The fall season on Broadway is off to a promising start with the addition of three new shows. One of the most notable productions is “Gutenberg! The Musical!” starring Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells. Under the direction of Alex Timbers, this musical has managed to impress audiences during its preview period. The James Earl Jones Theatre was nearly filled to capacity, with 96% of seats occupied for the first three previews. The show also had a strong box office performance, grossing $376,300. With an average ticket price of $122.65, it’s clear that audiences are willing to invest in this production. Opening night for “Gutenberg! The Musical!” is set for October 12.
Another new addition to the Broadway lineup is the production of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” by Jocelyn Bioh. Directed by Whitney White and presented by the subscription-based Manhattan Theatre Club, this play has generated positive results during its preview period. The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre hosted the show at an impressive 97% capacity, as theatergoers flocked to see the production. “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” brought in $165,345 during its previews, with an average ticket price of $44.51. The play is set to have its official opening night on October 3.
The Broadway landscape has also been enriched by Melissa Etheridge’s autobiographical songs-and-stories show, “Melissa Etheridge: My Window.” Presented at Circle in the Square, this production has garnered attention and support from audiences. During the four previews, the show achieved an attendance rate of 80% and grossed $184,162. With an average ticket price of $79.38, it’s evident that fans are eager to experience Etheridge’s unique performance. The official opening night for “Melissa Etheridge: My Window” is set for September 28.
Overall, Broadway continues to thrive as the fall season unfolds. With a total of 25 productions, the box office managed to gross $21,640,927 for the week ending September 17. Although this figure was comparable to the previous week, there was a notable increase in attendance, with a 7% rise compared to the previous week. However, it’s also essential to consider the impact of the two-for-one ticket prices offered during the final week of the NYC Broadway Week promotion, which may have affected the overall grosses.
The average ticket price for Broadway shows last week was $106.59, a modest figure when compared to the same period last year where it was around $124. While most productions enjoyed healthy attendance figures, with 16 out of 25 shows reaching 90% or more of their capacity, only one show managed to achieve a virtual sell-out status. “Hamilton,” at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, reached a remarkable 99.76% capacity.
Some shows, however, are still finding their footing. For instance, the previewing production of “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch,” directed by Kenny Leon and starring Leslie Odom Jr., filled 68% of the Music Box Theatre’s capacity. Despite this, the production managed to gross $331,700, indicating potential for success as it prepares for its opening night on September 27.
To date, the Broadway season has amassed a gross of $497,854,347 with a total attendance of 4,079,414, achieving an impressive 88% capacity. These figures highlight the continued popularity and appeal of Broadway shows among theater enthusiasts.
The addition of new shows to the Broadway lineup has invigorated the 2019 fall season. The box office figures and attendance rates for “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” and “Melissa Etheridge: My Window” indicate a promising future for these productions. Meanwhile, Broadway as a whole maintains its stronghold as a vibrant and captivating entertainment avenue.