Hamilton, the smash hit Broadway musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has been touring the United States and wowing audiences since 2017. With its infectious music, brilliant storytelling, and incredible performances, it’s no wonder the show has been in such high demand across the country. For theatre fans in Northern California, there has been much anticipation over whether Hamilton would be making its way to their neighborhood. Thankfully, the wait is over!
When and Where is Hamilton Playing in Northern CA?
Hamilton will be playing in San Francisco at the SHN Orpheum Theatre for an exclusive 4-week run from May 12, 2023 through June 7, 2023. This gives fans in the Bay Area and surrounding Northern California cities ample opportunity to secure tickets to this highly coveted show. Specific dates and times are as follows:
Week | Dates | Times |
---|---|---|
Week 1 | May 12-14, 2023 | 8pm on Fridays, 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays, 1pm and 6:30pm on Sundays |
Week 2 | May 16-21, 2023 | 8pm on Tuesdays-Fridays, 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays, 1pm and 6:30pm on Sundays |
Week 3 | May 23-28, 2023 | 8pm on Tuesdays-Fridays, 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays, 1pm and 6:30pm on Sundays |
Week 4 | May 30-June 4, 2023 | 8pm on Tuesdays-Fridays, 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays, 1pm and 6:30pm on Sundays |
With multiple performances offered per week, including matinee and evening shows, there should be adequate ability for interested patrons to purchase tickets. It’s recommended that tickets are acquired early once they go on sale, as demand is expected to be extremely high.
How to Get Hamilton Tickets in Northern CA
When an immensely popular Broadway show like Hamilton goes on tour, tickets are sure to sell out quickly. Here are some tips for securing seats to see Hamilton in Northern California:
- Sign up online to get special pre-sale access for early ticketing opportunities before the general public.
- If you’re a season ticket holder or subscriber to SHN Orpheum Theatre, you’ll also get pre-sale ticket access.
- Mark your calendar for when tickets go on sale to the general public and plan to buy them that very day.
- Aim for weekdays or matinees if possible, as these tend to be less crowded than weekend evenings.
- Check back frequently for last minute ticket releases in case more seats open up closer to show dates.
- Consider splurging on premium seats for the best views and experience.
- Look into ticket lottery drawings that are often held for sold out hit Broadway shows.
While landing tickets may take persistence and patience, it will be well worth it to catch Hamilton live on stage in Northern California.
What to Expect at the Hamilton Show in Northern CA
For those lucky enough to score Hamilton tickets, you’ll be treated to a remarkable theatre experience. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect when seeing Hamilton in Northern California:
- A wildly creative set and production design that combines history and hip hop.
- Lavish period costumes transporting you right into the Revolutionary era.
- The iconic music and songs that have made the soundtrack a chart-topping album.
- Critically acclaimed cast bringing Alexander Hamilton and company to life.
- Palpable energy and enthusiasm from the audience.
- Funny, heartbreaking, and unforgettable moments throughout the show.
- A theatre experience like no other that will leave you buzzing for days.
Keep in mind Hamilton is known for explicit language, so it may not be suitable for younger children. Run time is approximately 3 hours with a brief intermission. The venue allows time before the show for finding seats, parking and grabbing snacks.
Traveling to See Hamilton in Northern California
Since Hamilton’s tour stop in Northern California is fairly limited, fans across the region will likely travel from outside the immediate Bay Area to attend. Here are some tips for those journeying to see Hamilton in San Francisco:
- Book hotels early as rooms will fill fast. Look near downtown/Union Square for most convenience.
- BART is an easy transport system from the airport straight into downtown San Francisco.
- Driving and parking is challenging in the city – buses, trains, Uber/Lyft are better options.
- Allow plenty of time to get to the venue with traffic and transport.
- Make dinner reservations ahead of time near the Orpheum Theatre.
- Check for special deals on travel packages that bundle flights, hotels, rental cars and show tickets.
