Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 4/16/23- Page 2

[bear88]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 3:42am

My memory is bad on this one:

How much of a boost do Tony Award nominations really provide? I was always under the impression that only the Best Musical win really helped, although that theory has took a hit last year - albeit a predictable one.

The shows we expect to be nominated for a bunch of awards will get them in a couple of weeks, and that will help, at least with marketing. But none of the new musicals, save & Juliet, really looks like it might be a hit, especially in the summer. Every other new show, except for A Beautiful Noise, which at least has a solid average ticket price, is again hovering below $100. 

I'm sure there are examples of shows, especially new ones without stars or familiar material, that have struggled to find an audience and then did. But this season is rather discouraging on that front. All the new musicals, save one that's based on a pre-existing score, are muddling along. Only Bad Cinderella seems like a disaster but none of them are doing much more than filling most of their theaters, and some aren't doing that. (I know it's still early on New York, New York and even Shucked.)

Unrelated question, similar to my Parade query a few weeks ago: Is Sweeney Todd on track to make money. The box office is obviously good, the theater is full, the reviews are fine, and it seems to have maxed out just below $1.8 million a week. That's awfully good, especially for just 7 shows a week, but can it turn a profit at that rate if it closes in January - assuming its box office remains strong into the fall?

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 4:11am

DrMonicaDeMoneco said: "Tony nods ain’t gonna save Some Like It Hot Or Shucked. And it’s curtains for Kimberley right after the Tonys. Glad Kim is going out on tour! Make that money, honey!"

They're not gonna save them, but they will cause the producers to keep them open until June, so we get an extra month with them.

Akimbo closing "right after the Tonys" is not based on any precedent. Even Strange Loop survived for 7 months post Tonys. Akimbo obviously opened much earlier in the season than Loop, but, supposing it wins Best Musical, it's basically guaranteed to get some sort of a bump.

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 4:24am

DrMonicaDeMoneco said: "Tony nods ain’t gonna save Some Like It Hot Or Shucked. And it’s curtains for Kimberley right after the Tonys. Glad Kim is going out on tour! Make that money, honey!"

There is a 0% chance Kimberly will close right after the Tonys if it wins Best Musical...

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 4:26am

bear88 said: "My memory is bad on this one:

How much of a boost do Tony Award nominations really provide? I was always under the impression that only the Best Musical win really helped, although that theory has took a hit last year - albeit a predictable one.

The shows we expect to be nominated for a bunch of awards will get them in a couple of weeks, and that will help, at least with marketing. But none of the new musicals, save& Juliet, really looks like it might be a hit, especially in the summer. Every other new show, except forA Beautiful Noise, which at least has a solid average ticket price, is again hovering below $100."

No, that is fair but I wonder if a slew of Tony nods (and perhaps a strong Tony performance) could help a show teetering on the edge like SLIH or a show that needs more exposure like Shucked. I think both could hold on through the summer with a big nominations haul. I don't think the Tony nominations alone would propel it to a long run but it might be what they need to get through the summer. Basically, I think it could change a closing date from May/June to Aug/Sep.

[binau]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 5:55am

I remember looking at the Gentlemen’s Guide grosses and the power of the number of Tony nominations did appear to lift box office slightly but of course it’s really only a ‘Best Musical’ win that appears to make all the difference over a meaningful period of time. 

[WestEndGal]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 7:44am

Wick3 said: "jkcohen626 said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "It's odd not seeing grosses for Phantom."

Don't know how it got messed up in BroadwayWorld's system, but Phantom had it's best week of all time, grossing $3.7 Million.

https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/4491/57138/

It will be odd next week though."

What's amazing is the final performance was mostly comp'd too and the Friday performance was for charity.

What also impressed me was Lion King with a gross of $2.8 million! Wow! For a show that's been there for 25 years with no above-the-title names, that's great!

I think people are more excited to watch Prima Facie than A Doll's House because Prima Facie is a new play fresh from its Olivier win."

Yeah it’s crazy how well The Lion King is still doing. It’s usually near capacity and still has a really high average ticket price - if you’re a family taking kids to see it that’s an expensive trip to the theater! 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 8:56am

Do we feel like if Bad Cinderella doesn't get any Tony nominations it will close right after? I want to see it before it closes, and I'm just trying to figure out when I should get a ticket for. 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 9:02am

Bad Cinderella is the new Ghost. There's a limited number of people willing to pay full price.   

[CatLady3]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 9:22am

How long do you guys think Funny Girl can maintain these numbers? The steam has got to run out eventually right?

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 9:33am

Auggie27 said: "Bad Cinderella is the new Ghost. There's a limited number of people willing to pay full price."

