The bustling Broadway scene seems to have settled into a predictable rhythm following the Thanksgiving festivities. A noteworthy decline of approximately 9% brought the total gross to $42,021,721 for the week ending December 8, compared to the holiday peak from the previous week. Despite this drop, overall attendance displayed robustness with 309,802 attendees, indicating a sustained interest in live theater as the holiday season approaches.
Among the array of shows lighting up the Great White Way, “Wicked” maintained its position as the premier financial performer, grossing an impressive $2,782,795. Following this powerhouse, “The Lion King” amassed $2,489,493, and the highly-acclaimed “Hamilton” brought in $2,030,772. These figures underscore the enduring popularity of these classic productions, which continue to captivate audiences and drive significant revenue.
As the curtain fell on several notable shows, it was a bittersweet farewell for “Tammy Faye,” which concluded its run with a final gross of $371,511, despite only filling less than half of the Palace Theatre’s seats. Additionally, “Water For Elephants” wrapped up its performances earning $957,672, representing 66% seat occupancy at the Imperial Theatre. The closing of these productions reminds us that the Broadway landscape is often transient, with new stories waiting to take the stage.
As old favorites draw their curtains, new productions are gearing up for their debuts. “Cult of Love” recently began previews at the Hayes Theatre, grossing $299,320 with 90% attendance, while “Eureka Day” and “Gypsy” also made strides in their preview runs. Both shows are expected to open soon, reflecting Broadway’s continual evolution and the introduction of fresh narratives to the forefront. These upcoming performances are essential for keeping the Broadway ecosystem vibrant and diverse.
Exceptional Performers and Season Growth
Several productions also crossed the $1 million milestone last week, showcasing the competitive spirit of Broadway. Noteworthy mentions include “And Juliet,” “Aladdin,” and “Death Becomes Her,” which achieved its highest gross to date with $1,366,007. Interestingly, audience favorites such as “Oh, Mary!” and “The Outsiders” experienced sell-out performances, demonstrating the continued appeal of varying themes and stories within the lineup.
Reflecting on the season’s overall performance, Broadway has generated a colossal $948,462,012 so far during the 2024-25 season. This figure represents a remarkable 14% increase compared to the same period last year, further underscoring a resilient recovery for the theater industry. The ability of shows to attract audiences, alongside enhancements in marketing strategies and creative storytelling, has perhaps contributed to this uplift in attendance, which sits at 7,656,693.
While the Broadway box office may have seen a slight dip, the underlying trends suggest a healthy and engaged audience eager for live performances. As the season unfolds, it will be exciting to see how newer productions contend with established favorites and how the dynamics of attendance and revenue continue to evolve within the theatrical realm.