- Browse Visit San Francisco for tips and recommendations to maximize your Hamilton trip.
With smart planning, you can make your Northern California travels as smooth as possible to fully enjoy Hamilton in San Francisco. The city offers so much to see and do that you can easily extend your visit into a mini-vacation.
Other Northern CA Cities Near Hamilton
Since Northern California covers a large geographic region, Hamilton’s tour stop in San Francisco may be more convenient for some cities than others. Here’s a look at approximate distances from the Orpheum Theatre for other notable Northern CA locations:
City | Distance from Venue |
---|---|
Sacramento | 90 miles / 1.5 hours drive |
Oakland | 10 miles / 15 minute drive |
Berkeley | 12 miles / 25 minutes drive |
San Jose | 50 miles / 1 hour drive |
Santa Rosa | 55 miles / 1.25 hours drive |
Monterey | 120 miles / 2.5 hours drive |
As you can see, San Francisco is fairly centrally located for Northern Californians to travel to Hamilton, though driving distances vary. For those further away, flying into San Francisco or Oakland airports may be preferable.
Why See Hamilton on Tour vs Broadway
Seeing Hamilton on its national tour offers some unique advantages over catching the show in its home on Broadway in New York City:
- More affordably priced tickets available across tour cities.
- Opportunity to see Hamilton locally without major travel.
- Touring productions carefully replicate the original Broadway show.
- Special engagement creates more urgency to get tickets.
- Tour brings the Broadway experience to your neighborhood.
- Introduces new audiences to this groundbreaking musical.
While the Broadway production boasts its own energy and history, the musical’s national tour is meticulously crafted to be just as spectacular for audiences everywhere. The touring cast and crew are top-notch, bringing the magic of Hamilton to fans across America.
Best Places to Eat Near the Orpheum Theatre
When heading to the Orpheum Theatre for Hamilton, you’ll want to fuel up and recharge with some delicious eats nearby. Here are some highly rated restaurants within easy walking distance of the venue:
- Farmerbrown – Farm fresh New Orleans inspired cuisine with live music.
- The Grove – Refined California fare in an elegant setting.
- Roy’s – Upscale Hawaiian fusion dining with bold flavors.
- One Market Restaurant – Chops, seafood and more with bay views.
- Frangipani – Order the prix fixe Lao menu for a unique experience.
- Michael Mina – Trendy spot for contemporary American dishes and cocktails.
- BOA Steakhouse – Sophisticated steakhouse with luxe ambiance.
You have your pick of diverse and mouthwatering cuisine before enjoying an evening at Hamilton in Northern California. Arrive early to leave time for dinner or drinks right by the theatre.
Hamilton Fun Facts
As you eagerly anticipate seeing Hamilton live in Northern California, here are some fascinating fun facts about the hit musical to appreciate:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired to create Hamilton after reading his biography on vacation.
- The show blends musical theatre with hip hop, R&B, pop and soul.
- Miranda debuted an early Hamilton song at the White House in 2009.
- Revolutionary era fashion is reimagined with modern silhouettes and edgy details.
- The musical features an ethnically diverse cast as the Founding Fathers and ensemble.
- Hamilton opened on Broadway in 2015 and quickly became a smash sensation.
- Top price tickets sold for over $3,000 when the show was the hottest ticket in NYC.
- The musical won 11 Tony Awards along with the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
- Hamilton’s costumes are custom made with over 200,000 Swarovski crystals.
- The Hamilton Mixtape album features covers by artists like The Roots and Usher.
Conclusion
Hamilton’s arrival in Northern California is a once-in-a-lifetime theatre event. This immensely popular musical sells out venues across the country, so don’t miss your chance to be in the room where it happens in San Francisco. Secure your Hamilton tickets today and look forward to an unforgettable experience at the Orpheum Theatre, complete with stunning performances, incredible music, and the magic that only live theatre can provide.