The Hadestown lottery is a way to get discounted tickets to the popular Broadway musical Hadestown. The lottery offers a limited number of $42 tickets for every performance. Here is a comprehensive guide on how the Hadestown lottery works.
What is the Hadestown lottery?
The Hadestown lottery is a discounted ticket program that offers fans the chance to purchase $42 tickets to upcoming performances of the show. A limited number of tickets are sold through the lottery for every performance. It provides an affordable way for fans to see the show, especially those who can’t afford full-price tickets which can cost over $100.
When did the Hadestown lottery start?
The Hadestown lottery first began when the show started preview performances on Broadway in March 2019 prior to its official opening in April 2019. The lottery has been offered for every performance since the show opened.
How many tickets are available through the lottery?
There are 21 lottery tickets sold for every performance at the Walter Kerr Theatre where Hadestown is staged. That means there is a very limited chance to win the lottery each day.
What are the lottery ticket prices?
Lottery tickets are sold for $42 each. This is a significant discount from regular ticket prices. Regular ticket prices for Hadestown range from $99 – $199 for rear mezzanine seats and go over $200 for prime orchestra seats.
Where is the lottery held?
The lottery takes place in front of the Walter Kerr Theatre, located at 219 West 48th Street. Theatergoers must be present in person to enter the lottery.
When does the lottery take place?
Lottery entries are accepted beginning 2 hours prior to each performance time. The drawing then takes place 2 hours before showtime. For example, for an 8pm performance, lottery entries are accepted starting at 6pm and the drawing is held at 6pm.
How does the lottery drawing work?
Those who want to enter the lottery must sign up in person and fill out an entry form including name, preferred number of tickets (1 or 2) and contact info. At the designated lottery drawing time, names are selected from a barrel on stage. The first 21 names picked can purchase tickets. You must be present to win.
What if you win the lottery?
If your name is drawn, you will be able to purchase either 1 or 2 tickets depending on what you entered for. Tickets must be purchased with cash or credit card immediately following the drawing. Lottery winners also get to meet cast members after purchasing tickets.
What if you don’t win the lottery?
If you entered the lottery but your name was not selected, you are welcome to re-enter the lottery the next day or for a future performance. Hadestown also offers standing room only tickets for $42 at the box office each day if the lottery doesn’t work out.
Are there any ticket limits?
There is a limit of one lottery entry per person per performance. You can only win the lottery and purchase tickets once per performance. If you win tickets one day, you would need to enter the lottery again for future shows.
Can you enter the lottery online?
No, there is no online lottery entry option for Hadestown. You must be present in person at the Walter Kerr Theatre to submit a lottery entry.
What are the odds of winning?
Your odds of winning the Hadestown lottery depend on the number of entries each day, which can vary. With 21 tickets sold per show and potentially hundreds of entries, the odds are very low. Some performances may be in higher demand and have more entrants as well.
Can you improve your odds?
There are a few strategies that may slightly improve your lottery odds:
- Enter the lottery on weekdays when there may be less entries
- Avoid weekends and popular times like holidays or summer when there may be more entrants
- Enter the lottery multiple times for different performances
But overall, the lottery is random chance so there is no guaranteed way to win.
Are there any eligibility requirements?
The Hadestown lottery is open to everyone. There are no age restrictions or ticket limits across different performances. The only requirement is that you must be present at the theater to enter.
Can minors enter the lottery?
Yes, there are no age restrictions on entering the Hadestown lottery. However, minors under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult to the show if they win the lottery and purchase tickets.
Is the lottery accessible?
The Walter Kerr Theatre and Hadestown show are accessible to those needing wheelchair seating or other accommodations. Be sure to indicate if you need accessible seating on your lottery entry form.
Are lottery tickets refundable?
No, lottery tickets are not refundable. Since they are purchased at a highly discounted price, they cannot be returned or exchanged. Be sure you can attend the performance before entering the lottery.
Can you resell lottery tickets?
Lottery tickets cannot be resold. The tickets are non-transferable and only valid for the original purchaser. ID may be checked at the theater to ensure there is no unauthorized reselling of lottery tickets.
Are there lotteries for other Broadway shows?
Yes, many popular Broadway musicals like Hamilton, Wicked and The Book of Mormon also offer lottery drawings for discounted tickets. However, each show’s lottery rules and process may differ.
Why are lotteries popular for Broadway shows?
Lotteries allow Broadway shows to offer affordable tickets while still maximizing revenue on regular priced tickets. They generate publicity and excitement while providing access to shows that may otherwise be out of budget for some fans.
Conclusion
While winning the Hadestown lottery requires quite a bit of luck, it provides an exciting opportunity to see one of Broadway’s most acclaimed shows for just $42. Following the rules and being diligent about entering improves your chances. With discounted tickets becoming increasingly rare in Broadway’s high-priced landscape, lotteries are more popular than ever for fans looking for affordable access to exclusive experiences.
Additional FAQs
Can I enter the lottery for future show dates?
No, you can only enter the lottery for the performance that same day. You cannot submit lottery entries for future show dates.
How early should I arrive to enter the lottery?
You should plan to arrive 1-2 hours before the lottery entry cut off time to ensure you have plenty of time to fill out and submit an entry form. Cut off times are 2 hours before each show.
