Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 7/3/22- Page 2

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 7/6/22 at 1:56pm

Hairspray0901 said: "MR has been running since July 2019. Their Tony winners left earlier this year; I think they’re doing pretty well considering those two points. Over a million is still very impressive."

But remember there's a chunk of about 18 months where they weren't running, plus several cancellations due to Covid since then. I remember back in the day reading that Rock of Ages had a pretty highly inflated running cost due to the royalties for all of the songs they used, and, if I'm not mistaken, Moulin Rouge has an even larger number of catalog songs being used.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 7/6/22 at 2:19pm

JBroadway said: "Lots of shows down this week. Is 4th of July not a big tourist weekend for the city? I honestly don't actually know, despite having lived here for some years.

Did something happen at Funny Girl (e.g Jane Lynch out?) - or is this the big drop in demand that many people have been anticipating for them?

This is random speculation, but is it possible that the Lea Michele rumors are actually causing people to hold off on buying tickets? I spoke to a friend this weekend (someone who likes theatre, but doesn't pay much attention to the theatre scene) and even they had heard about Lea Michele, and were thinking about getting tickets. I know that's loose, anecdotal evidence, but it does make me wonder.

Since I've been bringing up Macbeth in these threads every week: I think this confirms that they're taking a major tumble right at the finish line. A shame, if you ask me - not because I liked the show, but because I was rooting for at least one more play to recoup this season, and that seemed like the horse to bet on. It seems odd though: it was doing so well for weeks even after the bad reviews and word of mouth. Why did the grosses plummet right at the end? Was that just the time it took for word to travel to general audiences? Maybe so, and maybe that's why Funny Girl plummeted this week too."

Re Macbeth, advances for star vehicles always seem to be front-ended, eventually drying up if bad reviews.  Macbeth is part of that pattern.

Funny Gitl is the star vehicle, not Beanie.  It’s advance is losing momentum.  I also had no interest in FG and now am likely to see it in my next NYC trip.  Unlike many on this board, I think LM will be great in the role.

Add me to the list of people shocked by ITW grosses, and only 7 performances!  I can’t believe it is the property selling all those tickets, unless initial purchases were front-ended.  I guess Bareilles is a real box office attraction, coupled with the quality of the overall cast.

DEH doing a lot better than CFA.  Wonder whether it is getting a second wiind??

Very disappointed at Moulin Rouge.  I loved the show and expected it to run for years.

Updated On: 7/6/22 at 02:19 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 7/6/22 at 2:35pm

Moulin Rouge - prior to the pandemic I think was an unstoppable monster. So we'll see how it goes. Can't be a cheap show to run. 

I think Sara B. in a well-known show with a great cast is a no brainer. And only 8 weeks. Def. feels like event theater. Love it.

[Penna2]

Posted: 7/6/22 at 6:59pm

Did something happen at Funny Girl (e.g Jane Lynch out?) - or is this the big drop in demand that many people have been anticipating for them?

This is random speculation, but is it possible that the Lea Michele rumors are actually causing people to hold off on buying tickets? I spoke to a friend this weekend (someone who likes theatre, but doesn't pay much attention to the theatre scene) and even they had heard about Lea Michele, and were thinking about getting tickets. I know that's loose, anecdotal evidence, but it does make me wonder.

Whoever was pushing the Lea Michele casting, didn't help the cause of the current production. Maybe looking to have Beanie out sooner than September? Another thought I had posted elsewhere - promote the other stars in the show. Ramin has a great TikTok on his site, as well as a GIF of the couch trick. Let the man sing! Have Jane and Jared do Who Taught Her Everything She Knows. Sell the show and music, that's what people are interested in at this point - MM is doing great. 

 

 

[bk]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 1:12am

Sutton Ross said: "bk said: "For people being out of the city and not going to the theater, someone can explain how The Music Man pulled in over three million bucks. Certainly, someone was in the city. The average ticket prices on the low grossers is really something."

Because we were all out of town enjoying the holiday elsewhere. Locals are not attracted to this show, only tourists.

"

Here is the post to which I was responding: "Fourth of July week/weekend is typically quiet, especially if the weather is good. People aren't in the city, they're at a BBQ, beach, a pool instead."  So, apparently, according to you, "we" meaning I don't know who exactly, were all out of town. And yet, The Music Man pulled in over three million dollars. I didn't say locals vs. tourists, I responded to a post that said "PEOPLE aren't in the city" - well, PEOPLE were obviously in the city for that show to do that business. Do you enjoy being argumentative for no reason?

