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.
