Reduce the price of tickets and you reduce the incentive to forge them - that seems pretty simple to me. Of course, the incentive to do that is lost due to the fact that it's the ticket buying consumer that takes the hit - not the theater owner. Pretty typical, who pays for everything.
5
The demand would still be the same, so I feel like the incentive to counterfeit wouldn't go away.
1
The comments about scalpers controlling the front of the box office line remind me that securities laws try to keep markets as level and fair as possible so that people are willing to participate in them. If people feel a market is corrupt or unfair, at least some of them will stay away. If small-time and corporate scalpers are buying seats so they can sell them at multiples of the original price, that makes me feel as if I can live without seeing the show. Maybe we should just buy Ron Chernow's book and the "Hamilton" cast album and be done with it.
4
Ever since I saw Miranda's performance at the White House, I felt compelled to see this show. I went online - found the cheapest ticket was about $500 (relatively good seat). Decided nothing on Broadway is worth that much. Bought the book by Ron Chernow (upon which the musical is based) and bought the CD. I'm using my imagination to fill in the visual details. I can see how Miranda kept very close the the true story of Hamilton as Chernow tells it. It is very interesting for me to see how Miranda pulled a musical out of this narrative, what he did to create a theatrical piece. I LOVE the music...
P.S> I'm a lawyer and a Constitutional history buff who also did theater in my very early days - that's all I'll say about that!
P.S> I'm a lawyer and a Constitutional history buff who also did theater in my very early days - that's all I'll say about that!
4
Years ago a couple (close friends) and my wife and I were standing in line to try to get any available tickets at the box office for Cats. Someone approached us, said he had four tickets (partially obstructed view as I recall) and offered to sell them at list price. He showed us the locations on the theater seating chart. When we agreed, he was fine with taking a check - drawn on our friends' Rhode Island bank account! If the seller is willing to take a check...
2
I should add to my previous comment: I saw Miranda's White House performance on youtube. I am a retired government lawyer (i.e., did not make the big bucks that would give me the luxury of pulling out 5 Franklins for an evening's entertainment)
3
$600 for tickets to anything?
7
It is just better to buy tickets from at least 3 or 4 different street corner sellers knowing that most of them are fake. Through, it gets expensive but don't disappoint your date - she may break up with you.
3
I know lots of new Yorkers who can vouch for Craigslist and tickets purchased there. These Hamilton scammers are the exception and not the rule. If I were going to part with $600 for tickets, I would insist on meeting the seller at the theater. And having the tickets scanned. Once confirmed, I would pay. If the seller balks, then you have your answer and your money remains safe!
16
I've bought and sold off of cCraigslist, no issues ever.
I have had decent luck on Facebook buying tickets at nearly face value. I was unfortunately scammed a couple of years ago on a different popular play. I can't help thinking that if I had asked to see the seller's identification he may have backed down. His cell phone number was not useful as it turned out to be a temp line. (I did file a police report.)
3
Craigslist is getting a bad rap. I know lots of New Yorkers as well as out of Townes who've gotten authentic tickets off Craigslist. Are there some scammers out there? No doubt based on the article. However, they seem to be the exception and not the rule.
Even Jason in the article said that he'd purchased tickets on Craigslist before with no problem. With a show like "Hamilton" I might take the precaution of having the seller meet at the theater. After the tickets have been scanned and buyer confirms they're authentic, then pay the seller. If the seller balks....
Even Jason in the article said that he'd purchased tickets on Craigslist before with no problem. With a show like "Hamilton" I might take the precaution of having the seller meet at the theater. After the tickets have been scanned and buyer confirms they're authentic, then pay the seller. If the seller balks....
2
Every two years or so I visit NYC for a change of scenery, including seeing a couple of shows. I usually stay downtown so I go to the TKTS storefront there (which I found to be a sorely under-used location) peruse the board with my Time Out in hand, and pick out a show. Some have been better than others, but I have never had less than a spectacular time. Good grief - Hamilton?? Just see a show - any show, and support NY Theater. Count your blessings, they're all good - especially the ones that have been playing long enough to be discounted!
11
Anyone "desperate" to see anything on Broadway deserves whatever they get. There's nothing there anymore, folks.
2
Most counterfeiters are petty thieves and are not known to be geniuses. When the markup is 400%, ticket brokers make almost as much per ticket as counterfeiters do. The smarter and the more upscale the seller, the less likely your ticket is fake.
1
The most intelligent, relevant comment here is the one about the scalpers organizing kids to stand online with fresh Franklins to buy up all the best tickets to Hamilton.
There's your scam point.
But how to counter it is beyond me.
Put a limit on each buyer?
There's lots of kids willing to stand in line.
Age restrictions on the buyers? Over 21 only?
Lots of people that age willing to stand in line for compensation.
So, that's the problem.
Now, brainstorm an answer.
There's your scam point.
But how to counter it is beyond me.
Put a limit on each buyer?
There's lots of kids willing to stand in line.
Age restrictions on the buyers? Over 21 only?
Lots of people that age willing to stand in line for compensation.
So, that's the problem.
Now, brainstorm an answer.
4
I don't have a problem with scalpers, but if I did...
Stamp the hands of ticket buyers and don't sell tickets to anyone who has a stamped hand. That eliminates the issue of kids getting back in line. Also, post employees to watch the line and refuse to sell to anyone who has already been through the line--the old saw applies, retailers have the right to refuse to sell to anyone for any reason. You could also implement a system whereby the price of tickets increases on the spot according to demand so that tickets don't have face values anymore and the theater, not scalpers, profit. In most cases, there is a limit to what people are willing to pay. If there's no profit margin, scalpers disappear.
You could also hire Mick Jagger to figure this out. He seems to know how to squeeze the most out of an audience--does anyone scalp Rolling Stone tickets that carry face values of several hundred dollars?
All this said, if scalpers are willing to pay enough kids so that each kid can only go through the line once, then more power to them. It's called being an entrepreneur.
Stamp the hands of ticket buyers and don't sell tickets to anyone who has a stamped hand. That eliminates the issue of kids getting back in line. Also, post employees to watch the line and refuse to sell to anyone who has already been through the line--the old saw applies, retailers have the right to refuse to sell to anyone for any reason. You could also implement a system whereby the price of tickets increases on the spot according to demand so that tickets don't have face values anymore and the theater, not scalpers, profit. In most cases, there is a limit to what people are willing to pay. If there's no profit margin, scalpers disappear.
You could also hire Mick Jagger to figure this out. He seems to know how to squeeze the most out of an audience--does anyone scalp Rolling Stone tickets that carry face values of several hundred dollars?
All this said, if scalpers are willing to pay enough kids so that each kid can only go through the line once, then more power to them. It's called being an entrepreneur.
1
Perhaps we need people to produce more bad plays so demand will be sparce. Then tickets will be easier to procure.
