Broadway is a world that never truly rests, with its heart beating in rhythm to the footsteps of actors and the murmurs of eager audiences. As we wade further into the 2024-25 season, several productions are leaving a significant imprint, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of theater. With new revivals and innovative adaptations debuting, Broadway seems to be shrugging off any remnants of pandemic-induced stagnation.
Historic Revivals and Powerful Premieres
Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, “Sunset Blvd.,” has experienced a remarkable surge, garnering more than $1 million in weekly grosses. Starring the multi-talented Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, this production has not only filled the St. James Theatre for all six previews but has also emerged as one of the contenders for Broadway’s latest powerhouse shows. Despite not achieving complete sell-out status, with 93% capacity, its weekly gross of $1,075,922 for the week ending October 6 signifies strong interest and potential before its official opening night on October 20.
Similarly, “Romeo + Juliet,” directed by Sam Gold, continues to captivate audiences. This adaptation, featuring Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler, managed to sell out standing room tickets for all seven previews at Circle in the Square, bringing in an impressive $950,099. Its opening night is scheduled for October 24, and the excitement surrounding it suggests that this Shakespearean classic will resonate with contemporary audiences.
The high-profile entry of Robert Downey Jr. into the Broadway scene through “McNeal” has also captured public interest, evidenced by its strong opening week. Grossing $969,768 and achieving full capacity at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, this debut represents a notable milestone not just for Downey, but also for Broadway, as it entices movie stars to tread the boards in front of a live audience—a perfect fusion of Hollywood glamour and theatrical tradition.
On the other hand, “Yellow Face,” featuring Daniel Dae Kim, although opening to more favorable reviews, struggled with attendance at the Roundabout Theatre’s Todd Haimes Theatre, only filling 88% of its seats and grossing $298,725. This highlights a challenging aspect of theater where critical acclaim does not always translate to box office success.
Among other notable productions is “Our Town,” directed by Kenny Leon and starring Jim Parsons. This iteration of Thornton Wilder’s classic has shown promise by filling 74% of seats at the Barrymore Theatre, grossing $562,408. Its impending opening on October 10 is anticipated to attract further audiences, especially given Parsons’ star power. Furthermore, “Left on Tenth,” a romantic comedy directed by Susan Stroman, is gradually finding its audience at the James Earl Jones Theatre, grossing $466,850 despite only filling 69% of its seats.
Interestingly, “Cabaret,” which recently saw Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho step into starring roles, has hit a rough patch. The show’s weekly gross of $938,186 reflects a decline as it struggles to regain its previous peak after a change in its lineup, leading to numerous ticket refunds due to Lambert’s absence on stage. The show stands as a testament to the fluctuating nature of theater, where casting shifts can have profound impacts on both audience engagement and box office revenue.
Despite some discrepancies, the overall landscape of Broadway is looking up. With 32 shows collectively taking in $29,633,660 for the week ending October 6—an uptick of about 12% from the previous week and 10% from the same period last year—it’s clear that theatergoers are returning to the seats with enthusiasm. Attendance increased to 253,475, reflecting an 8% lift compared to the prior week.
Broadway continues to thrive as the season unfolds, embodying the spirit of resilience and creativity. As we look toward the coming months, the cumulative earnings for the season have already soared past $615 million, a solid 8% increase from last year’s figures around the same time. The gradual resurgence of attendance and revenue is a promising indicator that the Broadway community is not only surviving but evolving, ready to entertain and inspire in ways that echo through the ages.
For theatre enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, this fall season heralds a renewed appreciation for the art form while inviting us to once again engage with the magic of live performance.