Broadway has always been a vibrant hub of creativity, but recent productions have sparked renewed interest in the Great White Way. One standout among the current lineup is the musical adaptation of the 1992 comedy fantasy film, “Death Becomes Her.” After just two weeks of performances at the historic Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the show has already cast a dazzling spell over audiences, raking in an impressive $1,073,018 during its preview run. This extraordinary figure reflects not only a strong box office performance but also a nearly filled venue, with 98% of seats occupied.
Starring a prominent cast including Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Williams, “Death Becomes Her” has quickly positioned itself as a leader in the competitive market of new Broadway shows. The allure of these seasoned performers undoubtedly plays a significant role in attracting audiences, providing not just entertainment but an experience elevated by their talent. When examining the wider landscape of previewing musicals, it’s evident that the competition has faced challenges. For instance, “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” only managed to fill 75% of seats at Studio 54, grossing $516,874, while “Maybe Happy Ending,” despite its star power in Darren Criss and Helen J Shen, fell short with a 78% capacity rate at the Belasco.
Comparative Box Office Performance
Other productions in this competitive period reveal a stark contrast with “Death Becomes Her.” “Tammy Faye,” the collaboration between Elton John and Jake Shears, struggled to achieve just 64% of its seating capacity, grossing $319,918 during its six preview performances at the Palace Theatre. Similarly, “Swept Away,” featuring the musical stylings of the Avett Brothers, could only muster an 82% capacity rate at the Longacre Theatre, with a gross of $357,470 from five previews. These figures highlight not just the uphill battle new musicals face but how “Death Becomes Her” has hogged the limelight.
Reflecting on the overall state of Broadway during this period, the total gross for all 36 productions reached $32,939,767 for the week ending November 3—marking a slight 3% drop from the previous week. However, the cumulative attendance of 285,801 remained steady, indicating that Broadway’s allure is far from diminished. In the broader context of the season’s performance, Broadway’s gross revenue thus far has hit an impressive $751,471,960, up approximately 11% from this time last year, with total attendance reflecting a 10% increase at 6,116,620.
The promising numbers speak volumes about the resilience and enduring appeal of Broadway, complemented by standout productions like “Death Becomes Her.” As this lively theatrical landscape continues to shift and evolve, audiences can look forward to a mix of enchanting performances and new pieces that both celebrate theatrical history and push the boundaries of storytelling in modern musicals. It’s clear that while challenges persist, the spirit of Broadway remains indomitable, offering unforgettable experiences for all who walk through its doors.