The theatrical landscape of Broadway has once again been sprinkled with holiday cheer as “Elf the Musical” made its much-anticipated return last month for a limited engagement. Drawing substantial crowds and breaking box office records, this festive production has proven itself to be more than just a seasonal entrant; it is becoming an enduring classic in the realm of musical theatre. The week ending December 22 saw “Elf” gross an astonishing $2,230,419 over just eight performances, topping the house record at the Marquis Theatre and signalling a celebratory start to the holiday season.
Stars Align for a Captivating Show
The revival of “Elf” features a dynamic cast led by Grey Hanson, a Tony nominee known for his work in “Mean Girls,” who captures the whimsical spirit of Buddy the Elf with boundless energy and charm. He shares the stage with Sean Astin, beloved for his iconic roles in both film and television, portraying Santa Claus. The synergy of these two talented actors has not only lifted the performance but has also resonated deeply with audiences. The explosive combination of talent has contributed to the musical’s impressive increase in attendance, reaching a near capacity of 98% at the expansive Marquis Theatre.
“Elf the Musical” has outshone its own previous week, outperforming itself with an additional gross of close to $200,000. It has also claimed a respectable fourth place in overall box office revenue for the week, trailing behind widely acclaimed shows like “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” and “Hamilton,” all of which have also reported growth in their earnings. This trend demonstrates not only the enduring appeal of these productions but also highlights that holiday-themed entertainment can hold its own among Broadway’s established titans.
Originally making waves during its inaugural Broadway run in the 2010-2011 season, “Elf the Musical” was crafted by the ingenious minds of Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin for the book, while Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin contributed the glittering score. Its narrative—a whimsical journey based on the 2003 cinematic treasure featuring Will Ferrell and directed by Jon Favreau—has been lovingly adapted and revised through subsequent productions, only enhancing its allure. The show’s storied history is further enriched by record-breaking holiday runs in the West End, suggesting a robust international love for this festive offering.
Box Office Highlights from the 2024-2025 Broadway Season
The week was also notable for the box office performance of other productions. Among them, “All In: Comedy About Love,” based on Simon Rich’s short stories, garnered attention with a robust first full week bringing in $1,327,148. This reflects a thriving theatre scene where multiple shows are vying for attention and selling out. Classics like “Chicago” and “Hadestown” also reported strong sales, further enriching the tapestry of Broadway’s offerings.
Additionally, “Gypsy,” featuring the indomitable Audra McDonald, witnessed varying ticket sales, indicating that even the strongest productions can face ebb and flow. Concurrently, lesser-known shows such as Jonathan Spector’s “Eureka Day” have garnered interest, showcasing the diverse range of themes and narratives being explored on Broadway.
Overall, Broadway demonstrated robust performance, with total grossing reaching $44,466,554 and an impressive attendance of 302,828. This marked over a 32% increase compared to the same timeframe the previous year, reflecting a strong resurgence in live theatre attendance. With average ticket prices slightly up from 2022, the theatrical economy is evidently thriving, mirroring the rising popularity of live entertainment as a whole.
“Elf the Musical” is not just a momentary festive hobby but a significant player in Broadway’s evolving narrative. As the production runs through January 5, it is evident that audiences revel in its lighthearted whimsy, leaving a lasting impact on both the stage and box office. With an increasing number of productions capturing the hearts of theatre-goers, Broadway continues to flourish as a premier destination for theatrical experiences.