Winter has taken its toll on Broadway, as shows experienced a chilling effect at the box office last week. With overall receipts dropping by nearly 10% from the previous week, the theater industry faced a challenging period. This article delves into the details of this decline, highlighting the few shows that managed to defy the downward trend.
For the week ending February 11, the box office for the 24 productions amounted to $21,192,251. However, this figure reflects a significant decrease compared to the previous week. Attendance also suffered, with a 12% drop, totaling 187,573 viewers. These numbers indicate a winter slump that impacted the overall success of Broadway.
While most shows experienced a downturn, a handful managed to buck the trend. Sweeney Todd stood out as one of the exceptions. On February 9, the musical welcomed Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster as the permanent replacements for Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. This cast change brought a positive impact, with grosses for the Sondheim revival increasing by $402,763, resulting in a $1,260,185 total.
Joining the ranks of successful performances was The Notebook. The musical’s first three previews at the Schoenfeld Theatre nearly sold out, grossing $364,678. With high demand, the average ticket price reached an impressive $122.17. This initial success bodes well for the future of The Notebook in the competitive Broadway landscape.
Meanwhile, How To Dance In Ohio concluded its final week of performances with a bang. This sell-out production saw a surge in ticket sales, reaching $797,305. The influx of last-chance attendees boosted the weekly sales by $168,596 compared to the previous week. It was a high note to end on for How To Dance In Ohio.
Another show defying the downward trend was Hadestown. As the acclaimed production approaches its fifth anniversary in April, replacement cast members Jordan Fisher, Ani DiFranco, and Lola Tung injected renewed momentum. With $55,514 more in receipts compared to the previous week, Hadestown grossed $791,577, with 97% of seats filled at the Walter Kerr Theatre.
Impacted Productions
Unfortunately, not all productions managed to escape the decline. Appropriate, a hit Second Stage production, experienced setbacks due to Covid. The Sunday matinee performance was canceled, resulting in a slip of $55,983 and a total weekly gross of $706,260. Nevertheless, the production maintained strong attendance at 98% of capacity, and future figures are expected to reflect the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
Doubt: A Parable, the Roundabout revival of the John Patrick Shanley play, faced challenges of its own. Tyne Daly’s departure due to medical reasons necessitated the inclusion of understudy Isabel Keating, who filled 89% of seats at the Todd Haimes Theatre. With Amy Ryan set to take over, the play remains hopeful for its upcoming opening night on March 7.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Taking into account the entire season, Broadway has amassed impressive figures. The total gross for the season stands at a staggering $1,090,523,665, with a cumulative attendance of 8,682,619. However, the recent winter slump serves as a reminder of the industry’s vulnerability to external factors and seasonal fluctuations.
The winter chill had a significant impact on Broadway, resulting in a nearly 10% drop in box office receipts. Despite this overall decline, a few shows managed to thrive, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity. The theater industry must remain adaptable and innovative to navigate the challenges posed by various factors, such as cast changes and unforeseen circumstances like the Covid pandemic. With the spring season on the horizon, Broadway is poised to find its footing once again.