Something like "Springtime for Hit…"
No, wait, that became popular.
Something like "Springtime for Hit…"
No, wait, that became popular.
5
Do the police even bother to get these scammers or does this fall under the category of low importance? Seems to me a police unit could very easily setup a unit to reply to likely craig scams.
1
I'm an attorney whose representing someone who sold bunk tickets to a Dave Matthews Band concert and the two people scammed called the cops and he was arrested.
He's being charged with the appropriate level charge (Petit Larceny, a violation not even a misdemeanor because the theft was under $1,000). Maybe he did it more than once, but it's typical you only get caught with one prosecutable case. It's small potatoes in the overall scheme of things as far as the law enforcement and the prosecution goes.
He's being charged with the appropriate level charge (Petit Larceny, a violation not even a misdemeanor because the theft was under $1,000). Maybe he did it more than once, but it's typical you only get caught with one prosecutable case. It's small potatoes in the overall scheme of things as far as the law enforcement and the prosecution goes.
2
@jackl: Good on the cops for busting your client. Even if it can't be charged as a misdemeanor, at least it was charged as something. I presume you are getting paid and that it is coming out of your client's pocket, which is also good. There are worse crimes, sure, but selling bogus tickets is pretty low--imagine if the victims had taken time off work, traveled a fair distance, etc. to attend the event. In a perfect world, the punishment would include an order to write a letter of apology to the victims.
2
Since when is Petit Larceny a violation in NY?
There are so many talented actors in well done off and off off Broadway shows. Worthy of our attention and support.
(Some dogs too! I've seen them. But they are rare)
Do what Hamilton would have done.
Be bold and unconventional.
Chart your own path.
Think originally.
Don't see Hamilton.
Be Hamilton.
(Some dogs too! I've seen them. But they are rare)
Do what Hamilton would have done.
Be bold and unconventional.
Chart your own path.
Think originally.
Don't see Hamilton.
Be Hamilton.
5
Craigslist exists and can be a great, legitimate source for transactions between two people who trust each other because the real scammer is Ticketmaster and its Stubhub subsidiary who are artificially restricting demand in order to sell supposed secondary market tickets at a premium. Ticketmaster also seems to be clueless when it comes to preventing mass ticket purchases by scalpers. If you want to boycott anyone, boycott Ticketmaster.
6
Boycotting Ticketmaster is good in theory, but tough in practice if you want to see shows.
2
Ok folks. Only go through legitimate vendors . So you may have to wait a few months to see the show. If one off vendors seem too good to be true; they are.
A buddy went to the Hamilton box office last summer. He got us great orchestra seats for $57 each for a September performance. Nine rows from the stage. The box office runs specials at times; so it is worth checking out.
As to the show naysayers; everyone has his opinion. It is a good show. I am still listening to the cast album!
A buddy went to the Hamilton box office last summer. He got us great orchestra seats for $57 each for a September performance. Nine rows from the stage. The box office runs specials at times; so it is worth checking out.
As to the show naysayers; everyone has his opinion. It is a good show. I am still listening to the cast album!
3
There's a sucker born every minute. If you live in NY long enough, you've either been taken or know someone who has - the embarrassment is big, regardless of the amount lost. For me, in August I bought my legit ticket for January 19th. Hamilton, here I come!
2
This type of fraud has happened many times in the past few years; Ticketmaster has said they that they often can't easily tell the difference between real and fake tickets. The recommendation was made to meet the seller at the box office and have the tickets scanned/validated before purchasing.
13
Don't buy from anything other than Stubhub, Ticketmaster or another source that will hold back payment until after the show date. There's a small chance you might not go to the show, but at least you'll get your money back.
On a related note, keep your tickets secure. I had legit Hamilton tickets bought far in advance that some counterfeiter transferred out of my Ticketmaster account. To their credit, Ticketmaster reissued a new set and invalidated the others. I believe it was social engineering, an inside job or the like for a whole set of reasons: it's highly unlikely that they could hack my gmail account to obtain the transfer code, since it's set to 2-step verification, and they'd need my mobile phone as well to hack. If they miraculously hacked my gmail, it's very curious they didn't do the obvious and delete the transfer notice, which tipped me off.
Small warning - set a strong Ticketmaster password and set your email to 2-step verification (google it if you don't know what it is). Whatever you do, don't use the same password over and over. Same goes for paypal, ebay/stubhub, bank accounts, etc.
On a related note, keep your tickets secure. I had legit Hamilton tickets bought far in advance that some counterfeiter transferred out of my Ticketmaster account. To their credit, Ticketmaster reissued a new set and invalidated the others. I believe it was social engineering, an inside job or the like for a whole set of reasons: it's highly unlikely that they could hack my gmail account to obtain the transfer code, since it's set to 2-step verification, and they'd need my mobile phone as well to hack. If they miraculously hacked my gmail, it's very curious they didn't do the obvious and delete the transfer notice, which tipped me off.
Small warning - set a strong Ticketmaster password and set your email to 2-step verification (google it if you don't know what it is). Whatever you do, don't use the same password over and over. Same goes for paypal, ebay/stubhub, bank accounts, etc.
7
TM made it right because you got ripped off--it wasn't your fault that TM's security wasn't up to snuff, it was TM's fault. On the same lines, if a hacker empties my bank account, I get my money back--it has happened to me, and it took less than 15 minutes at the bank to set things straight. That's why we have banks and credit cards, etc. Consumers pay consideration in exchange for companies keeping money safe, and when things go sideways, the companies that are in the business of keeping money safe pay up.
Identity theft is an illusion perpetrated by alarmists and companies that don't want to invest in online security procedures to the degree necessary. Does it happen? Absolutely. But the consumer is always made whole or nearly so--the limit on credit card loss is something like $50. Blaming consumers for having lousy passwords is a bunch of bunk. Kind of like those warnings about unsecure networks in cafes and airports, as if thieves are going to rob you blind while extortionists peruse your email. Has this ever actually happened to anyone? Has a bank or PayPal or the like ever not made good when hackers get past online security?
And, yes, I use the same password for everything. Been doing it for years. The alternative is so many passwords you can't remember any of them.
Identity theft is an illusion perpetrated by alarmists and companies that don't want to invest in online security procedures to the degree necessary. Does it happen? Absolutely. But the consumer is always made whole or nearly so--the limit on credit card loss is something like $50. Blaming consumers for having lousy passwords is a bunch of bunk. Kind of like those warnings about unsecure networks in cafes and airports, as if thieves are going to rob you blind while extortionists peruse your email. Has this ever actually happened to anyone? Has a bank or PayPal or the like ever not made good when hackers get past online security?
And, yes, I use the same password for everything. Been doing it for years. The alternative is so many passwords you can't remember any of them.
