Over Presidents Day Weekend, Broadway experienced a surge in box office revenue, with a 27% increase compared to the previous week. Grossing a total of $26,946,864, the 23 productions saw a significant boost in ticket sales. More than 94% of available seats were filled during this period, indicating a high level of demand for Broadway shows. The total attendance for the week ending February 18 reached 201,227, representing a 7% increase from the previous week. The average ticket price also rose to $133.91, a $20 jump from the previous week, contributing to the overall increase in revenue.
Among the 23 productions, twenty managed to fill at least 90% of their seats, showcasing the popularity of Broadway shows during this time. Notable mentions include The Notebook, a musical based on the Nicholas Sparks bestseller, which played to standing-room-only crowds at the Schoenfeld. Despite being in previews, the production grossed an impressive $1,013,563 for just seven shows. Sweeney Todd also saw a boost in revenue with permanent replacements Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster on board, increasing its weekly earnings to $1,479,716. However, uncertainty looms over the show’s future post their departure.
While most productions thrived during this period, some struggled to maintain high attendance rates. A Beautiful Noise, Days of Wine and Roses, and Spamalot fell below the 90% capacity mark, signaling potential challenges for these shows in the upcoming season. Additionally, Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, faced setbacks with three canceled performances due to Covid within the company, resulting in lower revenue at $568,150 for the week. However, the show managed to fill all seats for the remaining performances.
Despite the mixed performances of some productions, long-running shows like Chicago and The Lion King continued to be top earners on Broadway. Chicago grossed $1,018,556, surpassing its previous Presidents Day Weekend best, while The Lion King led the week with an impressive $2,004,314 in revenue. These consistent performers highlight the enduring appeal of well-established shows on Broadway.
Season to date, Broadway has grossed a total of $1,117,470,529, with a cumulative attendance of 8,883,846. These figures reflect the overall success and resilience of the Broadway industry, even in the face of ongoing challenges. As new productions gear up for their spring arrivals, the landscape of Broadway continues to evolve, showcasing a diverse range of shows for audiences to enjoy.