Broadway is experiencing a slight downturn as it transitions from the peak of summer to the beginning of fall. The total grosses for the week ending August 25 were $25,343,599, showing a 10% decrease from the previous week. This dip can be attributed to various factors, including the summer edition of Kids’ Night on Broadway, where 19 shows offered free performances for children accompanied by a paying adult.
During this period, some popular shows saw a decrease in their earnings. For instance, The Lion King’s revenue dropped by $203,453 to $1,904,177, and Aladdin experienced a decrease of $176,876 to $1,178,408. Additionally, the absence of The Wiz, a significant revenue generator, contributed to the overall decline in Broadway’s financial performance.
Total attendance for the week was 211,342, marking a 6% decrease from the previous week and a 1% decline compared to the same period last year. Approximately 91% of all available seats were filled, down from 92% in the previous week. Despite these lower numbers, some productions like Oh, Mary!, Stereophonic, and The Outsiders continued to sell out, maintaining their popularity among theatergoers.
As Broadway heads into the fall season, audiences can expect shifts in the lineup of performances. Notably, Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin will be concluding their roles on September 14th. Redmayne, who has portrayed the Emcee since the revival’s debut in 2021, is set to take his final bow, potentially leading to increased ticket sales in the coming weeks.
While some shows like Cabaret At The Kit Kat Club boasted high earnings of $1,459,506 with 98% of seats filled, others struggled to attract audiences. Productions such as Water For Elephants, The Notebook, and Harry Potter And The Cursed Child saw lower attendance rates ranging from 75% to 76% of capacity. These variations highlight the diversity in Broadway’s current offerings and audience preferences.
In the 14th week of the 2024-25 season, Broadway has accumulated a total gross of $453,418,819, indicating a 6% increase from the previous year. The total attendance figures have also risen by about 4%, reaching 3,601,394 attendees. Despite the recent slowdown, Broadway remains a thriving hub of cultural entertainment, attracting audiences from around the world.
As the industry navigates the changing seasons and evolving audience tastes, Broadway continues to adapt and innovate, ensuring its enduring appeal in the world of performing arts.