Broadway’s theater district is buzzing with renewed energy as the latest box office numbers reveal a noteworthy increase in both attendance and revenue. The week ending September 15 proved to be fruitful, boasting a total gross of $27.26 million, marking a significant 7% rise from the prior week and an even more impressive 26% increase compared to the same period last year. This upswing in business reflects not only the consistent draw of established favorites but also the successful launch of new offerings.
Several new productions have taken center stage, drawing considerable attention and showcasing a mix of talent. Among the standout debuts is “McNeal,” featuring Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. in his Broadway debut. The show, which is situated at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, sold out its five previews and amassed an impressive $954,624 in gross revenue, highlighting its immediate popularity. Officially opening on September 30, “McNeal” is setting itself up for a promising run.
Another noteworthy addition is “Yellow Face,” a thought-provoking play by David Henry Hwang, which stars Daniel Dae Kim and is housed at the Roundabout’s Todd Haimes Theatre. Although the show has filled 97% of its seats during its preview shows, its earnings—$148,415 over three previews—suggest it is still in a trajectory of growth, testing the waters before its official opening on October 1.
The week brought its share of challenges as well. “The Roommate,” which boasts a captivating cast including Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone, achieved a near sell-out with an impressive 97% capacity during its inaugural week. However, the production faced setbacks when two Saturday performances were canceled due to Farrow contracting Covid-19, leading to a box office loss of $122,322. Despite these hurdles, “The Roommate” managed a total intake of $341,559 over the week, showcasing its resilience.
It is also worth noting the performance of “The Hills of California,” a new play by acclaimed writer Jez Butterworth, which directed by Sam Mendes, managed to sell 76% of its seats at the Broadhurst Theatre, accumulating $279,238 from its four previews as it eyes its September 29 opening night.
The dynamics of the Broadway scene are notable, with four productions—”Hell’s Kitchen,” “McNeal,” “Oh, Mary!,” and “Stereophonic”—reporting full capacity. The trend of high attendance is indicative of a broader resurgence in the theatre community following a period of uncertainty. More than 95% capacity was seen among heavy hitters such as “Aladdin,” “Hamilton,” and “The Lion King,” underscoring the continuing appeal of long-running musicals alongside new endeavors.
Overall, as reported by The Broadway League, the season has seen a robust turnout, with a total attendance of 4,280,281 and a gross of over $534 million recorded so far. With varied programming and a mix of both familiar favorites and explorative new works, Broadway appears poised for continued growth, delivering vital entertainment to audiences eager to return to the theater.