As the curtain closes on the Thanksgiving festivities, Broadway experienced a noteworthy recalibration in its box office figures. The week ending December 8 saw gross earnings retreat by approximately 9%, amounting to $42,021,721 compared to the record highs achieved during the holiday period. Despite this decline in revenue, theater attendance remained robust, with a reported attendance of 309,802, indicating a resilient market ready to embrace the colder months after the holiday surge.
Once again, “Wicked” emerged as the undisputed leader in earnings, raking in an impressive $2,782,795, solidifying its status as a perennial favorite among the Broadway roster. Following closely were “The Lion King,” which aggregated $2,489,493, and “Hamilton” at $2,030,772. Each of these productions exemplifies the quintessential Broadway experience, attracting diverse audiences and sustaining high ticket sales. The continued success of these iconic shows reflects their intrinsic value in the current theatrical landscape, even as newer productions vie for a share of the spotlight.
As the season progresses, the curtain has fallen on “Tammy Faye,” which, in its final week, enjoyed a modest uptick of over $111,000 to close at $371,511. However, this growth came with a caveat, as the Palace Theatre struggled to fill less than half its seats—an indication of the challenges faced by smaller productions in a bustling marketplace. Likewise, “Water For Elephants” concluded its run with a respectable gross of $957,672, albeit achieving only 66% of capacity at the Imperial Theatre. These closures serve as a reminder of the highly competitive nature of Broadway, where even well-received shows may not find a lasting audience.
The week also heralded the arrival of three productions currently in previews—”Cult of Love,” “Eureka Day,” and “Gypsy.” “Cult of Love,” premiering on December 12, garnered $299,320 with an impressive 90% attendance. “Eureka Day” set to open on December 16, pulled in $227,533, achieving 73% of capacity during its previews. The anticipated production “Gypsy,” with its pre-opening performance, took in $1,602,650 while filling 95% of the Majestic Theatre seats—signifying a strong interest that could translate into a successful run.
In addition to the standout performances, several other productions crossed the $1 million threshold, including “Aladdin,” “Back to the Future,” and “The Book of Mormon.” The week’s sell-outs of “Oh, Mary!,” “The Outsiders,” and “Wicked” further demonstrate the popularity and resilience of Broadway amidst the fluctuating financial landscape.
Season-to-date, Broadway has grossed an impressive $948,462,012 over the 29 weeks of the 2024-25 season, reflecting a robust 14% increase from the previous year. Total attendance also stands at 7,656,693, a clear indicator that Broadway remains a vital and vibrant aspect of the cultural fabric, captivating audiences and performers alike.
The Broadway League continues to provide comprehensive box office listings and data, showcasing the power and influence of live theatre in our society.
Leave a Reply