Broadway's just-ended 2023-2024 season saw a total attendance of about 12.3 million, with 71 productions on the boards grossing a combined $1.54 billion. These figures show a small decrease from the previous season, with the average ticket price settling at $125.27.
Despite the relatively stable numbers, Broadway's attendance remains nearly 17% below pre-pandemic levels. The final full season before Covid hit in 2018-2019 saw record-setting total gross and attendance figures of $1.8 billion and 14.8 million, respectively. As such, the industry has yet to achieve a full recovery from the 18-month Covid shutdown.
In a statement, Jason Laks, Interim President of The Broadway League, highlighted the positive aspects of the 2023-2024 season. He mentioned that audiences are responding well to the variety of plays, musicals, and specials offered on Broadway. Laks emphasized that Broadway continues to be a dynamic space for audiences and artists to explore diverse narratives together.
Production Breakdown
The 2023-2024 season featured a total of 71 productions, with 39 of them being new productions. These new productions included 21 musicals (16 original, five revivals), 16 plays (12 original, four revivals), and two special engagements. This diverse lineup indicates the richness and variety of offerings available to the audience.
Weekly Performance
During the final week of the season, the 35 shows currently on the boards grossed a weekly total of $36,381,958, showing a slight increase from the previous week. Furthermore, productions grossing more than $1M for the week ending May 29 included well-known shows like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked.
While Broadway's 2023-2024 season showed some stability and positive aspects, it is crucial to recognize the industry's struggle in fully recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The slightly decreased figures compared to pre-pandemic levels underscore the challenges that Broadway continues to face. However, the diverse range of productions offered and the continued support from audiences indicate that Broadway remains a vibrant and essential part of the performing arts landscape.