In its nascent weeks at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the musical adaptation of the 1992 cult classic “Death Becomes Her” has dazzled audiences and critics alike. This fresh take on the beloved film has grossed an impressive $1,073,018 within its first seven preview performances, a testament to its popularity and the allure of its star-studded cast, which includes talents like Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Williams. With a stellar audience capacity hovering at 98%, “Death Becomes Her” has taken center stage, outperforming other new productions and establishing itself as a significant contender in this Broadway season.
In stark contrast, several other musicals currently gracing Broadway stages have struggled to capture similar enthusiasm. For instance, “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical,” while a noteworthy homage to the legendary musician, only managed to fill 75% of Studio 54, securing a gross of $516,874. Likewise, “Maybe Happy Ending,” featuring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, attracted 78% of capacity at the Belasco Theatre, generating $294,871. With such figures, it is evident that the audience response for these productions does not match up to the substantial turnout for “Death Becomes Her.”
Even less favorable is the performance of Elton John’s latest venture, “Tammy Faye,” which only achieved a 64% seat fill during six previews at the Palace, bringing in $319,918. The struggles extend further with “Swept Away,” sourced from the musical ingenuity of the Avett Brothers, only managing 82% capacity with $357,470 over five previews. The disparity in audience turnout raises questions about marketing strategies and the long-term viability of these productions in a highly competitive arena.
Despite the uneven performances among the new musicals, the broader landscape of Broadway is witnessing a healthy economic resurgence. As of the week ending November 3, the collective gross income for 36 running productions hit $32,939,767, a slight 3% dip from the previous week, yet attendance figures remain robust at 285,801. This comes as no surprise given that the current season, now in its 24th week, has reported cumulative earnings of $751,471,960, representing an 11% increase from last year. The industry also enjoys a favorable uptick in total attendance, soaring by 10% year-on-year to an impressive 6,116,620 patrons.
As “Death Becomes Her” continues to captivate audiences, the eyes of the Broadway community will remain fixated on its sustaining power in the competitive environment. Will it maintain its momentum post-preview? Can it avoid the pitfalls that have befallen its contemporaries? With a strong opening and a talented ensemble, there’s little doubt that the musical is in an excellent position to thrive, but only time will tell if it can continue to charm and fill seats well into its run. Engaging storytelling, innovative production, and strong word-of-mouth will be crucial for ensuring its future success on the Great White Way.