That's not what I asked. I asked when I should get a ticket for. Like the end of June...the first performance after the Tonys...?

[binau]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 9:38am

Their average ticket price is so high I think Funny Girl has room for the steam to die down quite a bit and still make money/attract audiences who currently won’t pay these prices. 

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 9:49am

hearthemsing22 said: "Auggie27 said: "Bad Cinderella is the new Ghost. There's a limited number of people willing to pay full price."

That's not what I asked. I asked when I should get a ticket for. Like the end of June...the first performance after the Tonys...?"

I think it will either close by Tonys Sunday or run through the summer and I think it has more to do with how much Andrew Lloyd Webber wants it to stay open then Tony noms, which is not gonna be pretty.

If you really want to see it, I would get a ticket for before middle of May personally. I don't think there's any guarantee it even makes it through the month.

Updated On: 4/19/23 at 09:49 AM

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 9:56am

CatLady3 said: "How long do you guys think Funny Girl can maintain these numbers? The steam has got to run out eventually right?"

I expect that it'll make money every week until the end of it's run (September, if you missed that announcement).

As for how long it'll do as well as it's been doing, IDK. We have more big touristy shows opening in the next couple months and the Tonys will certainly raise the profile of some of this season's shows. I think it'll probably still do very well for the rest of it's run. 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 10:00am

Mr. Wormwood said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Auggie27 said: "Bad Cinderella is the new Ghost. There's a limited number of people willing to pay full price."

That's not what I asked. I asked when I should get a ticket for. Like the end of June...the first performance after the Tonys...?"

I think it will either close by Tonys Sunday or run through the summer and I think it has more to do with how much Andrew Lloyd Webber wants it to stay open then Tony noms, which is not gonna be pretty.

If you really want to see it, I would get a ticket for before middle of May personally. I don't think there's any guarantee it even makes it through the month."

Ah okay-thank you!

[nativenewyorker2]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 10:04am

There's an article in the NY Post that says Andrew Lloyd Webber is ready to close Bad Cinderella, but his producing partner wants to try a new marketing strategy-try to make it seem that it is similar to the Rogers and Hammerstein production. 

https://nypost.com/2023/04/18/bad-cinderella-hemorrhaging-cash-as-2023-tony-noms-approach/

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 10:17am

nativenewyorker2 said: "There's an article in the NY Post that says Andrew Lloyd Webber is ready to close Bad Cinderella, but his producing partner wants to try a new marketing strategy-try to make it seem that it is similar to the Rogers and Hammerstein production.

https://nypost.com/2023/04/18/bad-cinderella-hemorrhaging-cash-as-2023-tony-noms-approach/"

Why am I not surprised? Oh, I know! Because it is a complete flop!

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 10:39am

There is no feasible way Bad Cinderella makes it past Labor Day. Any new strategy would need to yield an unprecedented turnaround at this point. It likely goes in May or June.

It's only real chances for Tony nominations are Score, Choreography, Costume Design, and maybe Featured Actress. None of those are even close to a lock, its basically on the bubble in each of those races. And none of those categories really move the needle in terms of sales.

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 1:53pm

The Best Musical Tony does usually see a bump in sales, but I think the performances on the telecast can also move the needle a bit.  MJ I think had the performance that people were talking the most about, and coupled with the Best Actor win, they started selling out houses pretty much immediately after the Tonys (to be fair they were doing quite good beforehand too, but I do think you can see a difference in sales pre-Tonys and post-Tonys). 

A Strange Loop saw a nice bump but was decreasing pretty steadily until closing was announced.  I feel like Kimberly Akimbo could follow the same trajectory, though it might be able to last longer since it has slightly more universal appeal.  

[bdn223]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 2:37pm

chrishuyen said: "The Best Musical Tony does usually see a bump in sales, but I think the performances on the telecast can also move the needle a bit. MJ I think had the performance that people were talking the most about, and coupled with the Best Actor win, they started selling out houses pretty much immediately after the Tonys (to be fair they were doing quite good beforehand too, but I do think you can see a difference in sales pre-Tonys and post-Tonys).

A Strange Loop saw a nice bump but was decreasing pretty steadily until closing was announced. I feel like Kimberly Akimbo could follow the same trajectory, though it might be able to last longer since it has slightly more universal appeal."

MJ walked away with the most Tony Awards, which can be just as valuable as Best Musical. Its tagline is literally, "BROADWAY’S MOST TONY AWARD WINNING NEW MUSICAL OF THE YEAR" A Strange Loop's lack of success was because it's not and will likely never be a commercially viable musical. It has very adult themes and it written for and catering to a very specific audience. It got a boost post Tony's but those attending did not tell their friends to get tickets because its a hard show to recommend to others because of its subject matter. 

