In the week following Thanksgiving, Broadway returned to a familiar rhythm, witnessing a noticeable decline in gross earnings. The total revenue dipped by approximately 9%, reaching $42,021,721, in contrast to the holiday peak recorded the previous week. This decline is typical as the festive season concludes, and audiences return to their regular routines. Yet, despite the drop in income, attendance figures remained robust, as evidenced by the 309,802 patrons who flocked to the theaters for the week ending December 8.
Leading the charge once again was the enduring favorite “Wicked,” which grossed an impressive $2,782,795, clearly retaining its status as the highest earner on Broadway. Following closely were “The Lion King,” with earnings of $2,489,493, and “Hamilton,” which brought in $2,030,772. Such numbers highlight not only the popularity of these productions but also their ability to attract audiences consistently, reinforcing their cultural significance in the theater landscape.
As other productions thrived, “Tammy Faye” prepared for its final curtain call. The show experienced a noteworthy increase of over $111,000, concluding its run with a gross of $371,511, even though attendance figures revealed that fewer than half of the Palace Theatre’s seats were filled. The closing of “Water For Elephants” also marked the end of its journey, finishing with earnings of $957,672 and drawing a respectable 66% of the venue’s capacity at the Imperial. Both shows’ exit signifies the ever-changing landscape of Broadway, where new productions constantly vie for the spotlight.
Excitingly, the week also saw three productions entering previews, each with varying degrees of audience engagement. “Cult of Love” at the Hayes grossed $299,320, achieving a commendable 90% capacity. In contrast, “Eureka Day” at the Friedman garnered $227,533 over its week of previews, with a slightly lower attendance of 73%. Another highly anticipated show, “Gypsy,” performed impressively during its previews at the Majestic, earning $1,602,650 and filling 95% of its seats. All eyes are set on their official openings, which promise to add to Broadway’s dynamic repertoire.
In addition to the standout performances, several productions crossed the $1 million threshold in gross revenue including “And Juliet,” “Aladdin,” and “The Book of Mormon.” Meanwhile, “Death Becomes Her” achieved new heights with its highest gross to date—$1,366,007. The week’s sell-outs included “Oh, Mary!”, “The Outsiders,” and the beloved “Wicked,” showcasing which titles continue to capture the audiences’ hearts.
Overall, with a total gross of $948,462,012, Broadway has seen a commendable 14% increase in earnings compared to the same period last year. Attendance has mirrored this trend, reaching 7,656,693—also reflecting a 14% boost. These metrics, provided by The Broadway League, suggest a healthy theater market, poised for continued success as the season progresses. For the latest box office figures, theater enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the League’s official site.