room only tickets.
- Check the TKTS booth for discounted tickets to other shows.
- Consider a Broadway tour instead.
- See if any tickets are released day of at the box office.
- Try the rush line again another day.
- Wait at the stage door after the show to meet actors.
Part of the fun is the unpredictability of whether you’ll get in. There are still ways to experience Broadway magic without rush tickets.
Is rush or lottery better for The Music Man?
The Music Man holds a digital ticket lottery rather than in-person lottery. A limited number of $59 tickets are awarded through the lottery.
Rush tickets are $47, so slightly cheaper. However, entering the lottery allows you to take a chance without waiting in line. Lottery entries are submitted online the day before the performance.
So rush saves more money but requires more effort. The lottery offers convenience at the cost of slightly higher priced tickets. Either can be a great option depending on your priorities.
Pro-tips for rush lotteries on Broadway
While each show handles rush and lotteries differently, these general tips can boost your odds:
- Sign up for multiple lotteries when visiting NYC to increase chances of winning.
- Check theater websites in advance for rush and lottery policies.
- Know the exact location to line up or enter the theater.
- Arrive ultra early for rush lines of hot shows.
- Have backup plans if you don’t get rush tickets.
- Be willing to split up your group across different seats.
- Aim for less popular show times like weekday matinees.
- See a range of shows, not just the newest, hottest ones.
- Check Broadway forums for recent reports on rush lines.
Is the Music Man rush worth it?
The Music Man remains one of the top Broadway hits after its premiere in late 2021. The popular revival stars Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster, and Jayne Houdyshell. With tickets normally priced $179 and up, the $47 rush seats are an incredible bargain.
Many devoted fans report the 3+ hour early morning wait being well worth it to secure rush tickets. However, the limited number of seats means rush tickets often sell out. You’ll need dedication and a very early arrival time.
If willing to put in the effort, The Music Man rush can provide an affordable way to see one of Broadway’s hottest current shows. Trying both rush and the lottery on different days can maximize your chances of seeing this popular show for less.
Key tips summary
Here are the key tips for getting The Music Man rush tickets:
- Arrive at least 1 hour before box office opens (2-3+ hours for best chance)
- Go earlier on weekends, holidays, school breaks
- Aim for Tuesday matinees and other off-peak times
- Check the weather and go when rain/cold is forecast
- Only limited tickets available so nothing is guaranteed
- Bring entertainment, food, drinks for the wait
- Have backup plans if you don’t get tickets
- Be strategic and persistent for the best rush success!
Conclusion
While challenging, trying for Music Man rush tickets can provide big savings on high-demand Broadway shows. Arrive extremely early, target off-peak times, and employ other rush line tips and tricks. With persistence and patience, an affordable musical theater experience awaits!