SYRACUSE -- Time is running out if you want to catch the musical "Wicked" in downtown Syracuse. Normally, tickets for "Wicked" range from $40 up to $140. For lots of people, even the cheapest tickets aren't in their budget. So they've been taking their chances on the Wicked ticket lottery.
Drew Deapo said, "The lottery gives you a chance to get great seats at a great price."
It's a tense scene in the lobby of the Civic Center in downtown Syracuse two hours before showtime. More than a hundred people showed up to try their luck at getting into see the sold out show Wicked before it leaves town this weekend.
"Part of this lottery strategy is we bring as many people as we can to increase our chance at getting the lottery tickets," said Deapo.
The producers of the show came up with the idea to hold a ticket lottery. Two hours before each show whoever shows up and puts their name in the drum gets the chance to win two tickets to sit in the orchestra section. What is normally a $90 ticket, they can buy for only $25.
Elizabeth Crysler said, "We probably wouldn't go if they didn't have the lottery. It's too much."
That's the point. It's a way to get new people into the theatre.
Steve Quinn, the Wicked company manager said, "I think our producers came up with it as a way for people who can't necessarily afford the full price tickets and it creates a genuine excitement about our show and give everyone a chance to come see the show."
For the winners, they say in these times they're thinking economical even when it comes to their Saturday night.
One winner said, "That was one of my New Year's resolutions to watch what we spend on entertainment and that type of thing."
It allows people to take their mind off money and focus on fun instead.
Nicholas Deapo said, "I was like 'Oh my gosh I won.' I get to bring my grandma to this thing and i want her to see this so badly."
There is one more chance to get those prime seats for a discount price. The last show is Sunday at 2pm so the last drawing will be at noon.
