Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 11/26/23 — Page 2

tthomas76 said: "Do we think Harmony will make it past January? Doesn't really look good for a newer show to have such low numbers during a holiday week."

At this rate it may not make it to January.

Hoping it does, I've got a trip planned for the beginning of January and was hoping to catch both Harmony and Ohio.

Traditionally - holiday crowds bring out "the basics" (is that still a term?). You see huge bumps for old standbys and familiar titles, while the newer shows (regardless of press), tend to take a hit. Next week, NYers who want to see the newer stuff will be back. Holidays can be great but they're also sort of weird. Especially post-pandemic.

I"m also a little surprised by Harmony. The word-of-mouth is great. The press is great. And, their audience base is the "traditional Bway audience". Wondering if the current political climate is a factor at all?

pair-o-dice said: "I"m also a little surprised by Harmony. The word-of-mouth is great. The press is great. And, their audience base is the "traditional Bway audience". Wondering if the current political climate is a factor at all?"

I don't think the ad strategy (or lack thereof) is connecting.

At the beginning, their early ad strategy seemed to try to position the show as something more optimistic, and showcasing bright songs like the opening number, while the press coverage focused on something much more serious and historical but from the mind of Barry Manilow. Those are two very different narratives trying to find common ground. And now they seem to be focused on an almost self-important "we need this story right now, honor the men by seeing the musical" narrative, which probably isn't a winning strategy in the current climate.

I also don't know if the word of mouth is really there. It's a dark show, and though there are thrilling and deeply entertining moments, it tries to tell a big story and all the characters are painted with SUCH a broad brush that it's hard to latch on to anyone but Chip.

Updated On: 11/28/23 at 10:39 PM

amiyagi said: "tthomas76 said: "Do we think Harmony will make it past January? Doesn't really look good for a newer show to have such low numbers during a holiday week."

At this rate it may not make ittoJanuary.

Hoping it does, I've got a trip planned for the beginning of January and was hoping to catch both Harmony and Ohio."

If you really want to see them, the best bet for you to "bet" on these shows is to get your tickets now, remember that advance sales are a make it or break it when it comes to keeping a show open or close it. If everyone that wants to see it gets tickets, well, guess what? It will be open with a large advance sales.

i guess if shucked wants to switch theatres, there will probably be a few open this winter.

I'm 3 weeks from touching down in NY and the comments about Harmony got me worried. When I checked the matinee I'm supposed to see, the house is half empty BUT most of the premium seats seem sold while it is the balcony that is empty. Also I think when I bought tickets it was supposed to be a 2 show day, but now there is only the matinee and it looks like they moved a performance to the week after X-mas & made that a 9 show week.

Updated On: 11/29/23 at 09:42 AM

I'm curious why Ohio opened now instead of waiting until spring. Seems like that would have been a more lucrative decision.

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "TheGingerBreadMan said: "I'm curious why Ohio opened now instead of waiting until spring. Seems like that would have been a more lucrative decision."

Sometimes its not up to the producers what theater they get offered and when. More then likely they were offered this theater during this time frame and they could either take it or possibly wait another year or two until something else opened up"


This. But also keep in mind:

• there's a precedent for small-ish shows opening in the fall and making it through to the Tonys. 6 out of the past 9 Best Musical winners opened in the fall. (I really shouldn't count the Moulin year but a stat's a stat!)
• some feel that opening in late March/April can cause a show to get swallowed up by so many other new shows.
• There's a (sometimes misguided) belief that "when Jan/Feb comes along and there's less product in the marketplace, we'll be running and can get those sales." Easier said than done.

I don't know that a spring opening would have made any difference for this show. For something like HLL, on the other hand, a clear runway to the Tonys could have been beneficial.

Updated On: 11/29/23 at 10:39 PM

My heart breaks for Ohio. Maybe if it get greats reviews thing will change - although, critics including NYT are not so powerful anymore.