Last week marked the Broadway debut of Robert Downey Jr., who starred in the play “McNeal” at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. The previews for the play were a huge success, with all four shows being sold out and grossing an impressive $746,230. Directed by Bartlett Sher, the play revolves around Downey’s character, a Pulitzer runner-up author with an unusual fascination for Artificial Intelligence. The strong box office numbers for the production show a promising start for the play.
Comparative Success
The success of “McNeal” puts it in league with other sell-out shows on Broadway, such as “The Roommate,” “Oh, Mary!,” and “The Outsiders.” These productions have also seen impressive numbers at the box office, attracting large audiences and generating significant revenue. The fact that “McNeal” was able to hold its own against these established shows is a testament to its potential for success in the Broadway market.
In addition to “McNeal,” many other Broadway productions have been doing well at the box office. Shows like “Cabaret,” “Hadestown,” “Hamilton,” and “Wicked” have been filling over 95% of their available seats, indicating a high level of interest from audiences. On the other hand, some shows like “Job” and “Water For Elephants” have seen lower attendance numbers, suggesting a need for improvement in their marketing strategies.
For the week ending September 8, Broadway as a whole grossed $25,461,584, showing a slight decrease from the previous week. However, the total attendance was down by only 1%, indicating a steady level of interest from theatergoers. The average ticket price also saw a decrease, which could be attributed to promotional events like Broadway Week, where tickets are offered at discounted rates.
Looking at the overall performance of Broadway in the 2024-25 season, the industry has seen a 7% increase in total gross revenue compared to the previous year. Total attendance has also gone up by about 4%, showing a positive trend in audience engagement with Broadway shows. These figures, provided by The Broadway League, paint a picture of a thriving and growing industry.
The Broadway debut of Robert Downey Jr. in “McNeal” has been a successful one, with strong box office numbers and positive reception from audiences. The play’s ability to compete with established shows on Broadway speaks to its potential for long-term success in the industry. With the overall positive trends seen in Broadway’s performance this season, the future looks bright for both new and existing productions on the Great White Way.