Broadway has always been a vibrant tapestry of storytelling, artistry, and live performance, and its current season is no exception. Recent box office reports reveal an intriguing mix of new shows creating excitement and old favorites maintaining their stronghold. With various productions vying for the attention of theatergoers, let’s delve into the latest trends and performances that are shaping the Great White Way.
Among the productions making headlines is *Sunset Blvd.*, a revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic directed by Jamie Lloyd. This vigor returns to the St. James Theatre, showcasing the talents of Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis. The show achieved a noteworthy milestone last week, grossing over $1 million for the first time, specifically reporting a strong $1,075,922. Although achieving a capacity of approximately 93% fell short of 100%, the overall response indicates a solid start with all six previews fully attended. The excitement builds as we await the opening night on October 20, which many anticipate will bolster attendance even further.
Another standout is director Sam Gold’s adaptation of *Romeo + Juliet*, featuring the promising duo of Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler. This production continues to thrive during previews, boasting a remarkable attendance rate that has reached standing-room only across its performances at Circle in the Square. Financially, it has demonstrated resilience with a grossing of $950,099, barely shy of the $1 million mark. With its opening night set for October 24, the combination of classic literature and contemporary talent suggests a bright future.
The Star Power of McNeal
Meanwhile, *McNeal*, featuring a Broadway debut by the charismatic Robert Downey Jr., opened strongly at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. Filling all seats available, it managed an impressive gross of $969,768 from only six performances. The buzz surrounding Downey’s participation entices audiences, and as the reviews pour in, it’ll be interesting to observe its longevity on stage.
In contrast, *Yellow Face*, starring the talented Daniel Dae Kim at the Roundabout’s Todd Haimes Theatre, faced a challenging reception. Although it garnered better reviews compared to other new productions, the financial performance was modest at best, accumulating just $298,725 with an 88% capacity. This discrepancy raises questions about the intricate relationship between critical acclaim and box office success—a relationship that remains complex and unpredictable.
Moreover, several other productions are currently in previews, like *Our Town*, directed by Kenny Leon and featuring Jim Parsons. Despite a star-studded cast, it managed to fill only 74% of its seats for a gross of $562,408. Similarly, *Left on Tenth*, directed by Susan Stroman, garnered $466,850 with a 69% capacity. While these figures do not scream success, they reflect the ongoing efforts of the theater district to entice audiences amid a competitive landscape.
Overall, out of 32 Broadway shows showcased last week, five sold out completely. Notable successes included titles like *Wicked* and *The Outsiders*, both staples associated with high attendance levels. Additionally, *Cabaret*, which has seen a decline in its weekly gross following the departure of its previous stars, faced further challenges when Adam Lambert called out last Friday, which resulted in ticket refunds and a loss of gross revenue. Nevertheless, figures indicated that broadway as a whole amassed $29,633,660, an encouraging 12% increase from the previous week and a 10% rise from the same stage last year.
In a broader perspective, as the 2024-25 season progresses, Broadway’s cumulative gross stands at an impressive $615,653,855, reflecting an overall upward trajectory. With attendance nearing five million and a significant increase from the previous year, the theater scene remains robust, poised for even further growth. As new and existing shows continue to vie for audience attention, one thing is certain: the heart of Broadway beats stronger than ever.