What info do I need to provide on the lottery form?
The lottery entry form will ask for your name, number of tickets wanted (1 or 2), contact info (email and/or phone), and whether you need accessible seating.
Can I improve odds by entering as a group?
No, each person can only submit one entry. Entering together with friends or family does not improve your odds in the drawing.
How quickly do lottery tickets sell out?
If you win the lottery, you must purchase tickets right away following the drawing. The box office will sell all 21 tickets to lottery winners immediately.
Can I use the bathroom during the lottery process?
Yes, but be quick! You’ll want to return well before the entry period ends in case they start the drawing early.
Do I need cash for the tickets?
The box office accepts cash or credit card. If you win, you will need to purchase tickets right after the drawing.
What is the typical audience at Hadestown?
Hadestown attracts a diverse audience of adults and teens. Patrons should be aware the show contains mature themes and content.
Are lottery tickets good seats?
Lottery seats are typically located in the rear side orchestra or mezzanine sections. They provide good views but aren’t the prime front orchestra seats.
Can I re-enter if I don’t win?
Yes, you can enter again for future performances if you don’t win. You can enter every night if you want!
Hadestown’s lottery provides an exciting chance to see this Tony winning Broadway show for just $42. While not guaranteed, following the lottery rules gives you your best shot at procuring these coveted discounted tickets. Persistence and luck are key, but the reward is well worth it!
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Broadway musicals have a rich history in American theater dating back to the early 1900s. Some of the earliest Broadway musical hits include Show Boat (1927), Oklahoma! (1943), and South Pacific (1949). Musicals became even more prominent in the 1950s through 1970s with innovative shows like West Side Story (1957), A Chorus Line (1975) and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1978). The 1980s brought pop spectacles like Cats (1982) and The Phantom of the Opera (1988). Contemporary hits include Rent (1996), Wicked (2003), Book of Mormon (2011) and Hamilton (2015). Musicals have evolved over the decades but remain beloved for their memorable scores, entertaining dance numbers and captivating stories. Audiences keep returning to Broadway year after year to experience dazzling new musicals or relive classic favorites.
Putting on a Broadway caliber stage musical is no small feat. It requires the collaboration of a massive team of talented creators. The process typically starts with producers who acquire the rights to a story and secure financing for the show. Next, a creative team is assembled. The composer and lyricist write the musical score. The book writer crafts the show’s dialogue and storyline. A director manages overall creative vision including staging. The choreographer designs dance numbers. A music director conducts the orchestra. Scenic, lighting and costume designers contribute visual elements. And of course, performers bring the production to life.
After months of rehearsals, workshops and previews, opening night finally arrives. If reviews are positive, marketing kicks into high gear to attract audiences. Shows that find success may run for years, sometimes even decades. Keeping a musical fresh for long runs requires meticulous upkeep. Production crews handle repairs and maintenance. Cast members may be replaced as contracts end. Small tweaks are made to improve pacing and staging. If excitement wanes, fresh publicity campaigns aim to reinvigorate interest. Broadway musicals are complex, living productions that evolve over time.
Winning over audiences night after night is no easy task. Broadway musicals face intense competition for audience attention and disposable income. Securing financial backing is an enormous hurdle. Marketing costs alone can reach into the millions for high profile shows. Hits may recoup costs and go on to generate large profits from long runs, tours and licensing. But flops lose money and close quickly. Investing in a Broadway show is always risky business.
Why do Broadway musicals have such enduring appeal? Audiences are drawn to spectacular production values with over-the-top sets, costumes, dancing, singing and effects. The musical format allows creative storytelling through song, spoken word and movement. Musicals offer an uplifting, energizing experience unlike straightforward plays or concerts. Stars in leading roles provide a thrill. For tourists, Broadway shows offer a quintessential New York experience. Of course, the best musicals also have compelling stories. Songs that stick in your head don’t hurt either.
Broadway has battled its share of challenges over the decades. The rise of film and television presented early competition for audiences. After falling into decline in the 1960s, Broadway focused on spectacle and tourism. The 1990s saw a commercial revival through blockbusters like Phantom and Rent. High ticket prices became the norm, pricing out some local audiences. The internet allowed for wider marketing but also free access to content. Big brands and Hollywood names boosted marquees. Today’s musicals aim for artistic merit and representation as well as profit. It’s a delicate balance to sustain.
Landmark musicals like Show Boat, Oklahoma!, Hair, Rent and Hamilton not only entertained audiences, they broke new ground. Show Boat tackled racism. Hair reflected 1960s counterculture. Rent put LGBTQ stories center stage. Hamilton cast non-white actors as the Founding Fathers. Musicals provide a unique platform to spotlight diverse experiences, reimagine familiar stories and challenge social norms. While commercial success remains imperative, Broadway’s future arguably relies just as much on artistic innovation.
Audiences can expect Broadway musicals to keep evolving. Immersive experiences could further blur lines between spectators and performers. More brands and streaming franchises may look to musical adaptations. Live capture technology could expand remote access. Greater social awareness and inclusion will be demanded. But whatever changes come, the singular experience of seeing live performers tell stories through song and dance inside a darkened Broadway theater will endure. The show will go on.
