Broadway's resilience was on full display last week, as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child raked in a staggering $2.12 million despite a snowstorm-induced cancellation. But here's where it gets fascinating: while the winter storm undoubtedly put a chill on overall Broadway grosses, the magic of theater persevered. Let's dive into the numbers and uncover the stories behind them.
The week ending January 25 saw a 13.68% dip in total Broadway earnings, with 31 productions collectively bringing in $29,950,531. This decline was largely due to the record-breaking snowstorm that dumped 11.4 inches on Central Park, forcing the cancellation of 10 shows and 13 performances. Among the affected were household names like Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, and The Lion King, as well as MJ The Musical, Ragtime, and & Juliet. Even Harry Potter and the Cursed Child had to cancel one performance, yet it still topped the charts as the highest-grossing show of the week.
And this is the part most people miss: The success of Harry Potter can be partly attributed to the arrival of Tom Felton, the beloved Draco Malfoy from the films, making his Broadway debut. His presence has undoubtedly cast a spell on audiences, keeping the show's momentum strong. Joining Harry Potter in the top five were Hamilton ($1.95 million), Wicked ($1.79 million), the revival of Mamma Mia! ($1.43 million), and Chess ($1.41 million), the latter proving to be a surprising hit after a short-lived original run.
Another standout was Just in Time, which welcomed back Jonathan Groff after his brief vacation. Playing to a 101.74% capacity at the Circle in the Square Theatre, the musical earned $1.39 million over eight performances, with an average ticket price of $248.12—the highest of the week. Fans eager to see Groff's Tony-nominated performance as Bobby Darin have until March 29, after which Jeremy Jordan takes over the role.
But here's where it gets controversial: Could Broadway Week, which offers two-for-one tickets during the traditionally slow season, have also impacted grosses? The initiative, running from January 20 to February 12, aims to boost attendance but may have influenced the slight dip in average ticket prices. Overall, 250,682 theatergoers attended shows, an 8.73% drop from the previous week but less than 1% down from the same week last season. The average paid admission was $119.48.
Despite the temporary setback, Broadway's season totals remain sunny. Grosses are up 7.93% from this point last season, attendance has risen by 2.84%, and average paid admission is 4.95% higher. This resilience raises a thought-provoking question: Is Broadway's ability to bounce back a testament to its enduring appeal, or is it a sign that audiences are becoming more selective in their choices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For a full breakdown, check out the complete report here. And here’s a quick look at the top performers:
The $1 Million Club (9 of 31 productions):
1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ($2.12 million)
2. Hamilton ($1.95 million)
3. Wicked ($1.79 million)
4. Mamma Mia! ($1.43 million)
5. Chess ($1.41 million)
6. Just in Time ($1.39 million)
7. Stranger Things: The First Shadow ($1.31 million)
8. The Lion King ($1.16 million)
9. Maybe Happy Ending ($1.01 million)
The 90s Club (17 of 31 productions with 90%+ capacity):
- Just in Time (101.74%)
- Ragtime
- Hamilton
- Operation Mincemeat
- Wicked
- Hadestown
- Oh, Mary!
- Oedipus
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow
- Maybe Happy Ending
- The Lion King
- Marjorie Prime
- Mamma Mia!
- Bug
- Chess
- Hell's Kitchen
Broadway may have faced a snowy challenge, but its spirit—and its box office—remains unshaken. What’s your take on this week’s highlights? Let the discussion begin!
