The recent box office figures for Broadway offer a compelling snapshot of the 2024 theatrical landscape, revealing both triumphs and challenges among the various productions. In the week ending November 17, the overall gross revenue for Broadway productions amounted to approximately $35.1 million, marking a 4% decline from the previous week. Interestingly, despite this minor slide, total attendance remained relatively stable, with only a slight dip of less than one percent. The statistics present a fascinating juxtaposition of shows—some flourishing while others grapple with declining audience numbers.
Among the standout performances, “Sunset Blvd.” continues to resonate with audiences, achieving impressive box office figures of $1.9 million—an increase of over $44,000 compared to the previous week. The show has benefitted from its recent publicity surge, which, while stemming from the Nicole Scherzinger social media saga, appears to have inadvertently boosted interest. Furthermore, the production enjoyed remarkably high attendance rates, hovering around 95%, indicating a thriving fan base that is not easily swayed by external controversies.
Another success was “Maybe Happy Ending,” which features performances by Darren Criss and Helen J Shen. It debuted at the Belasco Theatre with a gross of nearly $459,000, reflecting a significant improvement of $160,000 from the week before. This upward trajectory in both gross and attendance—89% of capacity— suggests that the positive word of mouth generated by enthusiastic reviews could be an influential factor in its ongoing performance.
Contrastingly, not all new productions experienced similar momentum. “Tammy Faye” opened amid lackluster critical reception, capturing only 63% of the Palace Theatre’s capacity with a gross of $374,371. The mix of press coverage and complimentary tickets likely contributed to the disappointing figures, as first-week audiences are typically critical in establishing a show’s longevity.
Another notable mention is “Elf,” a limited-time musical adaptation of the beloved holiday film, which achieved a respectable gross of $510,047. However, despite having 90% of its seats filled, the production’s potential was somewhat dampened by the impact of press invites and special promotional offers.
Newcomer “Swept Away” opened at the Longacre Theatre and faced a minor struggle, with an attendance rate of 81% and a gross of $426,788. As is often the case with new productions, initial reviews could impact the show’s trajectory—the industry anxiously awaits critical responses that could make or break its future.
Meanwhile, “Death Becomes Her” appears poised for success, having garnered a healthy $1.1 million with its imminent opening on November 21. The show filled 96% of seats, suggesting substantial public interest that may transcend critical opinions.
Among the veteran productions, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” has reintroduced a freshly cut version of the show, which has thus far achieved 89% capacity during its seven-show week. Additionally, blockbusters such as “Wicked” and “Hamilton” continue to enjoy robust attendance figures, sustaining their positions as perennial audience favorites.
Overall, the Broadway landscape in this particular week serves as a vivid illustration of theatrical commerce, where some productions flourish while others struggle to find a foothold. As the season progresses with its usual mix of excitement and volatility, the insights drawn from this box office report provide a pivotal understanding of the factors at play in the Great White Way. With seasoned productions continuing to attract loyal audiences and new shows striving for recognition, onto the next week Broadway anticipates its next box office tally.
The numbers shared by The Broadway League underscore the importance of audience engagement and critical reception in driving ticket sales. As the curtain rises on the remainder of the fall season, the industry’s pulse will continue to fluctuate, promising both fresh surprises and cherished classics.