Broadway’s latest production of Merrily We Roll Along has been receiving quite a bit of attention, and for good reason. The star-studded musical revival, featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, has been breaking records left and right. With an impressive gross of $1,471,644 in one week alone, it is no wonder why this production is the talk of the town. However, while Merrily We Roll Along may be stealing the spotlight, there are several other noteworthy shows making waves on Broadway as well.
Merrily We Roll Along, a collaboration between Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, has consistently proven its success at the box office. In fact, the show recently set a house record at the Hudson Theatre, surpassing David Byrne’s American Utopia. With a seven-performance record of $1,431,543, Merrily We Roll Along has proven its ability to draw in large audiences. Not only did the show achieve record-breaking numbers, but it also managed to fill all of its seats for the week ending Oct. 1. This level of demand is a testament to the star power of Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, as well as the quality of the production itself.
While Merrily We Roll Along may be a standout success, it is not the only show making waves on Broadway. Hamilton, the beloved musical that continues to draw in crowds, was nearly a sell-out with 99.7% of its seats filled, grossing an impressive $1,776,084. The Lion King also boasted strong numbers, with 99.4% of its capacity filled and a gross of $1,923,263 at the Minskoff Theatre. These productions have cultivated a loyal fan base and consistently deliver exceptional performances.
Last week, two new productions made their debut on Broadway. Purlie Victorious, staged at the Music Box, managed to gross $358,336. Another newcomer, Melissa Etheridge: My Window, drew in a lower but still respectable amount of $179,113 at Circle in the Square. It is important to note that these figures may have been affected by press and opening night comps, which can hinder overall revenue. Additionally, two other shows were in their preview stages: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at the Friedman Theatre and Gutenberg! The Musical! at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding took in $193,619, while Gutenberg! The Musical! grossed $759,339. Both shows have their opening nights scheduled for the coming weeks.
In total, the 26 Broadway productions collectively generated $23,116,749 in one week, revealing a modest 3% increase compared to the previous week. However, despite the increase in revenue, attendance remained steady at 199,458. With an average ticket price of $115.90, it is evident that the theater industry is facing some challenges. Nonetheless, Broadway has managed to gross an impressive $543,413,435 season to date, with a total attendance of 4,477,657 at 88% capacity. These figures speak to the enduring popularity of live theater.
Merrily We Roll Along has certainly made its mark on Broadway, breaking records and captivating audiences. However, it is important to recognize the success of other productions such as Hamilton and The Lion King, which continue to excel at the box office. Additionally, the arrival of new shows adds to the excitement and diversity of Broadway. While the industry may face certain challenges, the numbers prove that theater remains an art form cherished and celebrated by audiences worldwide.