Broadway’s Curtain Call: ‘Stereophonic’ Scores a Resounding Win Before Saying Goodbye As the holiday lights dim and the glittering New Year’s baubles are packed away, the curtains are finally drawing to a close on the Broadway musical sensation that had everyone buzzing: ‘Stereophonic.’ The highly anticipated production, which has been making waves with its unique blend of music, drama, and cutting-edge technology, has indeed left a lasting impression on theatergoers and critics alike. With a record-breaking $1 million gross in its final week, ‘Stereophonic’ has proven that it’s more than just a fleeting attraction – it’s a true Broadway phenomenon. But as the lights dim on this remarkable show, the bigger question remains: how will the rest of Broadway fare in the post-holiday season? Stay tuned as we dive into the latest box office numbers and explore what’s in store for the Great White Way in the new year.
Broadway Box Office Slips Post-Holidays
Broadway took a somewhat humbling post-holiday slip at the box office last week, with the roster of shows down by three productions and overall receipts off by about 29% from the previous week when the New Year holidays helped boost attendance. In all, the 30 shows grossed $32,176,529 for the week ending January 12, with attendance of 254,320 down about 13% from the previous week. About 92% of seats on Broadway were occupied, with an average ticket price of $126.52.
Twenty-two of the 30 productions reported decreases in grosses last week, indicating a normal trend after a period of high attendance during holidays. The post-holiday slump is expected, as the New Year holidays helped boost attendance in the previous week.
Decline in Attendance and Revenue
The 30 shows saw a 13% decrease in attendance and a 29% drop in overall revenue compared to the previous week. This decline is a normal trend after a period of high attendance during holidays. The average ticket price remained steady at $126.52, while the number of occupied seats decreased to 92%.
- The 30 shows grossed $32,176,529 for the week ending January 12
- Attendance of 254,320 down about 13% from the previous week
- About 92% of seats on Broadway were occupied
- Average ticket price of $126.52
- A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical (65%)
- Chicago (74%)
- Left on Tenth (53%)
Shows Struggling to Fill Seats
Three productions filled less than 75% of their seats: A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical (65%), Chicago (74%), and Left on Tenth (53%). This indicates a struggle for these shows to attract audiences and generate revenue.
Standout Performances
Stereophonic Ends Run with a Bang
The David Adjmi play ended its Broadway run on January 12 with a weekly gross of $1,017,784 and attendance at 100% of capacity at the Golden. The play had recouped its Broadway investment, which was capitalized at up to $4.8 million. This impressive performance is a testament to the enduring popularity of the show.
Gross: $1,017,784
Attendance: 100% of capacity
Capitalized investment: up to $4.8 million
Other Notable Performances
Death Becomes Her grossed $1,018,631 for six performances and filled 96% of available seats. All In: A Comedy About Love took in a big $1,669,676 as John Mulaney, Fred Armisen, Richard Kind, and Chloe Fineman finished their rotation as cast members.
- Death Becomes Her: $1,018,631 for six performances
- All In: A Comedy About Love: $1,669,676
Top Earners and Roster
Top Earner: Wicked
Wicked was the roster’s top earner and the sole show to surpass the $2 million mark ($2,425,656). This is a testament to the enduring popularity of the show. The show’s consistent performance is a reflection of its timeless theme and captivating storyline.
Gross: $2,425,656
Other High-Grossing Shows
Aladdin, All In, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hell’s Kitchen, MJ, Oh, Mary!, Romeo + Juliet, Stereophonic, The Great Gatsby, The Lion King, and The Outsiders grossed at least $1 million last week. These shows demonstrate a strong demand for entertainment on Broadway.
- Aladdin
- All In
- Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
- Death Becomes Her
- Gypsy
- Hamilton
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Hell’s Kitchen
- MJ
- Oh, Mary!
- Romeo + Juliet
- Stereophonic
- The Great Gatsby
- The Lion King
- The Outsiders
Upcoming Shows
English, in Previews at the Haimes
English, in previews at the Haimes, took in $238,617 for seven performances, with attendance at 85% of capacity. Opening night is January 23.
Gross: $238,617
Attendance: 85% of capacity
Opening night: January 23
Sunset Blvd.
Sunset Blvd. saw a $738,770 drop to $855,098 from the previous week, with star Nicole Scherzinger on a previously scheduled vacation. Attendance was at 90% of capacity. She returns for this week’s Wednesday matinee.
Gross: $855,098
Attendance: 90% of capacity
Star Nicole Scherzinger returns for this week’s Wednesday matinee
Season-to-Date Performance
Broadway Gross and Attendance
Broadway has grossed $1,169,805,102 up about 17% over last year at this time. Total attendance of 9,125,612 up 16% over last year at this time.
Broadway gross: $1,169,805,102
Attendance: 9,125,612
Conclusion
As the dust settles on the Broadway box office, the recent conclusion of “Stereophonic” has marked the end of an era with a bang, grossing a staggering $1 million in its final week. However, this achievement comes at a time when the overall Broadway box office is experiencing a post-holiday slump. According to figures, the total weekly gross has dipped below the pre-holiday average, signaling a concerning trend for the industry. The article highlights that despite “Stereophonic’s” impressive close, the box office as a whole is facing a challenging period, with many shows struggling to maintain momentum.
The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with concerns about audience fatigue, production costs, and the long-term sustainability of Broadway’s current model. As the industry grapples with the consequences of a declining box office, theater owners, producers, and artists must adapt and innovate to stay afloat. The article serves as a stark reminder that even in the face of success, the Broadway ecosystem is fragile and subject to the whims of audience preferences and economic conditions. As the industry looks to the future, it is clear that fresh perspectives, creative storytelling, and a willingness to take risks will be essential in navigating the challenges ahead.
As we bid farewell to “Stereophonic” and reflect on the state of the Broadway box office, one thing is clear: the future of the Great White Way is uncertain, and the stakes have never been higher. Will the industry be able to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity, or will the pressures of a declining box office prove too great to overcome? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the next chapter in the saga of Broadway is about to unfold, and it will be a story worth watching.
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