Broadway has once again demonstrated its undeniable charm and resilience, achieving record-breaking figures during the recent Thanksgiving week. As reported by the Broadway League, the week ending December 1, 2023, saw the combined gross of 38 productions soar to an impressive $46,046,759—an increase of nearly $12 million from the previous year’s total of $34,512,033. This surge in both gross revenue and attendance illustrates the enduring appeal of live theater, particularly during the holiday season.
This year’s Thanksgiving week drew a staggering 312,143 theatergoers, a remarkable leap from last year’s 228,711 attendees. These figures are indicative of a broader trend within the industry, showcasing Broadway’s powerful rebound after the pandemic-induced downturn. The return of audiences in full force highlights the increasing popularity of the theater as a prime destination for entertainment, especially during festive occasions when families seek shared experiences.
The array of productions currently on offer has likely contributed to this uptick in attendance. With a vibrant mixture of long-running favorites and newer entries, Broadway presents a diversified lineup tailored to capture the interests of varying demographics. Such broad appeal is essential for sustaining audience engagement and ensuring the longevity of the theater community.
Among the notable successes of the week, the enduring popularity of “Wicked” came as no surprise. The musical grossed an astounding $2,930,221, comfortably positioning it at the top of the box office chart. This surge can be partially attributed to renewed excitement stemming from the release of its blockbuster film adaptation. As Broadway aficionados likely understand, the synergy between stage productions and film can drive considerable ticket sales, as audiences familiar with the story from the screen are often encouraged to experience the live version.
Following closely behind, “The Lion King” and “Hamilton” rounded out the top three with gross revenues of $2,883,276 and $2,579,544, respectively. Such high figures underscore the resilience of these landmark productions, which continue to captivate new generations of theatergoers while maintaining loyal fanbases.
Several productions led the charge in terms of attendance, with four presenting sold-out performances: “Oh, Mary!”, “Romeo + Juliet”, “The Outsiders”, and, predictably, “Wicked”. Additionally, 13 productions filled at least 95% of their seats, a clear signal of the robust interest in live performances during this festive period. The involvement of newer and diverse works, along with time-tested classics, seems to be a winning combination in drawing crowds.
Notably, “The Outsiders” particularly shone in this holiday season, achieving its best-ever week at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. With a gross of $1,840,606, the show surpassed previous records and showcased its ability to attract a dedicated audience.
While many productions flourished during this time, a few struggled to capture significant audience interest. For instance, “Swept Away” managed to secure only $412,182, filling a concerning 61% of its capacity. Similarly, “Tammy Faye” grossed a mere $259,515, with just 38% of its seats occupied. This disparity hints at the unpredictability of theater as a business; not every production can ride the wave of holiday cheer to financial success.
Other shows, including “A Wonderful World” and “Left on Tenth”, faced challenges in drawing crowds. As audiences braved the choice of attending a multitude of festivities during Thanksgiving week, the competition among productions intensified, proving that even on Broadway, success is not guaranteed.
Despite underperforming shows, the overall season continues on a positive trajectory. Broadway has grossed a total of $906,440,409 this season, up approximately 13% from last year. This growth emphasizes the resilience of the theater community overall, as it adapts in response to audience preferences and challenges.
Broadway’s Thanksgiving success serves as a powerful reminder of the sector’s potential not only to thrive, but to grow. With strong ticket sales, robust attendance, and a diverse offering of productions, the future looks promising for the Great White Way. As audiences continue to flock back to theaters, the prospect of sustaining these gains remains hopeful, and the enchanting world of live theater will undoubtedly flourish in the seasons to come.
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