Broadway is experiencing a resurgence this autumn, bolstered by the impressive performances of two phenomenal shows: *Sunset Blvd.* and *Romeo + Juliet.* In their respective opening weeks, *Sunset Blvd.* captivated audiences and critics alike, raking in an astounding $1,211,699, while *Romeo + Juliet*, despite being in preview, sold out its performances at Circle in the Square, earning $1,056,775. The buzz surrounding *Romeo + Juliet*, featuring rising stars Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler, has set the stage for its highly anticipated official opening on October 24. These financial successes highlight Broadway’s ability to draw in audiences and generate substantial revenue, marking a positive trend in the theatrical landscape.
For the week ending October 20, Broadway’s 35 active shows accumulated a remarkable total of $34,689,137 at the box office. This figure represents a modest 1% increase over the previous week and a substantial 23% rise compared to the same period last year. Ticket sales have reached an encouraging attendance figure of 282,356, showcasing a 5% increase from the prior week and 26% growth over the same timeframe last season. These figures signal a thriving theatre scene, drawing audiences back to the magic of live performances after a tumultuous period.
Several recent arrivals are capturing the attention of theatergoers as well. *Left on Tenth*, a romantic comedy featuring Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher at the James Earl Jones Theatre, grossed $599,543 and achieved a respectable 68% seat fill rate, with its opening slated for October 23. *A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical*, currently in previews at Studio 54, also showed promise with 84% of seats filled and a gross of $637,466. Its official opening is set for November 11. Other noteworthy productions debuting this season include *Maybe Happy Ending*, starring Darren Criss, and *Tammy Faye*, the Elton John-Jake Shears musical, both of which are generating excitement as they gear up for their respective openings.
Among the plethora of shows gracing Broadway, *Wicked* continues to reign supreme as the leader in grosses, amassing $2,231,866, affirming its status as a perennial favorite. Additionally, *Cabaret* at the renowned Kit Kat Club reported a significant uptick in earnings, totaling $1,123,538. Other sold-out productions included *McNeal, Oh, Mary!*, *Stereophonic*, and *The Outsiders*, contributing to the buoyant box office atmosphere.
Challenges for New Entrants
Despite the overall positive outlook, not every production is enjoying strong ticket sales. The critically acclaimed *The Hills of California* currently faces challenges, filling only 59% of available seats and grossing $533,453. This illustrates the competitive nature of Broadway, where even well-received shows can struggle to attract audiences.
As Broadway embarks on its 2024-25 season, the cumulative gross stands at an impressive $684,611,123, reflecting a 9% increase over last year, with attendance numbers totaling 5,545,423, an 8% rise. These figures, provided by The Broadway League, reveal a resilient industry eager to entice theater enthusiasts back into its historic venues. With a blend of established favorites and promising new productions, Broadway remains an important cultural beacon, continually evolving while captivating audiences with its rich array of storytelling.