The vibrant realm of Broadway continues to thrive, with the latest figures offering a glimpse into the economic health of this iconic theatrical district. For the week ending October 6, a remarkable $29.6 million was generated by 32 performances. This number represents a notable rise of 12% from the previous week and a 10% increase compared to the same week last year. The total attendance also surged to 253,475, marking an 8% rise week-on-week and a 20% increase from the same period in 2023. With nearly 87% of theater seats filled, it’s evident that audiences are returning to the stage in droves.
Among the newest additions to the Broadway lineup, “Sunset Blvd.” directed by Jamie Lloyd, has emerged as a significant performer. Featuring the talents of Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, the show eclipsed the $1 million revenue mark during its previews, boasting a gross of $1,075,922 despite a slightly lower capacity of around 93%. The show is set to celebrate its official opening on October 20. Such a strong financial start places it alongside other recent hits like “McNeal” and “Romeo + Juliet,” reinforcing the robust nature of new productions making their mark on Broadway.
Following closely is “Romeo + Juliet,” a compelling adaptation directed by Sam Gold and headlined by Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler, which achieved standing-room-only crowds, pulling in an impressive $950,099 during its preview performances. The anticipation for its formal debut on October 24 adds to the excitement surrounding this contemporary take on Shakespeare.
While certain shows bask in the glow of financial success, others have had varied responses from audiences and critics alike. “Yellow Face,” starring Daniel Dae Kim, received commendable reviews but garnered a modest gross of only $298,725, achieving an attendance rate of 88%. This illustrates the unpredictable nature of Broadway, where critical acclaim does not always translate into box office success.
Similarly, “Our Town,” directed by Kenny Leon and featuring Jim Parsons, managed to fill 74% of seats, generating $562,408 in gross with a forthcoming opening night on October 10. In contrast, “Left on Tenth,” a romantic comedy based on Delia Ephron’s memoir, demonstrated a more tempered response with just $466,850 from seven previews and filling 69% of the seats. Although the reviews for these productions may vary, their ability to draw audiences showcases the diversity of offerings currently available.
Conversely, shows like “Cabaret,” featuring Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho, are grappling with audience retention following a demographic shift in its cast. The musical experienced a significant dip, grossing $938,186—down from the previous week. This downward trend highlights the volatility inherent in theater productions, where audience preferences can fluctuate rapidly.
In contrast, “Water for Elephants” saw a surprising uptick in business, reportedly increasing its gross to $656,034 following news of its impending closing. Even though the attendance remained relatively low at 62%, this surge demonstrates the phenomenon whereby audiences are drawn to productions facing an imminent farewell.
As Broadway continues to navigate through its 20th week of the 2024-25 season, the overall picture remains bright. With total season grosses reaching $615.6 million—an 8% climb from last year—it’s encouraging to see a resurgence in theater attendance. The combination of compelling narratives, star-studded casts, and innovative productions ensures that Broadway remains a centerpiece of cultural vibrancy and artistic expression. Audiences are returning, and with them, a renewed sense of enthusiasm for live performances. For theater enthusiasts, this season presents a compelling landscape filled with possibilities.