The just-concluded 2023-2024 Broadway season saw a total of 71 productions on the boards from May 22, 2023, to May 19, 2024. The box office figures released by the Broadway League revealed that gross earnings amounted to $1.54 billion, with a total attendance of approximately 12.3 million. While these numbers represent a slight decrease from the previous season, they are still well below the pre-pandemic levels, remaining nearly 17% lower than before the COVID-19 shutdown.
The statistics for the 2023-2024 season show that about 90% of all available seats were filled, a minor improvement from last year’s 88%. The average ticket price for the season was $125.27, slightly lower than the previous season’s $128.43. Despite these figures being on par with post-pandemic levels, it is apparent that Broadway has yet to experience a full recovery from the effects of the 18-month COVID shutdown.
Comparison with Pre-Pandemic Levels
In comparison to the 2018-2019 season, which was the last full season before the onset of the pandemic, the numbers are still significantly lower. That season set a record with a total gross of $1.8 billion and an attendance of 14.8 million. The current figures reflect the ongoing struggle of Broadway to reclaim its former glory and reach pre-pandemic heights.
In response to the season’s results, Jason Laks, Interim President of The Broadway League, expressed positivity about the year, highlighting the attendance of 12.3 million and the gross earnings of $1.54 billion. He commended the diverse array of plays, musicals, and specials that Broadway offered, stating that audiences continue to respond positively to the variety of experiences available.
Of the 71 productions during the 2023-2024 season, 39 were new productions, consisting of 21 musicals (16 original, five revivals), 16 plays (12 original, four revivals), and two special engagements. This diverse lineup showcased the range of storytelling and artistic expression that Broadway has to offer, catering to a wide range of audience preferences.
During the final week of the season, the 35 shows currently running on Broadway collectively grossed $36,381,958. This figure represented a slight increase from the previous week and a significant 11% rise from the same period last year. With an attendance of 292,642 and 91% of available seats filled, the final week showed promising signs of recovery and continued audience engagement.
Several productions stood out for their exceptional box office performance during the final week of the season. Shows such as Aladdin, Hamilton, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge!, and Wicked grossed over $1 million each, demonstrating their enduring popularity and strong draw for audiences. These productions played a crucial role in driving overall box office numbers and showcasing the resilience of Broadway.
Overall, while the 2023-2024 Broadway season showed some positive indicators of recovery and audience engagement, it is evident that the industry still faces challenges in fully rebounding from the impact of the pandemic. Continued efforts to innovate, engage audiences, and provide diverse entertainment offerings will be vital in ensuring Broadway’s long-term success and sustainability.