The vibrancy of Broadway often mirrors the seasons, and as spring approaches, the latest box office numbers reveal a distinct chill in the air. In a notable downturn, last week saw a significant decline in ticket sales across the majority of productions, signaling that the winter months may be taking their toll on this iconic theater district.
With a reported revenue of $28,135,565 for the week ending February 9, Broadway experienced roughly a 10% drop in ticket sales compared to the previous week. This decline translates to a loss of approximately $3 million, attributed primarily to the reduction in active productions from 29 to 27. Notably absent from the lineup were two shows, Cult of Love and Left on Tenth, which likely contributed to the decreased revenue. Additionally, the overall attendance dipped by 4%, reaching 247,887 patrons, further underscoring the seasonal slump.
The seasonal variation in theater attendance is not uncommon, especially just before the more vibrant spring months. It’s worth noting that this decline could be exacerbated by the conclusion of Broadway’s annual two-for-one ticket promotion, which typically boosts sales in January.
Standouts Amidst the Decline
In spite of this downturn, several productions have managed to shine. Idina Menzel’s latest musical, Redwood, is currently in previews and has demonstrated robust performance metrics, with an impressive 98% capacity rate across seven previews and gross earnings of $856,603. Set to open on February 13, Redwood seems poised to capture audience interest as productions like it seek to rejuvenate the scene.
Moreover, the upcoming closing of Romeo + Juliet, featuring Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler, has resulted in a spike in ticket sales. With a gross of $1,025,290—an increase of $19,919 from the previous week—the production has successfully capitalized on the “last chance” sentiment among theatergoers. Similarly, All In: Comedy About Love has also experienced a strong finish, selling out at the Hudson Theater and grossing $1,163,537 despite a notable drop following high-profile appearances by celebrities.
Among the brightest stars on Broadway, Wicked continues to dominate box office sales as the highest earner of the week, grossing an impressive $2,324,693. Following closely is The Lion King with $1,602,483, showcasing the enduring appeal of these longstanding productions. Other shows like The Outsiders and Hadestown maintained strong attendance statistics, with several productions nearing full capacity, indicating that not all is bleak on the Great White Way.
As the 2024-2025 Broadway season progresses, the cumulative figures indicate a positive trajectory, with season-to-date revenues of $1,292,127,236—up 18% compared to last year. This indicates that while the immediate past may be overshadowed by winter declines, the overall landscape of Broadway is seeing a resurgence.
The Broadway League’s data confirms this optimistic outlook, and as we transition to spring, the competitive theater landscape is likely to revive in full force, enticing audiences back into theaters with fresh stories and remarkable performances that exemplify the magic of Broadway.