Last week marked the Broadway debut of Robert Downey Jr. in the play “McNeal” at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. The play, directed by Bartlett Sher, received positive feedback with all four previews being sold out. The production grossed an impressive $746,230, setting a strong foundation for its official opening on September 30.
The box office success of “McNeal” is evident through its average ticket price of $170.37, a remarkable number considering that Lincoln Center Theater is heavily subscription-based. The play joins the ranks of other successful productions, such as “The Roommate,” “Oh, Mary!,” and “The Outsiders,” all of which experienced sold-out performances and impressive earnings.
While “McNeal” and other hit shows drew in large audiences, other productions such as “Cabaret,” “Hadestown,” “Hamilton,” and “Wicked” continued to fill over 95% of their available seats. However, some productions like “Job” and “Water For Elephants” struggled to reach full capacity, with attendance rates at 75% and 68% respectively.
Overall Broadway Performance
In the week ending September 8, Broadway’s 26 productions collectively grossed $25,461,584, marking a slight decrease from the previous week. Despite the dip in earnings, total attendance remained relatively stable at 220,582. The average ticket price also saw a decrease from $125 to $115, which can be attributed in part to the 2-for-1 Broadway Week promotion running during this period.
As of the 16th week of the 2024-25 season, Broadway has generated $507,011,808 in revenue, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. Total attendance has also seen a rise of about 4% with 4,045,646 attendees. These statistics show a positive trend in Broadway’s performance and audience engagement.
The recent debut of “McNeal” starring Robert Downey Jr. has added to Broadway’s success story, with strong box office numbers and positive audience reception. The diversity of productions and the overall increase in revenue and attendance signify a healthy and thriving Broadway scene.