If ever there was a case where the iconic phrase "caveat emptor" applied, this is it. How can people in NY, of all places, be so gullible, so naive, as to pay hundreds of dollars for theater tickets sold by complete strangers on a street corner? I suppose if you're visiting from a small town in rural Nebraska, it could happen, but even then, you have to be really dense to fall for this. No matter the "backstory" as to why the tickets are available...NEVER buy tickets (or for that matter, virtually anything else) from a stranger...NEVER! 99.9% of the time, you're going to get ripped off. NY, and most large destination cities, are among other things feeding grounds for the world's con artists, who are more than happy to take the money of unsuspecting, far-too-trusting tourists. If you're a native, you should be ashamed for falling for this scam.
12
Ok, great, Nebraska. We can talk about them now? Ha, ha, ha. Especially the rural part. Especially from the small towns. Especially the Baptists...Ok, whoops, we can't say that part, but at least Trump has lowered the bar enough that we don't have to care about people's feelings and can make fun of them. Flyover states, bumpkins, gullible, visitors....ha, ha, ha. Good times!
3
If it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, quacks like a duck....it's a duck.
I saw Hamilton. I bought a ticket in July for September date or something like that. It wasn't very expensive because the seats were not that great-something like 55 dollars.
I bought it before it opened on Broadway because I couldn't get a ticket when they play it in Public theater.
But I have to say but it wasn't that great. I mean, it was OK. It's very much overrated, I think. I wasn't overwhelmed at all. I saw much better things on Broadway recently-China Doll with Al Pacino, for example.
Don't pay crazy prices for Hamilton, it's not worth it. Seriously. It's not bad but it's nothing special.
I bought it before it opened on Broadway because I couldn't get a ticket when they play it in Public theater.
But I have to say but it wasn't that great. I mean, it was OK. It's very much overrated, I think. I wasn't overwhelmed at all. I saw much better things on Broadway recently-China Doll with Al Pacino, for example.
Don't pay crazy prices for Hamilton, it's not worth it. Seriously. It's not bad but it's nothing special.
13
I could not agree more. And we paid a fortune for our tickets (great seats but with much less room than in airplane steerage, no leg-crossing possible). What a disappointment. The lyrics in the first act were unintelligible, and the whole thing decidedly low-brow, with the exception of the performance of Daveed Diggs, which was delicious, especially in his depiction of Jefferson.
1
Worse things happen on Craig's List than counterfeiting: In Canada. a man selling a truck went off with the two prospective buyers on a test drive. His body was found a couple of weeks later, and the truck was found hidden on the property of the buyers. More recently a man selling a Mustang in Florida was murdered by the "buyer". Lots of bona fide transactions happen between individuals on the web, but there is no protection for buyers, your personal security is at risk, and there is very little you can do to assure that you are getting what you pay for. Police in several jurisdictions have recommended that buyers meet sellers outside the police station. That will help a little if you are buying tangible goods that you can check out, but it's not a solution for intangibles like tickets. The short answer is not to buy tickets from anyone you wouldn't accept a check from -- and that means you won't buy tickets except from an established business or a friend. You may not find tickets to the hottest show that way, but at least you won't spend a fortune to stand in the lobby and cry....
2
I learned something new today. Some people are desperate for food, medical care, money for the mortgage or rent. Theatergoers are desperate to see Hamilton and were willing to fork over $600 for two tickets. Anyone willing to pay $600 for two tickets to a show must be part of the evil 1% and deserve the wrath of the Times. If they're not part of the 1% then perhaps they are impaired in some way and perhaps there is a government program to provide assistance and counseling. Really, desperate to see Hamilton.
4
Suckers are born out of their childish desire for gratification and need to construct a reality so want can be realized---child or adolescent desire that is usually checked in adulthood but can resurface when someone wants something bad enough.
2
Even the tickets sold through the Hamilton website are way too expensive I think. I've understand it's a great show from all I've read and heard and the little clips of the show. (Spike Lee said he's seen it six times(!) and Dick Cheney said he liked it…I'd call them strange bedfellows but why mess up everyone's appetite for breakfast).
Some good advice from the real Hamilton might be, "Don't part with three or six Franklins to see one Hamilton. Never did like that guy…"
The movie will only set you back a few Lincolns.
Some good advice from the real Hamilton might be, "Don't part with three or six Franklins to see one Hamilton. Never did like that guy…"
The movie will only set you back a few Lincolns.
4
You can still get legitimate tickets if you are willing to wait. Just bought real, expensive ($477 ouch!) tickets and good (8th row center orchestra) tickets, but they are for next October. From the official website, hamiltonbroadway.com, which redirects to Ticketmaster.
And to those of us more familiar with sold out music concerts like Phish at Madison Square Garden on New Years Eve, buying tickets from ANY secondary market source (or "scalpels") other than those that offer guarantees is foolish.
Anyone who buys anything scarce and valuable from CraigsList other than stuff like used furniture is not only setting themselves up for fraud but also robbery and assault to boot.
And to those who have not seen Hamilton and doubt its worth, tastes may differ, but basically raspberries to you. My wife and I saw it in early December (bought tickets the preceding Juky, during previews, then a more reasonable but still stiff $177, also 4th row orchestras, and my otherwise thrifty wife begged to see it a second time. For the first time since childhood, we are singing songs from a cast album around the house! It's that good.
Buy real tickets, online, long in advance (like an overseas vacation) and be patient.
And to those of us more familiar with sold out music concerts like Phish at Madison Square Garden on New Years Eve, buying tickets from ANY secondary market source (or "scalpels") other than those that offer guarantees is foolish.
Anyone who buys anything scarce and valuable from CraigsList other than stuff like used furniture is not only setting themselves up for fraud but also robbery and assault to boot.
And to those who have not seen Hamilton and doubt its worth, tastes may differ, but basically raspberries to you. My wife and I saw it in early December (bought tickets the preceding Juky, during previews, then a more reasonable but still stiff $177, also 4th row orchestras, and my otherwise thrifty wife begged to see it a second time. For the first time since childhood, we are singing songs from a cast album around the house! It's that good.
Buy real tickets, online, long in advance (like an overseas vacation) and be patient.
10
Insist on Taking a picture of your Seller
3
Even a legitimate seller may not want a stranger to take his/her picture.
2
and then what? You have a photo of a one-off scammer? You think there's a registry of these people in the local precincts with their faces up on the wall, big red slash through them? Nope. A photo's useless.
The caveat, of course, is DON'T BUY TICKETS THIS WAY! GO THROUGH LEGITIMATE MEANS.
The caveat, of course, is DON'T BUY TICKETS THIS WAY! GO THROUGH LEGITIMATE MEANS.
Bravo!
There is no doubt that the most reliable way to purchase tickets is at the Box Office, but I want to also recommend the services of legitimate ticket brokers like Stubhub.
