In the lively world of Broadway, nothing seems more compelling right now than the revival of David Mamet’s iconic play, Glengarry Glen Ross. Audiences are flocking to the Palace Theatre, where the show, featuring an impressive lineup of celebrities, is redefining the market for theater tickets.
The drama follows a group of cutthroat real estate salesmen, and ticket demand has soared as the production rides the wave of recent Oscar nominations. Kieran Culkin, who plays the role previously made famous by Al Pacino, has seen particular interest following his Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor. Tickets are now being resold at eye-popping prices.
Showgoer Ken Slazyk recently purchased tickets for $372 each in the left orchestra section. However, the same tickets are currently listed on StubHub for a staggering $1,034, amounting to a markup of around 178%. “I’ve seen the movie, my wife’s read the play, but he doesn’t even know the story,” Slazyk said, referring to his son, who was joining them for the performance. “To me, it’s a hard movie to watch because I’m in sales.”
The show debuted with high anticipation, and it’s not just supply and demand affecting prices. The revival produced by Jeffrey Richards, who has overseen prior successful runs of Glengarry Glen Ross, highlighted that the production uses dynamic pricing, adjusting retail ticket costs in real time based on demand. “Customers are reporting prices going from $179 to $700 for the same seat,” Richards noted.
Margaret Mock shared her experience when she discovered the resale prices right before attending last week's performance. “We should have resold our tickets!” she lamented in the lobby. “Except we love Bob Odenkirk, so we’re not letting them go,” she added, speaking of the actor known for his role in Better Call Saul, where he plays the downtrodden Shelly Levene, one of the four salesmen fighting to stay afloat.
The current engagement runs for 16 weeks and is proving a major draw with recent sales figures reflecting its popularity. In the same week that Glengarry Glen Ross brought in $1.9 million, the production of Othello, featuring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, grossed an impressive $2.825 million. This juxtaposition highlights not just the impact of star power but the escalating cost of Broadway experiences in general.
The average Broadway ticket last season sold for around $125, but in March 2025, prices are climbing. The dynamic pricing strategy adopted by many theaters has pushed prices higher, with some tickets offered at exorbitant rates. A typical seat in the orchestra section sold for $1,034 on StubHub just last week. A seat for a very recent matinee is listed for a staggering $1,302, prompting discussions about whether the currently extreme resale prices are justified.
As patrons eagerly anticipate seeing their favorite stars on stage, producers like Richards recognize how the costs aggregate—everything from rising production expenses to compensating A-list actors contributes to these soaring prices. “The price of eggs is more expensive, the price of A-list actors is more expensive,” Richards said, highlighting economic realities affecting the theater industry. “Materials and costs for sets and costumes are more expensive,” he added, painting a comprehensive picture of why ticket prices are skyrocketing.
For those still hoping to catch this Broadway sensation without breaking the bank, some standing-room tickets are available day-of for just $45, provided the show sells out. The hunger for live performances remains insatiable, yet how far patrons will go to enjoy a night on Broadway varies drastically according to individual circumstances and preferences.
As ticket prices spiral and the resale market thrives, theatergoers are grappling with a changing landscape in live entertainment. With each performance garnering massive attention, Glengarry Glen Ross exemplifies the astounding intersection of art and commerce—a trending topic echoing the cutthroat world Mamet so vividly brought to life back in 1983.
The market reflects a distinct blend of opportunity and greed, as resellers appear to predict demand might outstrip supply. Just this week, a mezzanine seat for the May 28 performance, typically listed at $245.50 on the official website, was found for $312 on StubHub—an entirely different pricing tactic showcasing the fluctuating nature of Broadway ticket demand.
As Broadway continues to thrive, audiences are enthusiastic yet increasingly aware of the financial realities that come with securing a seat to see their favorite stars perform. Whether for nostalgia or admiration for the craft of acting, the worm of ticket pricing continues to burrow deeper into the cultural fabric of live theater. A question now arises: how much are theatergoers willing to invest for a spot in the audience, amidst a market that resembles the cutthroat tactics portrayed within the plays themselves?
In the world of Glengarry Glen Ross, it’s all about the sale, and as ticket prices skyrocket, one thing is certain—the stakes are high, both for audiences and producers alike.
