Disparity grows as Broadway box office holds up

As Broadway’s 2022-2023 season drew to a close, the disparity between top performers and bottom performers grew.

Twelve shows played at 95% or more last week, while seven played at less than 80% capacity. Four shows dropped below 70% capacity, and of those, two aired at 60% or less.

For the week ending April 30, the 35 productions in progress grossed $31,930,896, an increase of 1% over the previous week. Attendance increased by 0.08% to 88%.

“The Lion King”, “Hamilton” and “Sweeney Todd” were the three highest-grossing productions for the second consecutive week. Nineteen of the 35 productions currently running saw box office declines.

“Peter Pan Goes Wrong” had a solid week as Neil Patrick Harris continued his recently extended limited run. The comedy grossed $987,969, an increase of 21%, and played at 92% capacity, an increase of 2%.

In its first week after opening, “Prima Facie” saw a 22% increase and grossed $986,851. The solo show starring Jodie Comer played at 98% capacity, up 2%.

“Some Like It Hot,” which today led the pack with 13 Tony Award nominations, continued to falter at the box office. The production grossed $760,745, down 6% from the previous week, and played at just 68% capacity, down 2%. “Some Like It Hot” hasn’t played at more than 90% capacity since the week ending December 11, 2022.

Meanwhile, several shows that received no 2022-2023 Tony Award nominations continued to struggle.

“Bob Fosse’s Dancin'” saw a 15% drop at the box office. The revival grossed $386,970 and played at just 49% capacity, the lowest of any show last week.

In its highest-grossing eight-week performance to date, “Bad Cinderella” grossed $514,980, down 4%. The new musical remained at 65% capacity for a second consecutive week.

“A Beautiful Noise” earned $1,004,233, down 3% from the previous week. The Neil Diamond Musical played at 75% capacity, also down 3%. Although the show is back above the $1 million mark, it hasn’t played at more than 90% capacity since the week ending January 29.

The final four productions of the 2022-23 season all debuted last week, including “Good Night, Oscar,” “Summer, 1976,” “New York, New York” and “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.” “Grey House,” the first production of the 2023-2024 season, has begun previews at the Lyceum Theater. “Pictures From Home” closed on April 30.

For a full rundown of this week’s Broadway revenue, visit Broadway Business.