Lin-Manuel Miranda Surprises 'Hamilton' Fans; Crowd Shuts Down Hollywood Boulevard

HOLLYWOOD, CA —"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda surprised a crowd of thousands lined up for a chance to win $10 tickets to the Broadway hit at it's opening night at the Pantages Theatre Wednesday.

Most would walk away without tickets, but they didn't leave empty-handed. Lin-Manuel Miranda snapped selfies with fans as he walked along the crowd, greeting cheering throngs. The line stretched for blocks, forcing the closure of Hollywood Boulevard in front of the theater just east of Vine Street.

Preview performances of "Hamilton" began last week, but Wednesday is opening night. To celebrate the occasion, Miranda announced plans online for a live lottery for $10 tickets to the show -- much like the online version being held for each performance during the show's Pantages run.

A live "#Ham4Ham" performance will also be held outside the Pantages, giving fans a taste of the show.

The Los Angeles Police Department urged motorists in Hollywood to avoid the boulevard, which was closed between Argyle Avenue and Vine Street, and was expected to remain closed until at least 2 p.m.

"Hamilton" will run at the Pantages through Dec. 30.

City News Service contributed to this report. Lin Manuel-Miranda (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)