Hamilton is one of the biggest Broadway musicals of all time. With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it tells the story of Alexander Hamilton’s journey from an orphan in the Caribbean to George Washington’s right hand man during the Revolutionary War and eventually the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton premiered on Broadway in 2015 and was an instant hit, winning 11 Tony Awards and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The original Broadway cast became famous in their own right, led by Miranda as Alexander Hamilton. Due to huge demand and limited theater capacity, it has been difficult and expensive for fans to get tickets to see Hamilton with the original cast members since it opened. This article will look at what it cost to see Hamilton on Broadway with the original cast and why prices were so high.
Hamilton’s Popularity Led to High Ticket Prices
Part of the reason tickets to see Hamilton were so expensive even when it first opened is because demand vastly exceeded supply. Only the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, with a capacity of 1,319 seats, was home to the show for over 5 years.
In contrast, Hamilton was a cultural phenomenon that everyone wanted to experience. It appealed to diverse audiences with its blend of hip-hop and show tunes and its cast that included more non-white actors than most other Broadway shows. Miranda’s star power as the creator and original Alexander Hamilton also attracted big crowds.
This mismatch between the huge demand and limited availability for Hamilton led to what economics calls “scarcity pricing.” Producers knew people were willing to pay high prices, so tickets started out expensive when Hamilton opened in 2015 and only increased over time.
Average Ticket Prices
When Hamilton first premiered on Broadway in 2015, the average ticket price was $149. This was already around 50% higher than the average cost of a Broadway musical ticket at the time.
In 2016, average tickets climbed to $265 each. By May of 2016, prices had skyrocketed to an average of $849 per seat! The absolute minimum face value price issued by the theater itself was $179 before fees. Due to resale and high demand, it was virtually impossible to pay face value for Hamilton tickets.
Orchestra Seats
For premium orchestra seats closest to the stage, prices were even higher. In May of 2016, the average price for front orchestra seats was $1,467 each! The maximum reported prices for front row orchestra seats were over $3,000 per ticket.
Mezzanine and Balcony Seats
People sitting in the mezzanine or balcony sections for Hamilton paid lower prices than the premium orchestra seats. In 2016, the average price for these seats was still $549 each. Mezzanine and balcony tickets could go for as low as $199 each before fees during theheight of Hamilton mania.
Why Did Hamilton Tickets Cost So Much?
Here are the main factors that drove up the costs for people who wanted to see Hamilton on Broadway with the original cast:
- Very limited number of theater seats – Only 1,319 per show
- Hugely popular show – Consistently sold out
- Original cast was star-studded – Big names like Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Critically acclaimed and won many awards
- Demanded by diverse and worldwide audiences
- Secondary market for resold tickets drove up prices
These circumstances created a perfect storm where millions of Hamilton fans competed for less than 1,500 seats, allowing prices to rise astronomically.
How Long Did Original Cast Perform?
Here is a timeline of when the original principal cast members left Hamilton on Broadway:
- Jonathan Groff (King George) – April 2016
- Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton) – July 2016
- Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr) – July 2016
- Daveed Diggs (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson) – July 2016
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (Alexander Hamilton) – July 2016
July 9, 2016 marked the final performance by all these original stars together. Other cast members rotated out over the first 3 years. By September 2016, none of the original Broadway cast remained.
This means fans had about 1 year from Hamilton’s August 2015 opening to see the complete original cast before they began to leave. Seeing the original stars largely accounts for the huge ticket prices during this first year window.
Current Hamilton Broadway Ticket Prices
Now over 8 years later, it is much easier to get Hamilton tickets on Broadway and prices are more reasonable. Here are some example current prices:
- Rear Mezzanine – $199
- Mid Orchestra – $299
- Front Orchestra – $549
There is more supply now as well. Hamilton moved theaters in 2019 and now seats 1,667 people per show at the Lyric Theatre. Travel restrictions during COVID also cooled some demand.
While much lower than their peak, Hamilton tickets remain higher than most Broadway shows due to its enduring popularity. However, the days of needing to spend thousands per seat have passed.
Tips for Finding Cheaper Hamilton Tickets
Here are some ways to get more affordable tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway in 2023:
- Avoid weekends – Prices highest on Fridays and Saturdays
- Buy partial view – Obstructed seats cost less
- Try weekday matinees – Lower demand
- Enter ticket lotteries – Daily lottery has $10 seats
- Wait for special sales – Prices drop temporarily
- Buy season ticket packages – Bundled shows cost less per ticket
Flexibility on dates can help find better deals on Hamilton tickets as prices fluctuate.
Conclusion
At its peak demand, orchestra seats to see Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original cast in Hamilton cost as high as $3,000 per ticket. Due to many factors, the average ticket price was around $800. After the original cast departed in mid 2016, prices gradually declined. It is now possible to see Hamilton for as low as $200 for rear mezzanine seats. However, Hamilton remains one of the hottest tickets on Broadway, so average prices are still $300 or more per ticket. Budget-conscious fans have options to find deals, especially for weekdays and matinees, but expect to pay a premium over most other Broadway shows.