The Broadway box office numbers for the week ending June 2 show a slight decrease from the previous week, with most productions reporting a dip in attendance. However, the overall gross for the 35 productions is up 8% compared to the same time last year. This indicates a certain level of stability in the industry, even as some shows struggle to maintain high attendance levels.
Ben Platt’s concert residency at the Palace Theatre, which recently reopened after renovations, is off to a strong start. Despite not having any previews or critics’ reviews, Platt managed to gross $650,306 in his first six performances, filling about 87% of the available seats. This demonstrates the star power of Platt and the enduring popularity of live performances on Broadway.
The absence of high-profile cast members like Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Carell had a noticeable impact on the box office numbers of their respective shows. “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Uncle Vanya” saw decreases in attendance and grosses as a result of these cast absences. This highlights the importance of having a strong ensemble cast that can fill in when lead actors are away.
The revival of Samm-Art Williams’s play “Home” at the Todd Haimes Theatre is in its second week of previews, with opening night scheduled for June 5. The production filled about 74% of available seats and grossed $116,448. This indicates a moderate level of interest in the show, which may pick up after its official premiere.
“The Lion King” continued its reign as the top earner of the week, bringing in $2,084,039. Other productions that grossed over $1 million included crowd favorites like “Aladdin,” “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” These shows have established themselves as consistent moneymakers on Broadway, attracting audiences from diverse demographics.
Several productions, including “An Enemy of the People,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” and “The Outsiders,” reported sold-out performances. This indicates a strong demand for tickets to these shows, which may lead to extended runs or higher ticket prices in the future.
As of the second week of the new season, Broadway has grossed $68,958,251 with total attendance at 567,499. These figures demonstrate the financial resilience of the industry, even in the face of challenges like cast absences and fluctuating audience numbers.
The Broadway box office trends for the week ending June 2 reflect a mix of stability and volatility in the industry. While some shows continue to attract large audiences and generate substantial revenue, others struggle to maintain consistent attendance levels. It will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the coming weeks and months, as new productions open and established shows adjust their marketing strategies.