In the competitive world of Broadway, the musical adaptation of “Death Becomes Her” appears to have made a resounding entrance. Debuting at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, this fresh take on the beloved 1992 comedy fantasy has captivated audiences, raking in an impressive gross of $1,073,018 during its initial previews. Filling 98% of the venue’s seats, the show has quickly emerged as a leading force amidst a slew of productions vying for the attention of theatergoers. This remarkable success underscores not just the appeal of its star-studded cast featuring the likes of Megan Hilty, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Simard, and Christopher Sieber, but also hints at its potential longevity in the competitive Broadway landscape.
When examining the figures from other musicals in preview performances, “Death Becomes Her” stands out starkly. Newcomers such as “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” reached only 75% capacity at Studio 54, with a gross of $516,874, while “Maybe Happy Ending,” featuring stars Darren Criss and Helen J Shen, managed to fill 78% of seats at the Belasco, accumulating just $294,871. Elton John’s and Jake Shears’ “Tammy Faye” had a disappointing showing with only 64% capacity at the Palace Theatre, grossing $319,918. Meanwhile, “Swept Away,” backed by the Avett Brothers, did slightly better at 82% of capacity and a gross of $357,470 for five previews. This dramatic variance emphasizes how “Death Becomes Her” not only resonates with audiences but potentially sets a new standard for success in a season filled with uncertainty.
Despite the impressive figures for “Death Becomes Her,” the overall box office results for Broadway seem to reflect a mixed bag. For the week ending November 3, a total of 36 productions grossed $32,939,767, marking a three percent decline compared to the previous week. However, total attendance remained robust, with 285,801 theatergoers filling seats. This snapshot captures a broader trend within the industry, which oscillates between hits and misses, making it vital for producers to innovate and adapt to evolving audience tastes. Year-to-date, Broadway’s earnings are up approximately 11% from last season, signifying resilience and a steady audience interest in live performances.
Looking Ahead: The Future of “Death Becomes Her”
As “Death Becomes Her” continues its previews, eyes will be on whether it can sustain its current momentum as performances transition into regular run. The buzz generated by its strong box office performance may shape the very fabric of Broadway’s narrative for the 2024-25 season. Beyond the numbers, the challenge will be to maintain audience engagement and achieve critical acclaim, both of which are crucial for longevity in a notoriously fickle theatrical landscape.
Broadway’s recent successes and lingering challenges remind us that the art of theater is as much about storytelling as it is about box office figures. As the musical gains momentum, the question remains: can it maintain its spellbinding allure, or will it be a fleeting moment in an ever-evolving theatrical realm? Only time will tell.