Broadway’s spring season saw a mix of surprises and disappointments in terms of box office performance. The strongest newcomers on the scene seemed to be holding their ground, with repeat sell-outs like “An Enemy of the People,” “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” and “Hell’s Kitchen” leading the pack. Additionally, “The Outsiders” and “Stereophonic” were inching their way into the sell-out territory, showing promising signs of success. These five shows were also well represented among the Tony nominees, adding to their appeal and drawing power.
A second tier of newcomers, while not hitting sell-out status, nonetheless proved to be strong performers during the week ending May 12. “Appropriate” saw a significant increase in box office revenue, bringing in more than $43,000 and filling 91% of its seats. “Mary Jane” and “Mother Play” maintained steady attendance around 97% of capacity, while “Suffs,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “The Wiz” all posted significant box office jumps, settling into the impressive 91% to 95% of capacity range. However, shows like “Illinoise” saw a decrease in receipts due to a canceled performance following a tragic event, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of live theater.
Notable Increases and Decreases
Among the shows operating at the 80%-90% of capacity level, “The Who’s Tommy” and “Lempicka” stood out with noticeable jumps in box office revenue. However, “Lempicka,” despite the increase, announced an early closing notice, indicating that financial success does not always translate to staying power on Broadway. On the other end of the spectrum, shows like “Uncle Vanya,” “Patriots,” and “The Heart of Rock and Roll” experienced drops in box office revenue and attendance, signaling potential trouble for their longevity on the Great White Way.
In total, the 34 Broadway productions, new and otherwise, grossed $35,727,377 for the week, marking a 3% increase over the previous week and a significant 14% increase over the same time last year. Total attendance reached 286,841, representing about 91% of capacity, with a slight 1% decrease from the previous week but an 8% increase from last year. These numbers paint a complex picture of Broadway’s financial landscape, with some shows thriving and others facing challenges in attracting audiences.
Broadway’s spring box office results reflect the unpredictable nature of the theater industry, where success can be elusive even for the most promising newcomers. As the season progresses and the Tony Awards approach, the fate of these productions will continue to shift, highlighting the ever-changing dynamics of the Great White Way. Only time will tell which shows will emerge as the true standouts of the season and which ones will struggle to find their footing among the bright lights of Broadway.