My wife and I were victims of a scam for Broadway Tickets perpetrated through Stubhub. It was a somewhat elaborate scheme that involved credit card fraud. When we were turned away from the show because of our invalid tickets, I immediately called Stubhub. Of course, this was distressing and upsetting to us, but their customer service not only got us into the show, they paid for our tickets, and gave us a credit on a future purchase.
There are completely legitimate reasons that folks re-sell tickets to Broadway shows, and these reasons are not always for profit. So even though the box office of the theater is the safest path, I would also recommend legitimate re-sellers that back up their transactions.
My wife and I were victims of a scam for Broadway Tickets perpetrated through Stubhub. It was a somewhat elaborate scheme that involved credit card fraud. When we were turned away from the show because of our invalid tickets, I immediately called Stubhub. Of course, this was distressing and upsetting to us, but their customer service not only got us into the show, they paid for our tickets, and gave us a credit on a future purchase.
There are completely legitimate reasons that folks re-sell tickets to Broadway shows, and these reasons are not always for profit. So even though the box office of the theater is the safest path, I would also recommend legitimate re-sellers that back up their transactions.
7
I don't understand why so many tickets for so many "sold out" performances are available for exorbitant prices at "Fan to Fan Resale." What is that about? Please don't tell me that theater is selling huge quantities of seats to individuals, knowing that they will be re-selling them at jacked up prices. If that's so, there's a problem with the box office sales system that needs to be corrected.
8
In fact, someone above states that "every single ticket to 'Hamilton' has been sold to big ticket conglomerators".
In short, you cannot buy a real ticket at a fair price without a stiff mark-up -- because THEY know you are fools who cannot delay gratification.
They are playing you, and your desire to be hip and knowing, and be able to say you say the hottest play on Broadway.
In short, you cannot buy a real ticket at a fair price without a stiff mark-up -- because THEY know you are fools who cannot delay gratification.
They are playing you, and your desire to be hip and knowing, and be able to say you say the hottest play on Broadway.
1
@DFR: That's exactly what's happening. Scalpers buy up huge number of tickets at the box office and re-list them for sale on Ticketmaster.
Ticketmaster, by the way, charges what I consider "extreme" fees for those re-sale tickets: When you buy a "from the venue" ticket using Ticketmaster, you pay their usual fee - but when you a buy a "re-sale" ticket using Ticketmaster, the fees that are added on amount to about another 17% of the "re-sale" ticket. Thus, if a re-seller is asking $600 for a single ticket, you'll actually pay closer to $702 for that ticket once the fees are added in!
Thus Ticketmaster is making out very nicely for itself, as well as the scalpers making out very nicely for themselves. Greed makes the world go round.
Ticketmaster, by the way, charges what I consider "extreme" fees for those re-sale tickets: When you buy a "from the venue" ticket using Ticketmaster, you pay their usual fee - but when you a buy a "re-sale" ticket using Ticketmaster, the fees that are added on amount to about another 17% of the "re-sale" ticket. Thus, if a re-seller is asking $600 for a single ticket, you'll actually pay closer to $702 for that ticket once the fees are added in!
Thus Ticketmaster is making out very nicely for itself, as well as the scalpers making out very nicely for themselves. Greed makes the world go round.
2
Apparently so. I managed to actually scoop two tickets for a May performances, great seats, back in August, at the Box Office. Guess I got there before the conglomerates. This should not be allowed. I wouldn't even be surprised if the producers sold these tickets to them at higher than listed prices and they all get to make a great profit.
A success like "Hamilton" will last a long time. If you are unable to afford the price of a Real ticket purchased at the Box Office then you need to put the brakes on your perceived entitlement to instant gratification. Isn't that what you advise children to do? Jeez, please, set an example, show some patience, especially if you're a New Yorker and can wait it out.
As for the person who referenced the furor over the Beatles Shea Stadium concert in 1965? That was different. It was one event, Broadway shows give eight performances a week. As someone who was a Teen in the Sixties, and remembers those sold-out Beatles concerts from 1965, I should point out to those not around then that The Beatles 1966 Tour was not sold-out, far from it. You could get tickets easily to Shea. Their shows in the South were boycotted and their records burned in the Bible Belt in '66, due to God-fearing Southern Christians zealots who thought John Lennon was the anti-Christ. Even the Beatles last concert ever in August '66 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, thousands of tickets went unsold, at five dollars a shot. The answer my friend is simple: All You Need Is Patience.
DD
Manhattan
As for the person who referenced the furor over the Beatles Shea Stadium concert in 1965? That was different. It was one event, Broadway shows give eight performances a week. As someone who was a Teen in the Sixties, and remembers those sold-out Beatles concerts from 1965, I should point out to those not around then that The Beatles 1966 Tour was not sold-out, far from it. You could get tickets easily to Shea. Their shows in the South were boycotted and their records burned in the Bible Belt in '66, due to God-fearing Southern Christians zealots who thought John Lennon was the anti-Christ. Even the Beatles last concert ever in August '66 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, thousands of tickets went unsold, at five dollars a shot. The answer my friend is simple: All You Need Is Patience.
DD
Manhattan
11
You best say this when you state that we ask CHILDREN to have some delayed gratification.
I am sure it's a very good show, from the clips I have seen on TV and the rave reviews. So what? Lots of good shows out there. You won't die if you fail to see this NOW (instead of in 2-3 years, when it will not be so new or fresh, and tickets will be under $100).
In five years, "Hamilton" touring companies will be in every state and city and small town. In 10 years, every high school will be doing their own production of the show. Not to mention "the film version".
I can wait. So can you.
I am sure it's a very good show, from the clips I have seen on TV and the rave reviews. So what? Lots of good shows out there. You won't die if you fail to see this NOW (instead of in 2-3 years, when it will not be so new or fresh, and tickets will be under $100).
In five years, "Hamilton" touring companies will be in every state and city and small town. In 10 years, every high school will be doing their own production of the show. Not to mention "the film version".
I can wait. So can you.
1
Auditions are already being held for new productions for both here and abroad. Can hardly wait to see what this is like in another language.
All the hysteria over CL being filled with would-be rapists and killers and robbers, based on a miniscule number of bad outcomes, has worked to the advantage of scam artists. I've bought and sold a ton of stuff off CL, including tickets, with no problems. No way would I meet someone I don't know in a neutral setting and hand over hundreds of dollars for tickets. I'm going to the seller's home to complete the transaction, and if the seller has a problem with that, it's likely not legit.
People these days are so scared of their shadows and willing to buy into hyped-up media reports that they suspend common sense.
People these days are so scared of their shadows and willing to buy into hyped-up media reports that they suspend common sense.
4
Umm, going to a seller's home or any but a neutral, public, well traveled setting can be risky.
