In the week following the Presidents Day holiday, the Broadway box office saw a slight decline of only 3% in overall receipts. However, the total attendance for 24 shows remained steady at 205,020, which represents about 94% of capacity. The productions collectively grossed $26,049,492 for the week ending February 25. The average ticket price also saw a decrease from the holiday week, dropping to $127.06 from $133.91.
Newcomers and Previews
Two new shows made their mark on Broadway during this period. “Water For Elephants” contributed $344,493 to the overall box office tally with its circus-themed musical that filled 94% of seats at the Imperial during its previews. The show is set to have its official opening night on March 21. Another newcomer, “The Notebook” musical, based on the bestseller and hit movie, drew in large audiences during its previews at the Schoenfeld, with 99.7% of seats filled and a gross of $880,360. It is scheduled to open on March 14. Additionally, “Doubt”, starring Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber, brought in $555,197 for seven performances at Roundabout’s Todd Haimes Theatre, filling about 92% of the venue’s capacity. The show is set to open on March 7.
Several shows stood out for playing at 95% capacity or more, including popular productions such as “Hamilton”, “The Lion King”, “Moulin Rouge!”, and “Wicked”. These shows continued to attract large audiences and bring in significant box office revenue. On the other end of the spectrum, “A Beautiful Noise” only filled 67% of seats, leading to a June closing notice. “Days of Wine and Roses” and “Spamalot” also saw lower attendance rates at 60% and 72%, respectively.
For the season to date, Broadway has grossed an impressive $1,143,520,021, with a total attendance of 9,088,866. These figures highlight the overall success and popularity of Broadway productions among audiences. The data, provided by The Broadway League, showcases the industry’s resilience and ability to attract theatergoers from around the world.
Despite some fluctuations in box office receipts, the Broadway industry remains strong and continues to draw in audiences with a wide range of shows. The diverse offerings cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring there is something for everyone on the Broadway stage. With new productions on the horizon and established favorites continuing to perform well, the future looks bright for the iconic New York City theater district.