Philadelphians line up for their shot at 'Hamilton' tickets

Hamilton
Photo credit John McDevitt/KYW Newsradio
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Dozens of Philadelphians were not willing to throw away their shot to score tickets to the touring production of "Hamilton."
Beginning at 7 a.m., people lined up in the July heat outside the Forrest Theatre just for the chance to buy tickets to the upcoming Broadway smash hit, which runs in Philadelphia from August through November.

After an extensive online lottery process, tickets went on sale to the general public Tuesday, where others could obtain a wristband that would then allow them to buy seats in person, up to four per buyer.

Wristbands were sorted by color. Courtney Wilson showed off her black-and-white checkered one. Those ahead of her wore blue.

"They're the 12 p.m. section," she explained of the color distinction. "We are 12:30 p.m."

For non-"Ham" fans, what's the hype over a Broadway musical that debuted in 2015 and took the Tony's by storm more than three years ago?

"It's a great show," said Andrew Denbaum. "I saw it already and it's a great show."

Even though he's already been in the room where it happens, Denbaum came to Philly from New York for the opportunity at another production.

"There is no box office in New York," he said. "Everything is online, and there is a better chance here."

Standing in front of Denbaum was Angela McIver of Philadelphia. "My children have memorized the entire soundtrack," she said, admitting she has mastered the rhymes herself.

Subscribers of the Kimmel Center's Broadway series automatically received tickets to Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical.

While ticket-seekers were patiently waiting in line, thousands of others were online in a virtual waiting room, hoping to be selected to buy tickets that way.