Don't do that if it can be avoided.
Just get a feel for situations.
Hard I know if selling/buying furniture or a car…
Which I've done.
Don't do that if it can be avoided.
Just get a feel for situations.
Hard I know if selling/buying furniture or a car…
Which I've done.
4
@br: As a life-long New Yorker, the LAST thing I'd EVER do would be to go into the home of a Craigslist seller! I'm not interested in being part of a"minuscule number of bad outcomes" - if I get assaulted or murdered in the process, that is NOT a "minuscule bad outcome."
6
@L: Never lived in NYC, but I've visited a few times. Must be a pretty dangerous place.
Before there was CL, there were classified ads in things called newspapers, which did not require ID or fingerprints before accepting money for ads that people responded to the old-fashioned way, by calling, then going to the advertiser's home. I don't see any difference between that and CL. In fact, it would seem like tracking down a CL advertiser would be easier than tracking down someone who placed a want ad, given that there was no need to create a paper trail and no surveillance video back in the day, plus Hannibal Lecter could mail in a money order to pay for the ad if he wanted. So, has human nature changed? Did mankind suddenly become more violent with the advent of CL? Or has the media over-hyped the risk? I suspect it's the latter.
Granted, as Mr. King points out, there can be risk, but a bit of common sense goes a long way. I recently scored an eight foot by 12 foot wool Karastan rug via CL for $150. It's beautiful. No way could I have met the seller at a neutral location, given the rug's size. Also got an as-new adjustable bed, MSRP of two grand, for $500. Again, meeting in a neutral location wasn't possible, given the bed's size. I didn't feel threatened in the slightest on either occasion. Thank goodness for folks who are afraid of CL. Less competition for the rest of us.
Before there was CL, there were classified ads in things called newspapers, which did not require ID or fingerprints before accepting money for ads that people responded to the old-fashioned way, by calling, then going to the advertiser's home. I don't see any difference between that and CL. In fact, it would seem like tracking down a CL advertiser would be easier than tracking down someone who placed a want ad, given that there was no need to create a paper trail and no surveillance video back in the day, plus Hannibal Lecter could mail in a money order to pay for the ad if he wanted. So, has human nature changed? Did mankind suddenly become more violent with the advent of CL? Or has the media over-hyped the risk? I suspect it's the latter.
Granted, as Mr. King points out, there can be risk, but a bit of common sense goes a long way. I recently scored an eight foot by 12 foot wool Karastan rug via CL for $150. It's beautiful. No way could I have met the seller at a neutral location, given the rug's size. Also got an as-new adjustable bed, MSRP of two grand, for $500. Again, meeting in a neutral location wasn't possible, given the bed's size. I didn't feel threatened in the slightest on either occasion. Thank goodness for folks who are afraid of CL. Less competition for the rest of us.
We all want to believe people are ethical and most of us are and this is good, but trust can be easily misplaced and warning signs glossed-over, especially when we have happy feelings about the deal. Meet the seller at the venue and have the venue confirm the tix are legit. Anyone - that is ANYONE - who is doubling, tripling or really making a killing on the resale should have no problem going above and beyond to prove the ticket is legit. Craigslist is pickled with scams; most recently, I exchanged emails with someone trying to pass off a knock-off as a very high-end piece of original mid-century furniture. Surely paper tickets are more easily faked than a $5000 chair and most of us would have no idea how to distinguish a good counterfeit ticket from a real one.
7
The Times could help us by describing how to tell fake from real.
11
From the story and the accompanying photo, looking at the date would be the first step. Of course, scammers can read too, and I am sure they are printing up a new bunch of fakes with the correct year.
Would the theater be willing to verify tickets if you proposed to meet the seller at the theater when the box office is open? They should be willing to do that if they currently aren't.
Would the theater be willing to verify tickets if you proposed to meet the seller at the theater when the box office is open? They should be willing to do that if they currently aren't.
7
Now that is a smart idea!
1
How to tell fake from real? Easy, if you are buying via Craig's List, it's probably fake. And if you are buying above face value, you are an accessory to the severe overvaluation of the Broadway Theatre. Miranda should be ashamed that he is a party to this. The handful of rush tickets is not compensation for the obscene over marketing of hip hop couture. It's Pat Boone all over again.
It's not THAT good!
13
NOTHING is that good -- $300 to $1000 a seat? Come on. Get a life.
In a couple of years, there will be "Hamilton" companies touring every city and suburb in the country -- then a movie version after that.
Don't be a fool.
In a couple of years, there will be "Hamilton" companies touring every city and suburb in the country -- then a movie version after that.
Don't be a fool.
11
Absolutely Concerned Citizen...that's what I've been telling everyone in my part of the country who is ready to shell out big bucks for tickets. Just wait a (probably not even) year and there will likely be multiple North American touring companies.
2
A major problem is sanctioned scalping. All the tickets for the upcoming year appear to have been purchased by conglomerates which are reselling them on the official ticketmaster website, for the extortional prices of $400 - $1500 per ticket. This should in my opinion be illegal. Theatergoers should boycott. Much as I love theater, and would be thrilled to see Hamilton, I will in no way support this type of price gouging. No wonder there are counterfeiters trying to get a piece of this sanctioned banditry.
40
Just wait for it to move to London and see if there. They charge reasonable prices and aren't price-gouging like in NYC. I saw Book of Mormon there - easy to get great orchestra seats at short notice for $100. Same seat in NYC went for $300.
4
Fair point, but air fare the expensive English pound only jacks up the price that much more. Best to wait it out (I'm going in August).
Erik, did the $100 cost cover round trip to London and back?
4
@erik: If you already live in London, yes, that works (whenever they get around to doing "Hamilton" in London - "In the Heights" just opened in London this autumn after closing in NYC several years ago).
For those who live in the USA, the cost of round-trip airfare to London and a hotel room might well make it more cost-effective to pay top dollar to see the show now in NYC!
For those who live in the USA, the cost of round-trip airfare to London and a hotel room might well make it more cost-effective to pay top dollar to see the show now in NYC!
2
I have been burned several times lately (in terms of being lied to and having my time wasted) in trying to use Craigslist for real estate rental listings (some listings are fake or extremely misleading, some listing are real). I just don't use Craigslist for anything anymore, though I used it often 10 to 15 years ago with much success. Some people like the challenge of the game of ferreting out what is real and what is not and then actually coming away with a real bargain. I don't like the process of sometimes running into scammers who lie to my face and attempt to con me. It hurts my feelings. Other people love the challenge because in the end they often do get a real bargain or the otherwise unattainable ticket.
