The holiday season has a knack for drawing crowds to Broadway, and this year, the revival of *Elf the Musical* has taken the spotlight in a significant way. With its triumphant return, the show has not only entertained audiences but also set a new financial benchmark at the Marquis Theatre, achieving an impressive gross of $2,230,419 across eight performances for the week concluding December 22. This feat highlights not only the popularity of the production but also the lucrative nature of the festive season on Broadway.
*Elf the Musical*’s latest run has been nothing short of remarkable. Starring the talented Grey Hanson, known for his role in *Mean Girls*, as Buddy the Elf, and Sean Astin stepping into the beloved role of Santa, the musical has swiftly climbed the ranks in Broadway box office history. The production not only improved upon its previous week’s earnings of $2,033,784 but also reached an astounding 98% capacity at the Marquis Theatre, underscoring its widespread appeal during this festive period.
In the context of the competitive Broadway landscape, *Elf* was positioned as the fourth highest-grossing show of the week, trailing behind Broadway heavyweights such as *Wicked*, *The Lion King*, and *Hamilton*, which also demonstrated strong week-over-week growth. Each of these productions continues to entice audiences, affirming the enduring allure of Broadway’s premier shows.
Adapted from the 2003 film that has become a staple of holiday viewing, *Elf the Musical* first made its Broadway debut during the 2010-2011 season. The creative team behind this adaptation—Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin (book), and Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (music and lyrics)—has successfully transformed a beloved cinematic tale into an engaging theatrical experience. The show returned to New York for a holiday stint in 2012-2013 with a revised script, contributing to its ongoing evolution as a holiday favorite.
The most recent performance of *Elf* had its sights set on breaking the previous box office record at the Marquis Theatre, held by *Beetlejuice*, which amassed $2,146,200 in the same venue. With the holiday spirit in full swing, it seems the audience’s love for *Elf* has paved the way for an unforgettable revival.
Looking beyond just *Elf*, the Broadway landscape is thriving overall. The 31st week of the 2024-2025 season saw several other productions achieving notable box office successes. *All In: Comedy About Love*, inspired by Simon Rich’s short stories, invigorated the stage with a gross of $1,327,148 in its first full week, showing significant promise for this new offering. Notably, ten shows managed to sell out during this period, a clear indicator that the holiday season is invigorating Broadway as a whole.
On the other end of the spectrum, *Gypsy*, featuring the incredible Audra McDonald as Mama Rose, reported earnings of $1,567,014 over three previews and five performances, indicating a slight decline from the previous week. Conversely, *Eureka Day*, showcasing favorable responses, has already extended its run due to positive reception, proving that even new works can flourish amidst competing established productions.
In total, the 34 productions currently gracing the Broadway stage collectively generated $44,466,554 in revenue, accompanied by an impressive attendance count of 302,828. Both figures mark a significant increase of over 32% compared to the same period last year, painting a vibrant picture of the current theatrical climate.
Moreover, the average ticket price has slightly risen to $146.84, emphasizing the high demand for engaging live performances. Season-to-date, Broadway’s financial health appears robust, with gross earnings surpassing $1 billion—an increase of over 15% from the previous year, reflecting a resurgence in the theater-going experience.
As *Elf the Musical* continues its Holiday run through January 5, it is clear that the enchanting story of Buddy the Elf, brought to vivid life on stage, resonates deeply with audiences while also proving to be a financial boon for the broader Broadway ecosystem. The confluence of nostalgia, festive cheer, and artistic expression illustrates the enduring power of theater to uplift spirits during the holiday season.