Broadway is currently experiencing a surge in ticket sales and attendance as the Tony Awards approach. The latest data shows that box office sales for the week ending June 9 were up 7% compared to the previous week. In total, the 35 shows on Broadway grossed an impressive $36,011,651. This marks a 16% increase over the same period last season. The total attendance for the week was 291,082, a 4% increase from the previous week and a 14% increase year-over-year. These numbers indicate a positive trend in Broadway’s financial performance.
Sold-Out Shows and Ticket Prices
Nine shows on Broadway sold out during this period, including the top two most-Tony-nominated productions: Stereophonic and Hell’s Kitchen. Stereophonic, nominated for Best Play, grossed $872,337, while Hell’s Kitchen, nominated for Best Musical, brought in $1,638,208. Both productions had average ticket prices exceeding $200, demonstrating the high demand for these shows. Additionally, other sell-out productions like Merrily We Roll Along and Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club also commanded high average ticket prices well above the overall average of $124.
New Arrivals and Residencies
Two recent additions to Broadway include Home, a Roundabout revival, and Ben Platt: Live at the Palace, a concert residency by the singer-songwriter-actor. Home opened on June 5 and filled 73% of its seats at an average ticket price of $29.70. Ben Platt’s residency filled 81% of the venue capacity with an average ticket of $84.80. These new arrivals have brought diversity to Broadway’s offerings and attracted audiences with varied preferences.
The influence of star power on Broadway box office performance was evident in Uncle Vanya’s rebound after Steve Carell returned to the stage following a brief absence due to illness. The play’s gross increased by $276,825 compared to the previous week, highlighting the draw of a well-known actor in a production. Conversely, shows like The Heart of Rock and Roll and Patriots had lower grosses for the week, indicating the varying impact of cast members on audience turnout.
As of the third week of the new season, Broadway has grossed a total of $104,969,902 with an overall attendance of 858,581. These figures showcase the resilience and popularity of Broadway as a major entertainment industry. The diverse range of productions, from musicals to plays, continue to attract a wide audience, contributing to the overall success of Broadway.
Broadway is thriving in the lead-up to the Tony Awards, with strong ticket sales, sold-out shows, and a diverse array of offerings keeping audiences engaged. The continued success of Broadway reflects its enduring appeal and ability to captivate theatergoers from around the world.