1
"No need for regulation of financial markets; the markets regulate themselves"
Alan Greenspan
Alan Greenspan
5
There is a bigger issue with HAMILTON tickets. Even though, you can buy resale tickets on Ticketmaster's Web page, they are outrageously high with some going for more than $2,000.00. I bring student groups from California and was shocked to find that most tickets available through July were resale tickets. Most of these tickets are bought by brokers and scalpers either at the Box Office, through group ticket sales or on Ticketmaster's web page. Then they are allowed by Ticketmaster to put them up for resale at ridiculous amounts. I have tickets for one evening in June and went on line to find others, but over 200 were resale tickets.
Everyone in the theatre business in NYC knows this and yet nothing is being done. It's not illegal, but it is unethical.
Everyone in the theatre business in NYC knows this and yet nothing is being done. It's not illegal, but it is unethical.
20
It is incredibly unethical -- and shame on the theatre AND on Ticketmaster.
2
The obvious first guess is that this is a show that brings in a lot of newbies to the stage - newbies who haven't yet learned how easy it is to be ripped off by well-spoken, convincing strangers who lie with a silver tongue.
You'd have thought the last two presidential elections would have taught these people a lesson already.
You'd have thought the last two presidential elections would have taught these people a lesson already.
5
Huh?
3
No, an equal lesson might be that no one bothers to counterfeit tickets to the Lion King or Kinky Boots because the demand isn't wildly in excess of the supply or the amount of money you can get from that scam is worthwhile.
2
Sadly, the commentariat seem to think this is about how to avoid being scammed.
Instead, the true vulnerability of Manhattanites (yes Ted Cruz) is the fear of not having bragging rights for having obtained tickets to the latest fad.
People need to ask themselves this question: Would I pay to see this production/event if no one knew I went?
Instead, the true vulnerability of Manhattanites (yes Ted Cruz) is the fear of not having bragging rights for having obtained tickets to the latest fad.
People need to ask themselves this question: Would I pay to see this production/event if no one knew I went?
7
I'm sure 99 out of 100 would gladly go see it if they could get reasonably priced tickets for next weekend under pledge of secrecy.
4
I didn't post our photos in front of the Richard Rogers Theatre on Facebook as a humblebrag. How many of your friends post photos of their restaurant meals? Not everyone goes to enhance their status and be hipper to the "Jones".
2
I have some sympathy if they're regular theater-goers who see things other than the big hits that become part of pop culture.
But if all they do is see the big hits because having done so makes them hip, then, you know what? They deserve what they get, and they're guilty of what facile-thinking liberals accuse conservatives of: greed. Well, that, in addition to being just gross.
But if all they do is see the big hits because having done so makes them hip, then, you know what? They deserve what they get, and they're guilty of what facile-thinking liberals accuse conservatives of: greed. Well, that, in addition to being just gross.
2
@Gareth: How about if they're seeing the show because it's unlike anything they've ever seen before, and it lives up to its reputation?
1
Uh, maybe they see the most touted things because they are worth shelling out the money for, not to be "hip"? Schadenfreude and projection much?
5
Years ago, I bought fake Springsteen tickets outside the Beacon. They actually got me into the show, and seated, and then bounced.
3
If you live or work in NYC, or even come in occasionally, the most reliable way to buy tickets is to walk right up to the box office window and buy them at the theater. That way you are certain to get authentic tickets and you also won't pay Ticketmaster's rip-off charges per ticket. Tickets are expensive enough without those extra "convenience" charges. Buying from the box office window will also let you avoid buying fake tickets on some website that resembles the real thing, but isn't.
42
As little value as Ticketmaster brings to the transaction, you'd think that a herd of competitors would have arisen to grab part of such a lucrative marketplace.
5
Got that tourists?
Just walk right up and buy Hamilton tickets… umm for 2017…June maybe.
Then, fly back to Montana, milk goats or shoot bears (shoot something!) for 18 months, then come back to Times Square, shoot Elmo, (your iPhone!!) have bad pizza and in ya go!
Ya follow?
Just walk right up and buy Hamilton tickets… umm for 2017…June maybe.
Then, fly back to Montana, milk goats or shoot bears (shoot something!) for 18 months, then come back to Times Square, shoot Elmo, (your iPhone!!) have bad pizza and in ya go!
Ya follow?
12
@Paul King: Unfair. You're ignoring Ellen's first sentence. New Yorkers pay outrageous rents, so at least we can avoid the Ticketmaster convenience charges.
3
I overheard a man tell his wife, as we exited Hamilton, that he 'lost $3000' on each ticket since he had turned down that offered by a friend!
Somehow Hamilton has attracted the hysteria of Beatles concert in 1965.
Along with this popular tsunami also comes theater novices who scream their excitement at Miranda's entrance and after EVERY musical number...as if they were at a rock concert.
Annoying.
Somehow Hamilton has attracted the hysteria of Beatles concert in 1965.
Along with this popular tsunami also comes theater novices who scream their excitement at Miranda's entrance and after EVERY musical number...as if they were at a rock concert.
Annoying.
34
I know when to clap at the symphony, the ballet, and at Broadway theater. But I suspect that some of the folks who clap at the wrong time have a more sophisticated understanding of these performances than I do.
3
I didn't hear any such people screaming like at a Beatles concert at Miranda's entrances (he's onstage practically the whole show). I'm thinking the 18 people (so far) who recommended your comment are just echoing your snobbery and schaudenfreude that a Broadway play might again be wildly popular to the public and more newsworthy than the typical warmed over "Lion King" or "The King and I" fare.
10
Nice guy to even consider taking $3000 on EACH ticket from his "friend!"
Such friends no one needs.
One obviously has too much dough and the other too few scruples.
But they share a genuine love of American history.
Ya.
Such friends no one needs.
One obviously has too much dough and the other too few scruples.
But they share a genuine love of American history.
Ya.
4
Tell the person that you will meet them at the nearest police precinct,( inside)
to do the purchase. No scammer wants to be that close to the NYPD.
to do the purchase. No scammer wants to be that close to the NYPD.
39
Judy B. New York has ticket scalping laws, which seems to have been forgotten now that the internet allows anyone to do anything. Doing an illegal sale inside a police precinct isn't a feasible option.
6
Buy from sources that will indemnify you against fraud, such as Ticketmaster resale. They always have outrageously-priced seats, but they're real.
2
If my craigslist seller isnt willing to give me his address, he's history. And when I get there he signs a receipt. Works for me.
10
I'd ask to see a gov't ID including a photo. You might have to get a pretty woman friend to represent you to ask for that, though.
3
@golf pork
How naive!? Anybody can give a fake address. How would you verify that they actually live at that address today, and not a year ago? And how does a signature on a receipt guarantee anything. An honest person cannot outsmart a career fraduster.
How naive!? Anybody can give a fake address. How would you verify that they actually live at that address today, and not a year ago? And how does a signature on a receipt guarantee anything. An honest person cannot outsmart a career fraduster.