Kimberly Akimbo has much broader commercial appeal, as personally I would compare it Next to Normal and Dear Evan Hansen. I actually describe it to friends as the musical Dear Evan Hansen was sold as. If it does well at the Tony's it could and should play a solid 18 months-2 years. Also unlike A Strange Loop, Kimberly Akimbo should lend itself well to stunt casting if the original cast departs before it closes. We need to remember Kimberly Akimbo has not really been marketed outside of the traditional theatergoing audience and has been scrapping along on word of mouth alone. It has only had 1 major TV appearance on the Today show during the week after Christmas, when no one was watching. From what I have been told bookers have been hesitant to book it because it doesn't have any angle that could easily be sold on national television, but if it win's best musical I would assume many of those doors will open for the show. 

[binau]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 2:46pm

Obligatory suggestion that Bernadette would be a good replacement. She is the right age and her girly voice would suit the part perfectly. In fact, I wonder if she was ever considered for the role. 

Updated On: 4/19/23 at 02:46 PM

[JSquared2]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 2:46pm

bdn223 said: "Kimberly Akimbohas much broader commercial appeal, as personally I would compare itNext to NormalandDear Evan Hansen.I actually describe it to friends as the musicalDear Evan Hansenwas sold as. If it does well at the Tony's it could and should play a solid 18 months-2 years. Also unlikeA Strange Loop,Kimberly Akimboshould lend itself well to stunt casting if the original cast departs before it closes. We need to rememberKimberly Akimbohas not really been marketed outside of the traditional theatergoing audience and has been scrapping along on word of mouth alone. It has only had 1 major TV appearance on the Today show during the week after Christmas, when no one was watching. From what I have been told bookers have been hesitant to book it because it doesn't have any angle that could easily be sold on national television, but if it win's best musical I would assume many of those doors will open for the show."

 

Stunt casting in Kimberly Akimbo?  In which role(s)?  

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 2:59pm

nativenewyorker2 said: "There's an article in the NY Post that says Andrew Lloyd Webber is ready to close Bad Cinderella, but his producing partner wants to try a new marketing strategy-try to make it seem that it is similar to the Rogers and Hammerstein production.

https://nypost.com/2023/04/18/bad-cinderella-hemorrhaging-cash-as-2023-tony-noms-approach/"


If Schwartzman wants to put up a priority loan to keep it going, that’s fine, but firing the ad agency generally yields negligible results. The ad agency works at the direction of the producer.

The press coverage for the show and ALW has been significant, but we know that doesn’t really move the needle when there aren’t reviews and genuine WOM to keep it going.

If they really wanted to try something different, lean into the camp element. Engage Drag Queens and the gay community. Be punchy and tongue in cheek with the ad copy and quotes and campaign. Put the Stepmother and Queen front and center. Show off Prince Charming. Etc. 

[BossBroadway]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 4:54pm

There's an article in the NY Post that says Andrew Lloyd Webber is ready to close Bad Cinderella, but his producing partner wants to try a new marketing strategy-try to make it seem that it is similar to the Rogers and Hammerstein production. 

https://nypost.com/2023/04/18/bad-cinderella-hemorrhaging-cash-as-2023-tony-noms-approach/

I think this Post article is full of sh*t. ALW wouldn't try to close it, the producer would. He wouldn't jeopardize losing his constantly running Broadway streak. I also don't think they're actually going to go for a more 'traditional' Cinderella advertising. Even The Post said that it was from an awful source. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 6:06pm

BossBroadway said: "I think this Post article is full of sh*t. ALW wouldn't try to close it, the producer would. He wouldn't jeopardize losing his constantly running Broadway streak. I also don't think they're actually going to go for a more 'traditional' Cinderella advertising. Even The Post said that it was from an awful source."

ALW is one of 2 lead producers of the show. Losing millions to try to keep this open is far worse than breaking his running-streak. At the end of the day he's a pragmatic businessman; if he wasn't, the London production would still be running.

The facts of the situation are the facts: the show is selling badly; they are burning money and will probably need an infusion of cash to keep it going; and they fired one ad agency in favor of another. The ad creative is bad, but the producer makes the final choice on that, and it's quite similar to what was done in London.

[Theater3232]

Posted: 4/19/23 at 7:33pm

Not sure why Bad Cinderella chose the leading lady it did, whose credits seem to be an understudy for Dear Even Hansen?  Perhaps they would have sold a lot more tickets with someone whose name I actually heard of, like Sutton Foster, Jessie Mueller, Laura Osnes, Megan Hilty, etc.  Poor choice of casting often has consequences at the box office.