| NEWS 06.09.09 11:28 AM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Tonys Offer Discounted Tickets for Those Willing to Spend the Night in the Rain |
|
 |
James Carpinello and Lauren Molina from Rock of Ages selected the winning lottery tickets.
Photo: Jessica Torossian for BizBash
|
|
|
In an effort to promote the perpetually ratings-challenged Tony Awards on Sunday night, organizers held a student rush lottery at the Times Square Information Center on Thursday, distributing approximately 150 tickets priced at $40 to the winners. The giveaway was modeled after the many Broadway productions that offer rushes, discounted tickets released the day of a performance.
Jake Hirzel, associate general manager of Tony Award Productions, said the student rush event was planned all season. “For a rush, we needed to get it close to the date so it would be rush like. It wouldn’t be appropriate to do a black-tie rush on the day of the ceremony.” The decision made by the American Theatre Wing, the Broadway League, and Tony Awards Productions, “was not a difficult one," Hirzel said. "Radio City Music Hall has nearly 6,000 seats.”
The lottery took place at the Times Square Information Center at 3 p.m., but for some, the process started as early as 10 p.m. the night before. In spite of the rain that pounded Times Square through the night, a group of about 20 ticket hopefuls weathered the elements throughout the night, huddled under the center's ample awning. “We’ve sort of organized it ourselves, counting off, making sure everyone’s safe, and saving spots and everything,” said Andrea Herbert of Chatham, New Jersey, one of the all-night rushers. More arrived with the morning work traffic, ultimately creating a crowd of about 100 people.
Constantine Maroulis, the Tony-nominated actor in the musical Rock of Ages, was supposed to draw the winners, along with fellow cast member James Carpinello. Come 3 p.m. though, the former American Idol contestant was a no-show, and Rock of Ages cast member Lauren Molina stepped in to justify the small crowd's hours of damp dedication.
—Jesse North
RELATED TOPICS
Tony Awards, Tonys
MORE NEWS STORIES
Lincoln Center Taps Former Vogue Planner Wolkoff to Run Fashion Week
Poll Results: 2010 Event Budgets Look Bigger
Australian Nonprofit Uses Facial Hair for Guerrilla Cause Marketing
Fashion's Night Out to Return in 2010
In the News: Waterford Recommits to New Year's Bash, Magazine Events Thrive and Falter
MORE STORIES ABOUT TONY AWARDS
Tonys Partner With Times Square Alliance for Live Simulcast on Broadway
Shiny Baubles and Garden Colors Adorn Rock Center for Tony Gala
MORE STORIES ABOUT TONYS
Tony Awards Gala Colors Itself Black and White
Is Angela Lansbury in It?
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn Bowl redefines the entertainment experience for the 21st century. Centered around a 16-lane bowling alley, a 600-capacity performance venue, and food by Blue Ribbon, Brooklyn Bowl stakes out expansive new territory, literally and conceptually, in the 23,000-square-foot former Hecla Iron Works, one block from the burgeoning waterfront. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
LMS Entertainment
LMS Entertainment is a leading industry disc jockey entertainment company providing a comprehensive list of music, talent, and audiovisual services. Established in 1986, LMS Entertainment has been identified as one of the most creative event entertainment companies by providing talented individuals and successful and innovative designs for its clients' events. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Champagne Showgirls Inc. (New York)
Champagne Showgirls Inc. provides unique greeter staff and specialty entertainment for corporate event planners across North America. Using local talent teams and luxury costumes from Las Vegas, the company showcases its greeters, strolling tables, and burlesque and Cirque du Soleil-style artists across New York and the East Coast to achieve impressive results. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