5
Craigs Lists credibility is shot. It has become a resource for scams. Do not go there!
19
I just went to Craigslist NYC and there are 100 offers for Hamilton. It amazes me how that there is a sucker born every minute.
13
Obviously a Craigslist rookie. Filter out the sales by brokers -- they're not what most buyers are looking for. Filter out the repeat listings -- many repeat their ads quite frequently. Ignore add to buy and you're left with 14 sellers. Some for the same day, some in advance. Some with prices that may be too low to be credible. Some for seats you may think are too pricey or too far from the stage. You end up with a couple of ads that you can work with. Now you text and start feeling the seller out. If you're going to save on Craigslist, it takes extra work. If you visit for a minute, see 100 offers, and don't get beyond that, then that's your minute for being the fool.
not all of those are fake. i've shopped carefully on craigslist for last minute tx. if the person and tx are legit then they have no problem verifying their info.
you just have to be careful nowadays....
you just have to be careful nowadays....
2
Giving the victims a hard time is fine, but -- I've bought tickets from random people easily a thousand times in thirty years, and NEVER gotten fakes. This story isn't about blame, it's about getting important news reported, and thus starting the process of putting a major scam out of business (hopefully). High-end counterfeits are poison to the non-monopoly secondary market, and thus are bad for the entertainment business everywhere.
33
The advice not to buy on Craigslist is overbroad. Those who shop Craigslist can save money. If the money didn't matter, everybody would use ticket brokers. If a 15% savings for two high priced tickets matters, Craigslist is a great resource. When you shop Craigslist you are cautioned about the possibility of fraud. Nobody should purchase when they are at all suspicious. Everybody has their own way to reach a comfort level. And if you have good people skills, and your are ready to walk away, you ishould be able to make the right decision. When a show's creator tells you to stay off Craigslist instead of issuing fancy tickets that are more difficult to counterfeit than those pictured, that is not particularly helpful.
11
I'd use Craigslist for a product but never a ticket or something that is not tangible that I can't see nor touch it. Good rule of thumb I think.
@michjas
Con men and women have much better people skills than honest people; that's why they're able to run their cons. Don't be naive enough to believe that you're smarter than a career fraudster.
Con men and women have much better people skills than honest people; that's why they're able to run their cons. Don't be naive enough to believe that you're smarter than a career fraudster.
5
@michjas: I disagree that being warned not to buy from Craigslist is "not particularly helpful." On the contrary, how much clearer can a warning be?
When a show's creator goes out of his way to TELL others to stay off Craigslist BECAUSE his friends have been sold fake tickets that way, he's giving a very clear warning based on experience; anyone who then buys tickets via Craigslist is taking a huge risk.
If you think "fancy tickets that are more difficult to counterfeit" are the answer, I disagree with that also. This is the era of "print-your-ticket-at-home" on your own printer - how exactly do you think a print-at-home ticket would have anti-counterfeiting features??
When a show's creator goes out of his way to TELL others to stay off Craigslist BECAUSE his friends have been sold fake tickets that way, he's giving a very clear warning based on experience; anyone who then buys tickets via Craigslist is taking a huge risk.
If you think "fancy tickets that are more difficult to counterfeit" are the answer, I disagree with that also. This is the era of "print-your-ticket-at-home" on your own printer - how exactly do you think a print-at-home ticket would have anti-counterfeiting features??
2
Insist on taking a photo of the seller with your phone before you hand over your cash - If he turns and runs, well....
39
How about suggesting to meet in front of the box office to verify tickets are legit. If they balk, the deal is off.
99
Yes, that's a good idea. I'd have no trouble saying to a seller, "As you know there are a lot of counterfeits being sold. So, I'd like to meet at the theatre where they will instantly scan the barcodes for us. Sorry for the hassle, but it's about the only way to be sure." Any seller that is legit, won't balk at that at all.
52
Mark in Iowa, Your suggestion won't work because the theater doesn't really countenance secondary market sales. If you try to sell tickets you can't use to someone standing in line at the box office or in the theater lobby, for instance, you will be shooed away. As described in a NYT Jan. 6 2016 Metropolitan Diary entry, that even happened to someone who was GIVING two tickets away.
18
Asking the box office if a ticket is legit seems a reasonable request. The BO doesn't have to know the nature of the meeting; just if it's a real ticket. I've bought iphones for the family via craigslist and had the sellers meet me at the at&t store to verify the usability and legitimacy of the phones. I've bought and sold cars and other things on craigslist and so far have had great experiences and had people meet me at the Auto Club office to verify the paperwork. I am sorry that scammers will discourage people from at least investigating possible good deals.
1
Too many hipster doofuses falling all over themselves to be part of the latest "in" thing. The easiest possible mark for a counterfeiter.
34
On the other hand, it's a really good show that lots of people want to see.
1
@Trillian: I do not doubt it is a very good and very entertaining show, with lots of talented actors and dancers.
I DO DOUBT that it is worth $500-$1000 and up for one seat, to see a play that lasts perhaps two hours. I think that is obscene, and I think any adult who lacks this kind of common sense -- cannot delay seeing the hottest new play, because he might not be "trendy" -- is a fool.
"A fool and his money are _________" (fill in blanks).
I DO DOUBT that it is worth $500-$1000 and up for one seat, to see a play that lasts perhaps two hours. I think that is obscene, and I think any adult who lacks this kind of common sense -- cannot delay seeing the hottest new play, because he might not be "trendy" -- is a fool.
"A fool and his money are _________" (fill in blanks).
3
@Concerned Citizen: I have seen the show, and it lasts nearly three hours AND it was worth every penny. Would see it again in a heartbeat!
2
I have no sympathy for folks who buy tickets on street corners. We know what happens to a fool and his gold. Purchase from legitimate sources.
24
A couple of times a year, my adult son and I get together for several days scheduled around an event of mutual interest. Generally, that event is of interest to many others and we have to resort to the secondary market for tickets. The event is the highlight of the visit and makes things go more smoothly since it's one important thing we agree upon. The fact that we use Craigslist should tell you that we don't have much gold. the fact that we value each others' company despite our differences should tell you we are not fools. Your comment is colossally offensive and is characteristic of a snob and a sucker who pays a 50% commission on tickets without batting an eye.
5
I'm a bit surprised that a counterfeiter would make such an obvious error as printing the wrong year on the ticket. (The show wasn't even running on 2 January 2015.) And I'm also surprised that he's actually selling the tickets with such an obvious error on their face. It just goes to show that even careless/incompetent criminals can swindle people out of big bucks.
20
Even more surprising (as in DUH) the purchaser noticed the wrong date and showed up at the theatre anyway. Seriously?
