The dynamic world of Broadway continues to captivate audiences and generate excitement as several new productions made a notable impact in the week ending September 15. In particular, the landscape of theater saw a considerable boost, with a 7% increase in receipts compared to the previous week. This uptick can largely be attributed to the arrival of intriguing new shows such as *McNeal*, *Yellow Face*, and *The Roommate*, which have sparked increased interest among theatergoers.
*McNeal*, featuring the much-anticipated Broadway debut of Robert Downey Jr., proved to be a significant draw, as evidenced by its successful run of previews. The production, hosted at Lincoln Center’s esteemed Vivian Beaumont Theater, achieved sell-out status for all five previews, generating an impressive gross of $954,624. Meanwhile, David Henry Hwang’s *Yellow Face*, starring television favorite Daniel Dae Kim, has also garnered attention, with 97% of available seats filled during its three previews at the Roundabout’s Todd Haimes Theatre, accumulating $148,415 in ticket sales. As these two shows prepare for their official openings—scheduled for September 30 and October 1, respectively—anticipation is high.
*The Roommate*, another noteworthy addition to the Broadway mix, boasts a star-studded cast including Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. Despite its near sell-out attendance (97% capacity) during its opening week, the production faced challenges when two performances were curtailed due to Farrow’s COVID-related absence. Remarkably, Marsha Mason stepped in as an alternative for the Sunday matinee, displaying the resilience and adaptability of Broadway productions amid the ongoing pandemic. Ultimately, *The Roommate* earned $341,559 over three regular performances and three previews, affirming its place in the Broadway lineup.
Among the recent entries, *The Hills of California*, a fresh offering from acclaimed playwright Jez Butterworth and directed by Sam Mendes, captured 76% of seats during its four previews at the Broadhurst theater, leading to a total gross of $279,238. Anticipation is building as its opening night approaches on September 29, adding to the excitement of the current Broadway season.
The overall landscape of Broadway this week reflects a compelling narrative of revival, with 28 productions in play—two more than the previous week—and a collective gross of $27,262,406. This figure marks a commendable 26% increase compared to the same week in the prior year. Furthermore, total attendance reached 234,635, a growth of approximately 6% week-over-week and 16% year-on-year. The season’s totals are equally promising: Broadway has generated $534,274,214 thus far, an increase of 7% from the same point last year. With this momentum, Broadway seems poised for a robust season, showcasing its enduring appeal and resilience in the face of challenges.