Last week, the Broadway box office experienced a significant decline after the previous week’s exceptional surge during the double-holiday period. With Christmas and New Year’s Eve falling within the same theatrical window, Broadway’s 26 productions achieved an impressive total gross of $45,413,789. Unfortunately, this success was short-lived as the box office plummeted by 35% to $29,681,396 for the week ending January 7. A possible explanation for the decline in attendance, which decreased by approximately 14% to 219,787, lies in the high ticket prices associated with the holiday period. Compared to the previous week, the average ticket price dropped by $42 to $135.05.
Despite the overall drop-off in box office revenue, many shows managed to maintain decent ticket sales. Out of the 26 productions, 15 grossed over $1 million, with three exceeding $2 million. These top performers include “& Juliet” ($1,118,062), “Aladdin” ($1,617,006), “Back to the Future” ($1,374,815), “Gutenberg!” ($1,056,646), “Hamilton” ($1,988,349), “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” ($1,708,338), “Merrily We Roll Along” ($1,785,231), “MJ” ($1,569,159), “Moulin Rouge!” ($1,335,524), “Six” ($1,032,379), “Spamalot” ($1,081,965), and “The Book of Mormon” ($1,103,605). The highest-grossing productions were “The Lion King” ($2,444,074), “Wicked” ($2,124,815), and “Sweeney Todd” ($2,037,853).
Joining the already impressive roster of shows was “Days of Wine and Roses,” a musical adaptation of the 1962 film and original 1958 teleplay by Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel. Directed by Michael Greif and starring Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James, the production filled all seats at Studio 54 for its first two previews, grossing $162,093. Opening night is scheduled for January 28. Another new addition, “Prayer for the French Republic,” a play by Joshua Harmon, commenced previews at the non-profit Manhattan Theatre Club. The production earned $366,523, filling 91% of seats at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
To date, the cumulative gross revenue for Broadway this season amounts to a staggering $969,989,281, with recorded attendance at 7,641,019. These figures, obtained from The Broadway League, showcase the enduring popularity and economic significance of Broadway as an entertainment industry. For detailed box office listings, interested individuals can visit The Broadway League’s website.
As Broadway navigates through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry continues to face uncertainty. While the post-holiday slump may indicate a temporary setback, it is essential to recognize the resilience of Broadway and its ability to rebound. The success of various productions, even during a time of reduced attendance, demonstrates the enduring appeal and demand for live theater. As audiences eagerly await the return of full-capacity shows, producers and performers remain committed to providing unforgettable experiences and preserving the rich legacy of Broadway.