Winter has cast a chilly shadow over Broadway as shows experienced a notable downturn in box office sales. Last week, the total box office revenue for the 24 productions amounted to $21,192,251, marking a staggering decline of nearly 10% compared to the previous week. Furthermore, the total attendance dropped by approximately 12%, with only a few shows managing to defy this downward trend.
While most shows faced declining numbers, a select few managed to buck the trend. One such production was the Sondheim revival of “Sweeney Todd,” which saw a boost in grosses thanks to the permanent replacements of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford by Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster, respectively. The show experienced a substantial increase of $402,763, resulting in a total of $1,260,185 in grosses.
Successful Previews
Joining the ranks of successful shows was “The Notebook,” which came close to selling out all of its first three previews at the Schoenfeld Theatre. With music by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter, the production grossed an impressive $364,678 for the three performances. Notably, the average ticket price stood at a healthy $122.17.
Final Week Triumphs
As the curtain fell on its final week of performances, “How To Dance In Ohio” experienced a surge in ticket sales. Last-chancers eager to catch the show before it concluded resulted in a significant jump, with ticket sales soaring to $797,305. This marked an increase of $168,596 compared to the previous week.
Despite the overall decline, “Hadestown” managed to regain momentum as it approaches its fifth anniversary in April. With replacement cast members Jordan Fisher, Ani DiFranco, and Lola Tung, last week’s receipts surpassed the previous week by $55,514, reaching a total of $791,577. The Walter Kerr theater boasted an impressive 97% seat occupancy rate.
Impacted by Covid
Several shows faced challenges due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “Appropriate,” a hit production at Second Stage starring Sarah Paulson, announced a commercial transfer and extension but lost a Sunday matinee performance due to Covid cases within the company. This setback resulted in a slip of $55,983 in the box office numbers, with a total of $706,260. However, attendance remained strong at 98% capacity.
Upcoming Show Changes
The Roundabout revival of the John Patrick Shanley play, “Doubt: A Parable,” faced its own challenges as Tyne Daly announced her departure due to medical reasons. However, the show still managed to gross $447,698 for seven previews, with understudy Isabel Keating stepping in for Daly. Amy Ryan is set to take over the role, and opening night is scheduled for March 7.
A Season of Mixed Results
As of now, Broadway has grossed a total of $1,090,523,665 for the season, with a cumulative attendance of 8,682,619. The season’s numbers have been greatly influenced by the ongoing pandemic and its effects on the theater industry. While some shows have experienced success, others have struggled to navigate the challenges presented by the winter season and the unpredictable circumstances surrounding live performances.
The winter weather has taken its toll on Broadway’s box office, with most shows experiencing a decline in revenue and attendance. However, there are always exceptions and success stories, as demonstrated by the resilience and adaptability of certain productions. As the season continues, the theater industry must navigate the ever-changing landscape and find innovative ways to engage and attract audiences while overcoming the obstacles posed by the current climate.