As the post-Thanksgiving season settles in, Broadway witnessed a drop in box office revenue, falling approximately 9% to $42,021,721 from the previous week’s holiday peak. Despite this decline, attendance remained resilient, with 309,802 theatergoers participating in the experience for the week ending December 8. This drop in earnings signals the cyclical nature of Broadway’s performance trends, where fluctuations can typically be expected surrounding major holidays.
Leading the pack was the perennial favorite, Wicked, which grossed a staggering $2,782,795. This musical continues to capture the hearts of audiences, outperforming notable competitors like The Lion King, which garnered $2,489,493, and Hamilton, with $2,030,772. These figures underscore Wicked’s strong brand and sustained popularity within the competitive landscape of Broadway. Such high earnings not only contribute to the show’s longevity but also bolster the overall health of the theater district.
In a bittersweet development, Tammy Faye concluded its run, achieving an increase of over $111,000 in its final week with a total gross of $371,511. However, the production’s struggle to fill seats—less than half the Palace’s capacity—highlights the challenges smaller shows face in an often unforgiving market. Meanwhile, Water For Elephants wrapped up its tenure at the Imperial Theater with a gross of $957,672, achieving 66% capacity. These closures emphasize the shift occurring in Broadway’s landscape as productions come and go, often dictated by the whims of audience interest.
While some productions depart, others are making their debuts. Three shows currently in previews are breeding excitement among theatergoers: Cult of Love at the Hayes earned $299,320, achieving 90% attendance; Eureka Day at the Friedman brought in $227,533 at 73% capacity; and Gypsy, with an impressive $1,602,650 gross and 95% capacity, is anticipated to open on December 19. The eagerness surrounding new productions illustrates the ever-evolving nature of Broadway and the continual influx of fresh content.
Season-to-date figures for Broadway reflect a promising trajectory. As of the 29th week of the 2024-25 season, total grosses have reached an impressive $948,462,012, indicating a remarkable 14% increase compared to the previous year. Attendance figures have also celebrated a similar growth trajectory, with 7,656,693 viewers flocking to the theaters—once again, a 14% upswing.
This robust performance can be attributed to Broadway’s capacity for adaptation and resilience, as demonstrated through its ability to draw audiences even during quieter weeks. The collective enthusiasm for a diverse array of productions assures that Broadway remains a vital part of New York City’s cultural fabric. For fanatics eager for complete box office details, the Broadway League’s website remains the quintessential destination.