As winter maintains its grip on New York, the financial climate of Broadway has experienced a notable downturn. With the impending arrival of spring, traditionally seen as a bustling time for theatrical productions, last week’s box office returns revealed only four shows—Cabaret, Redwood, Romeo + Juliet, and Wicked—reporting stable or slightly improved ticket sales. The overall revenue dropped to $28,135,565 for the week ending February 9, marking a significant 10% decline, or approximately $3 million, from the previous week when 29 productions were on stage.
This persistent drop in ticket sales is exacerbated by the absence of two notable shows, Cult of Love and Left on Tenth, which have closed their curtains. Consequently, total attendance also saw a decrease of 4%, capturing only 247,887 theatergoers. The timing of the downturn aligns with the conclusion of Broadway’s annual 2-for-1 promotion, which typically boosts attendance and revenue, indicating that seasonal promotions significantly impact box office figures.
Despite the overall decline, specific productions have shown resilience. Redwood, the highly-anticipated musical featuring Idina Menzel, began its previews with an impressive capacity of 98% at the Nederlander Theatre and grossed $856,603 over the first week. With an official opening scheduled for February 13, this production is slated to invigorate the Broadway scene as spring approaches.
Meanwhile, Romeo + Juliet, starring Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler, is also making waves as it approaches closing night on February 16. The show experienced a noteworthy increase in ticket sales, rising by $19,919 to total $1,025,290, ultimately selling out at the Circle in the Square. In a similar vein, All In: Comedy About Love, although facing a drastic drop in sales after a week featuring celebrity guest Jimmy Fallon, managed to achieve significant grossing at $1,163,537.
Among the productions maintaining robust ticket sales, Wicked remains an unstoppable force, leading the box office with an impressive gross of $2,324,693. Close behind is The Lion King, which pulled in $1,602,483. This performance underscores the enduring popularity and commercial viability of these well-established shows amid the waves of change that characterize the theater landscape.
Additionally, numerous other productions, including Hadestown, The Book of Mormon, and & Juliet, boast impressive attendance figures, often reaching at or near full capacity. This resilience in attendance speaks volumes about the engaging content available on Broadway, as many audience members continue to seek quality theatrical experiences even during slower sales periods.
As Broadway stands at a crossroads, the industry watches eagerly to see if the spring season will breathe new life into the box office numbers. With significant productions in preview and several highly anticipated performances upcoming, theater enthusiasts remain hopeful. Historical trends suggest a resurgence in ticket sales as audiences shake off their winter blues and become more inclined to engage with the vibrant theatrical offerings of New York City.
While the current state of Broadway reflects challenges typical of winter, the dynamic nature of the theater industry and the impending arrival of spring could catalyze a resurgence in ticket sales and audience attendance, essential for the continued vitality of this beloved cultural hub.