Broadway continues to weave its magic through the bustling streets of New York as “Death Becomes Her,” a vibrant musical adaptation of the beloved 1992 comedy fantasy film, captures audiences with its charm and creativity. In just its second week of performances at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the show has proven to be a crowd favorite, grossing an astounding $1,073,018 during seven preview performances and boasting an impressive seat fill rate of 98%. With a renowned cast that includes Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Williams, “Death Becomes Her” sets a high bar for other productions yet to premiere.
Despite the success of “Death Becomes Her,” the Broadway stage is a competitive arena where not all productions achieve equal acclaim. Several other shows recently initiated their preview runs, yet none managed to achieve the same level of audience engagement. “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” at Studio 54 attracted a moderate 75% of capacity with a gross revenue of $516,874, while “Maybe Happy Ending,” featuring stars Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, filled only 78% of the seats at the Belasco Theatre with earnings of $294,871. Such attendance figures draw attention to the unpredictability of Broadway’s ecosystem, making the achievement of “Death Becomes Her” all the more remarkable.
At the Palace Theatre, the Elton John and Jake Shears collaboration “Tammy Faye” faced significant challenges, filling a mere 64% of seats after six previews and generating only $319,918. Another newcomer, “Swept Away,” featuring music from the Avett Brothers, managed a respectable 82% capacity at the Longacre Theatre, which reflected a hopeful yet modest gross of $357,470 over five previews. These figures highlight the fact that generating excitement around a new musical requires more than star power; it demands a connection with the audience that resonates on various levels.
In the broader context of Broadway’s current landscape, the numbers are promising. The 36 productions active during the week ending November 3 grossed a substantial total of $32,939,767, albeit representing a slight 3% dip from the prior week. Nevertheless, total attendance remained steady with a remarkable count of 285,801 theatergoers. Season-to-date figures are equally encouraging; the 2024-25 season has already amassed $751,471,960 in gross revenue, reflecting an approximate 11% increase compared to the same point last year. Furthermore, total attendance has improved by around 10%, boasting a count of 6,116,620.
The data reveals a fundamental resilience in Broadway’s industry. While individual productions like “Death Becomes Her” might take center stage, the collective ecosystem thrives on a mix of nostalgia, fresh content, and performances that resonate with the audience. As theater enthusiasts eagerly look forward to the season ahead, it is clear that the magic of Broadway is alive and well, demonstrating both the vitality and unpredictability of this famed theatrical landscape.