Hamilton is one of the most popular and sought-after musicals in recent history. Ever since it debuted on Broadway in 2015, fans have been clamoring to get tickets to see the hip-hop infused retelling of Alexander Hamilton’s life. When it was announced that Hamilton would be launching a national tour and coming to Boston, excitement reached a fever pitch.
Fans want to know: When exactly did Hamilton Boston tickets go on sale? How quickly did they sell out? And what’s the best way to get tickets now that the initial on-sale dates have passed?
When Did Hamilton Boston Tickets First Go on Sale?
Hamilton premiered on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on July 13, 2015. It was an immediate critical and commercial success, winning 11 Tony Awards and consistently playing to sold-out crowds.
On March 13, 2017, it was announced that Hamilton would kick off its first national tour in March 2018 with an initial 17-city run. Boston would be part of the first leg of the tour, with shows planned at the Boston Opera House from September 2018 through November 2019.
Public on-sale dates for the Boston tour were announced on January 8, 2018. Here are the key on-sale dates for initial blocks of Hamilton Boston tickets:
- January 22, 2018 – Tickets went on sale for Hamilton’s Boston tour dates between September 2018 and January 2019. This included the official opening night on September 18, 2018.
- August 20, 2018 – Tickets went on sale for shows from February to June 2019.
- February 4, 2019 – Tickets went on sale for shows from July to November 2019.
So in summary, the first on-sale dates for Hamilton Boston were in January 2018, over 2.5 years after the show opened on Broadway.
How Quickly Did Hamilton Boston Tickets Sell Out?
Demand for Hamilton Boston tickets far exceeded the initial supply. Most shows completely sold out in a matter of hours, or even minutes in some cases.
Here is an overview of how quickly specific blocks of tickets sold out:
On-Sale Date | Show Dates | Time to Sell Out |
---|---|---|
January 22, 2018 | September – December 2018 | Less than 3 hours |
January 22, 2018 | January – April 2019 | Less than 5 hours |
August 20, 2018 | February – June 2019 | Less than 2 hours |
February 4, 2019 | July – November 2019 | Less than 45 minutes |
As you can see from the table, tickets sold incredibly quickly, with later blocks selling out faster than earlier ones. This demonstrates just how rabid demand was for Hamilton in Boston.
What’s the Best Way to Get Hamilton Boston Tickets Now?
Since all initial blocks of Hamilton Boston tickets are now sold out, what are the best options for fans still hoping to secure seats?
Purchase Resale Tickets
The primary market for new ticket releases is exhausted, so the only way to buy tickets is through resale sites like StubHub. You’ll likely pay 2-4x face value or more, but it’s really the only way to guarantee you’ll get tickets.
Enter Lotteries and Raffles
Many theater productions like Hamilton run ticket lotteries on a daily basis. You enter your name for a chance to purchase 2 front row tickets at an incredibly discounted price. Your odds are long, but it costs nothing to enter.
There are also occasional ticket raffles and giveaways through radio stations, nonprofit partners, and more. Follow Hamilton’s social media and sign up for email newsletters to stay on top of these opportunities.
Wait in the Cancelation Line
You can try your luck by physically waiting at the Boston Opera House box office on the day of each performance. If last minute cancellations occur, you may be able to purchase leftover tickets for cheap. You won’t know if you’re guaranteed a seat, however.
Hope for an Extended Run
There is always the possibility that Hamilton extends its stay in Boston beyond the currently scheduled dates. This would likely trigger a new block of tickets to be released, so keep an eye out for extension announcements.
Using a combination of these strategies gives you the best shot at securing the elusive Hamilton Boston tickets. It takes patience and perseverance, but the payoff of seeing one of Broadway’s biggest hits is well worth it.
What are the Current Hamilton Boston Ticket Prices?
On average, you can expect to pay the following for Hamilton Boston tickets:
Seating Section | Average Price |
---|---|
Orchestra | $800 – $1,500 |
Front Mezzanine | $500 – $800 |
Rear Mezzanine | $350 – $600 |
Balcony | $200 – $400 |
As you can see, Hamilton Boston tickets command a significant premium over typical theater ticket prices. This is common for such a high-demand show with very limited quantity. Under normal circumstances, the face value starting price for these sections would have been around $100-$200.
What Have Reviewers Said About Hamilton Boston?
Hamilton has received overwhelming praise in every city it has toured, including Boston. Critics have marveled at the show’s bold storytelling, genre-bending musical score, and masterful staging.
Here are excerpts from various Boston reviews:
“Hamilton is everything it was promised to be and more – absolutely deserving of its hype and its accolades.” – Boston Globe
“From start to finish, Hamilton is a musical theater triumph. Boston is very lucky to host this American masterpiece.” – Boston Herald
“Five stars isn’t enough for Hamilton. This is a must-see theatrical event that will leave you astonished and inspired.” – BroadwayWorld Boston
It’s clear that Hamilton has had a profound impact on Boston theatergoers, sparking passion and excitement at every performance. Audiences have been left in awe of Hamilton’s inspired blend of music, words, movement, and staging.
How Does Hamilton Boston Compare to the Broadway Production?
Hamilton fans can rest assured that the national tour is every bit as stunning as the Broadway original. Here are some of the key similarities and differences:
Similarities
- Same book, music, lyrics, and choreography as Broadway version
- Tour uses the same detailed stage and scenic design
- Tour cast includes many Broadway veterans
- Tour maintains the same high theatrical production standards
Differences
- Tour has some cast turnover compared to Broadway
- Fewer costumes/set pieces travel with the tour
- Tour venue (Boston Opera House) is smaller than the Broadway theater
- Tour does not include the live orchestra from Broadway
While there are small distinctions, the Hamilton tour has received blessing from the creative team to be as authentic as possible. It’s the next best thing to being on Broadway!
What are Some Key Facts About the Boston Opera House?
Hamilton is staged at the gorgeous Boston Opera House when it visits the city. Here are some must-know facts about this historic theater:
- Seats 2,500 guests in a combination of orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels
- Originally opened in 1928 as a vaudeville theater
- Has hosted major Broadway touring shows since the 1960s
- Underwent a full restoration in the 1980s
- Has an elegant French-themed interior with grand chandeliers
- Features a dramatic staircase leading upstairs to the mezzanine
The visual splendor of the Boston Opera House matches perfectly with the spectacle of Hamilton. It makes for an incredibly memorable theatergoing experience.
What Comes Next After Hamilton Leaves Boston?
Hamilton Boston’s original tour stop covered 17 months between September 2018 and November 2019. After the Boston engagement ended, the tour continued to visit major cities across America.
Upcoming stops for Hamilton on tour include:
- February – April 2023: Tempe, AZ
- May – September 2023: Costa Mesa, CA
- December 2023 – March 2024: Seattle, WA
There is no indication yet if or when Hamilton might return to Boston after this initial run. Cities typically have to wait several years at minimum to host a returning second tour.
But given the tremendous demand, a future Hamilton Boston revival seems highly likely sometime in the mid 2020s. The city can look forward to more revolutionary performances when Hamilton comes back around!
Conclusion
Hamilton’s much-anticipated arrival in Boston was met with tremendous excitement and a virtual box office stampede for tickets. The show cemented its status as a once-in-a-generation cultural phenomenon with record-breaking sales and reviews. While obtaining tickets now requires substantial time, effort, and money, devoted fans consider Hamilton more than worth the investment.
The residents of Boston were some of the first to experience Hamilton on tour, and they will forever cherish having been part of this theater history. While nothing can fully replicate seeing Hamilton in person, we can at least look back and appreciate how incredible this show’s debut in Boston truly was.