Broadway continues to demonstrate both resilience and fluctuations in its box office performance as it transitions from the high-energy Thanksgiving period into a more stable December routine. The latest figures reveal a notable decline of approximately 9% week-over-week, with total gross revenue settling at $42,021,721. This decrease, while significant, comes after a holiday spike that typically boosts ticket sales and attendance, underscoring the cyclical nature of the theater’s financial trends.
As always, certain productions stand out among the crowd. “Wicked” once again proved its extraordinary pull, recording a staggering gross of $2,782,795, solidifying its status as a frontrunner. This figure eclipsed that of competitors such as “The Lion King,” which earned $2,489,493, and “Hamilton,” pulling in $2,030,772. The dominance of these titles highlights not only their enduring popularity but also their ability to draw audiences consistently, even in a less explosive post-holiday week.
Other shows also showed resilience despite overall market dips. Notably, “Tammy Faye” had a respectable finish in its final week, increasing its gross by over $111,000 to reach $371,511, pointing to a dedicated audience base, even when seating capacity was not fully utilized. Similarly, “Water For Elephants” concluded its run with earnings of $957,672, showcasing a respectable attendance rate of 66% at the Imperial Theater, illustrating that even shows in their twilight can still perform well under the right circumstances.
Among the ongoing churn of productions, three new shows began previews last week: “Cult of Love,” “Eureka Day,” and “Gypsy.” “Cult of Love” grossed $299,320 with a strong 90% capacity, indicating promising early engagement. “Eureka Day” reported modest earnings of $227,533, whereas “Gypsy” showed a solid attendance rate with 95% capacity in its first week, earning $1,602,650. The reception of these shows is pivotal as they contribute to the diversity and vitality of Broadway’s theatrical landscape.
Several shows are also performing admirably at the box office, each crossing the $1 million mark, including heavyweights like “Aladdin,” “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” and “The Book of Mormon.” Such financial successes among various productions signal a healthy competitive atmosphere, critical for Broadway’s sustenance and growth.
As of now, the season’s cumulative performance stands strong, with Broadway grossing an impressive $948,462,012 in the 29th week of the 2024-25 season—an approximate 14% increase from the same period last year. Total attendance figures echo this growth, boosting to 7,656,693—also up by about 14%. These statistics not only demonstrate a positive trend in consumer interest but also reflect Broadway’s ability to adapt and thrive, despite the inevitable ups and downs of audience demand.
While fluctuations in weekly performance are part of the Broadway experience, the overall upward trajectory in revenue and attendance paints a hopeful picture for the months to come. As audiences continue to navigate their options, it will be essential for both new and established productions to harness this interest and innovate to maintain Broadway’s iconic status in the entertainment world.