2
Having been the victim of a ticket counterfeiter a couple years ago, and almost once again for Hamilton, I've seen the MO twice now. The meeting is always outside on the street. Scammers hate being on camera, even inside a drugstore. A mobile phone number is no guarantee of legitimacy; both scammers I dealt with communicated with me by text from a disposable phone. They want to meet you outside on the street, exchange money, and walk away. The third clue is that they're very skittish; if you suggest doing things even slightly differently than what they propose, such as meeting in a drugstore, you won't hear from them again.
An honest seller not only will agree to meet you in a store, but in my opinion also shouldn't mind showing you their ID as well--after all, you're the one taking the risk, giving them cash.
An honest seller not only will agree to meet you in a store, but in my opinion also shouldn't mind showing you their ID as well--after all, you're the one taking the risk, giving them cash.
34
Even if they are selling legitimate tickets, they are exposing themselves as ticket scalpers.
Of course, it could be argued that a person selling counterfeit tickets might also have a counterfeit drivers license.
2
Would you know with certainty that it was a legitimate ID?
Just saying.
Just saying.
I will wait until it is discounted at Duffy Square whether it takes a few years. I think the price is disgusting and the people in charge should be ashamed of themselves for being so greedy with the cost of the tickets.
17
@Janis: It's not the "people in charge" - it's the scalpers who are greedy with the cost of resale tickets.
That said, I think the producers of "Hamilton" and/or the Nederlander organization could do a much better job of not letting the first 80 or 90 people on line ALL be scalpers. I saw this for myself first-hand when I waited on line for a new release of tickets this autumn; it took 3 HOURS for legitimate ticket buyers on line to get to the ticket window because the scalpers were having a field day buying up the best orchestra and the cheapest mezzanine seats.
The theater HAS to know you're not a legit ticket buyer when (a) the buyer is a high-school age kid who's got a fistful of crisp $100 bills and (b) the buyer has NO preference for any performance date whatsoever - the scalpers just say "I want 10 center orchestra seats for any date."
I witnessed at least 80 kids on line, perhaps more. The older "organizing" scalpers pay these kids some amount of money to get on line at 6am, and to do their bidding at the box office. I watched the older scalpers going down the line of their "employees" when it was time for the next few kids to get called to the box office window: they peel off hundred dollar bills and tell the kids what to get, then the older scalper waits outside the theater for the kid to come out & hand the tickets over.
It should not be that way.
That said, I think the producers of "Hamilton" and/or the Nederlander organization could do a much better job of not letting the first 80 or 90 people on line ALL be scalpers. I saw this for myself first-hand when I waited on line for a new release of tickets this autumn; it took 3 HOURS for legitimate ticket buyers on line to get to the ticket window because the scalpers were having a field day buying up the best orchestra and the cheapest mezzanine seats.
The theater HAS to know you're not a legit ticket buyer when (a) the buyer is a high-school age kid who's got a fistful of crisp $100 bills and (b) the buyer has NO preference for any performance date whatsoever - the scalpers just say "I want 10 center orchestra seats for any date."
I witnessed at least 80 kids on line, perhaps more. The older "organizing" scalpers pay these kids some amount of money to get on line at 6am, and to do their bidding at the box office. I watched the older scalpers going down the line of their "employees" when it was time for the next few kids to get called to the box office window: they peel off hundred dollar bills and tell the kids what to get, then the older scalper waits outside the theater for the kid to come out & hand the tickets over.
It should not be that way.
127
Good point. However, I fail to see how you can prevent it unless you require the purchaser to provide the names etc. of the individuals who are going to attend the performance and make the tickets non-transferable. Or limit the purchase to 4 tickets? 2 tickets? You'll just get more kids on line to buy them.
4
@Ed B.: If the theater required a photo ID for each buyer at time of purchase (given the "maximum 10 tickets per buyer" rule), it *might* prevent the SAME kid from buying tickets repeatedly. Kid buys tickets, comes outside, then the scalper gets that kid right BACK in the line again to buy more.
What I saw was this: the scalpers controlled the front of the box office line entirely with their own "employees" for THREE CONSECUTIVE HOURS on the first day of a new release of tickets. Those of us who were there to buy tickets for our own use had very little to choose from by the time we got to the box office. In fact, many of the best seats had ALREADY been re-listed on Ticketmaster at higher prices within those 3 hours!
What I saw was this: the scalpers controlled the front of the box office line entirely with their own "employees" for THREE CONSECUTIVE HOURS on the first day of a new release of tickets. Those of us who were there to buy tickets for our own use had very little to choose from by the time we got to the box office. In fact, many of the best seats had ALREADY been re-listed on Ticketmaster at higher prices within those 3 hours!
26
Times Square will always be the deuce. The grimy nature
of Times Square will never go away regardless of how much Disney tries. New York will never be a family friendly city, save yourself some grief and don't believe be hype.
of Times Square will never go away regardless of how much Disney tries. New York will never be a family friendly city, save yourself some grief and don't believe be hype.
10
You define New York as not family-friendly based on Times Square? Good grief...
4
I planned to go see Hamliton during a trip to NYC, but not only were tickers sold out, the prices was insane. I was disappointed so I get these people's willingness to buy tickets through other sources. It just wasn't mean to be.
7
IMHO, the real crime has been the manufactured hype surrounding this pedestrian production.
There is only less singing and dancing in this latest crime.
There is only less singing and dancing in this latest crime.
23
The Notorious B.I.G., one of Lin Manuel's *inspirations*, must be rolling around in his grave.
My theatre high school kid is being driven nuts by how nuts ALL his friends are over Hamilton.
My son likes rap. I like rap. Hamilton ain't rap. Or hip hop.
Last week, I gave the show a *shot* (tee hee) and listened to the soundtrack while doing my stuff online.
Meh. A lamely pimped up LES MIS.
Not a tune worth humming in the bunch.
My theatre high school kid is being driven nuts by how nuts ALL his friends are over Hamilton.
My son likes rap. I like rap. Hamilton ain't rap. Or hip hop.
Last week, I gave the show a *shot* (tee hee) and listened to the soundtrack while doing my stuff online.
Meh. A lamely pimped up LES MIS.
Not a tune worth humming in the bunch.
5
@Ronn: "pedestrian production" ha! Do you have that opinion of "Hamilton" because you've seen it? And if you haven't seen it, how can you know what it's like? Is it playing in Seoul yet?
4
Talk less. Smile more.
28
So, these buyers never thought the tickets would be fake? I mean, "Hamilton" has been sold out since before opening night. I thought New Yorkers were smarter than that. Guess not.
7
It makes me sad when people decide to kick in the face people who have been hurt. What's with that sneer thing?
67
Just because it's sold out doesn't mean that the people who have the sold-out tickets aren't willing to sell them to others. Sheesh.
32
"Hamilton" has not been sold out since before opening night. Well into the fall, you could get regular priced tickets for months hence (not great seats, of course). Today is probably a different story.
7