#Ham4Ham, the weekly matinee pre-show that became a beloved ritual for Broadway’s Hamilton, is coming to an end. After more than a hundred #Ham4Ham shows, the musical announced via Twitter that while lotteries will still continue, Wednesday would mark the last of the miniconcerts and skits that have taken place outside the Richard Rodgers Theatre over the past year.
No more duets with J.J. Abrams, no more “Happy Trails” singalongs to send off departing cast members, no more surprise special guests or extraordinary field trips. #Ham4Ham was almost as revolutionary as the show it preceded, in that it brought one of Broadway’s most exclusive performances out onto the sidewalks—and to the internet—for the people to enjoy.
Sad though it may be to see it go, the news isn’t terribly surprising. The cancellation comes less than two months after creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda left Hamilton (and with it, #Ham4Ham) for good. Miranda’s enthusiasm for his audience sparked the #Ham4Ham tradition in the first place, after he gave a spontaneous address to the crowd that gathered outside the first-ever Hamilton lottery, and his charisma as emcee was always a major, and irreplacable, part of the appeal.
The final #Ham4Ham will take place on Wednesday at 12 p.m.
