With the holiday season in full swing, Broadway audiences have been treated to a delightful revival of “Elf the Musical,” which has made a triumphant return to the iconic stage of the Marquis Theatre. This production, featuring the talented Grey Hanson as Buddy the Elf and renowned actor Sean Astin portraying Santa, serves as a buoyant reminder of the joy and cheer that the holidays can inspire. For the week ending December 22, the revival achieved an astonishing gross of $2,230,419 across eight performances, breaking the impressive house record at the Marquis Theatre and highlighting the show’s commercial appeal during one of the busiest times of the year.
This significant box office achievement does not just underscore its popularity; it also illustrates the strategic timing of the show’s return. “Elf the Musical” not only surpassed its previous week’s gross of $2,033,784 but also reached a remarkable capacity of 98% in the expansive Marquis Theatre, affirming its status as a must-see holiday show. In the broader context of Broadway’s 2024-2025 season, “Elf” ranked fourth in overall box office revenue, trailing behind theater juggernauts such as “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” and “Hamilton.” These productions also reported impressive week-over-week gains, proving that the vibrancy of Broadway is alive and well.
“Elf the Musical,” which first enthralled audiences during the 2010-2011 season, is inspired by the beloved holiday film featuring Will Ferrell, adding a fresh theatrical dimension to a modern classic. With a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, complemented by the delightful music of Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, the show has embedded itself into the fabric of holiday entertainment. Its previous engagements in New York saw a revised book that further honed the narrative, which has contributed to its widespread acceptance and success.
Moreover, the musical recently experienced record-breaking runs in the West End in 2022 and 2023, which organically elevated its profile and piqued interest for the current Broadway engagement. The recent performance figures affirm that “Elf” has become not only a seasonal tradition but also a commercial powerhouse, achieving a gross that surpassed the previous Marquis record held by “Beetlejuice,” which stood at $2,146,200.
The numbers for “Elf the Musical” are particularly impressive within the larger landscape of the Broadway season. Other productions have also performed admirably, including “All In: Comedy About Love,” which garnered a respectable $1,327,148 during its first full week. Notably, ten shows managed to sell out, including Broadway staples like “Chicago,” “Hadestown,” and “Wicked.” This trend indicates a robust demand for live performances, particularly during the vibrant holiday period.
Furthermore, the return of “Gypsy” featuring the powerhouse Audra McDonald as Mama Rose has added to the excitement, even as it reported a drop in revenue from its previous week. “Eureka Day,” a new play, has also seen a successful opening, prompting an extension of its run due to strong audience interest.
The total gross for all 34 Broadway productions for the week reached an impressive $44,466,554, with attendance figures soaring above 302,828. Such robust metrics reflect an overall improvement of over 32% compared to the same period last year. The average ticket price has crept up slightly to $146.84, demonstrating that audiences are willing to spend more for the enriching experience of live theater.
As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, Broadway as a whole has crossed the remarkable threshold of $1 billion in gross revenue, highlighting a year-on-year increase of over 15%. This resurgence bodes well for the future of theater, with audiences eagerly returning to the stage and supporting a diverse range of productions.
“Elf the Musical” has returned to Broadway with a palpable energy that captivates audiences and signifies the enduring love for lively theatrical experiences during the holiday season. With record-breaking revenues and an ever-growing supporter base, this production not only underscores the magical allure of live performances but also highlights the resilience and vibrancy of the Broadway community as a whole. As the show continues through January 5, audiences are encouraged to partake in this festive celebration, ensuring that “Elf” will remain a cherished seasonal classic for years to come.