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 1:30am

Oof. Funny Girl. I assume we are at the word of mouth stage, the advance sales can’t be good… 

[Ke3]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 2:15am

Jarethan said: "Add me to the list of people shocked by ITW grosses, and only 7 performances! I can’t believe it is the property selling all those tickets, unless initial purchases were front-ended. I guess Bareilles is a real box office attraction, coupled with the quality of the overall cast."

Sara is undoubtedly a big portion of the box office. There's a reason they kept pulling her back in for Waitress stints. I wouldn't rule out the name recognition ITW has, though. By far Sondheim's most popular show on paper. Performed constantly, add to that the Disney film adaption. Interesting though that this popularity has almost made Broadway less likely to touch it. A feeling it's too overexposed to make money on it. 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 11:05am

I’m not convinced that this week’s gross truly reflects the demand for Into the Woods. 

MAYBE it does, in which case we’ll find out in the coming weeks. But I think it’s too soon to start speculating as to WHY it’s selling better than expected, when “frontloaded spillover demand from the niche theatre audience” seems like the most intuitive answer. 

If/when the production continues to pull in 7-figure grosses, it will seem more appropriate to begin attributing its success to Bareilles, the show’s title recognition, strong marketing, or what-have-you.   

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 11:38am

Here is the post to which I was responding: "Fourth of July week/weekend is typically quiet, especially if the weather is good. People aren't in the city, they're at a BBQ, beach, a pool instead." So, apparently, according to you, "we" meaning I don't know who exactly, were all out of town. And yet, The Music Man pulled in over three million dollars. I didn't say locals vs. tourists, I responded to a post that said "PEOPLE aren't in the city" - well, PEOPLE were obviously in the city for that show to do that business. Do you enjoy being argumentative for no reason?"

Lolz. I was just adding to what BJR said before I posted which was "There were zero locals here over the weekend. Music Man isn't selling to New Yorkers, for the most part." Not everything is a huge, dramatic event. 

 

[Kad]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 11:42am

jo said: "Looks like an overall softening of demand ( save for a few) -- could this be the initial impact of the new OPTIONAL MASK policy? Hopefully, it is temporary."

Rising costs and issues with air travel are far more likely to be the cause of any revenue drop on Broadway than its mask policy. 

[JasonC3]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 12:04pm

JBroadway said: "I’m not convinced that this week’s gross truly reflects the demand for Into the Woods.

MAYBE it does, in which case we’ll find out in the coming weeks. But I think it’s too soon to start speculating as to WHY it’s selling better than expected, when “frontloaded spillover demand from the niche theatre audience” seems like the most intuitive answer.

If/when the production continues to pull in 7-figure grosses, it will seem more appropriate to begin attributing its success to Bareilles, the show’s title recognition, strong marketing, or what-have-you."

Having looked at most dates the rest of this month in search of a great price for an aisle seat, I can attest that it is selling very well and at higher price points.  Many dates currently only have 20-30 seats available in the orchestra.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 4:52pm

bk said: "Sutton Ross said: "bk said: "For people being out of the city and not going to the theater, someone can explain how The Music Man pulled in over three million bucks. Certainly, someone was in the city. The average ticket prices on the low grossers is really something."

Because we were all out of town enjoying the holiday elsewhere. Locals are not attracted to this show, only tourists.

"

Here is the post to which I was responding: "Fourth of July week/weekend is typically quiet, especially if the weather is good. People aren't in the city, they're at a BBQ, beach, a pool instead." So, apparently, according to you, "we" meaning I don't know who exactly, were all out of town. And yet, The Music Man pulled in over three million dollars. I didn't say locals vs. tourists, I responded to a post that said "PEOPLE aren't in the city" - well, PEOPLE were obviously in the city for that show to do that business. Do you enjoy being argumentative for no reason?"

And a lot of other shows did really well.

[bk]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 6:19pm

Sutton Ross said: "Here is the post to which I was responding: "Fourth of July week/weekend is typically quiet, especially if the weather is good. People aren't in the city, they're at a BBQ, beach, a pool instead." So, apparently, according to you, "we" meaning I don't know who exactly, were all out of town. And yet, The Music Man pulled in over three million dollars. I didn't say locals vs. tourists, I responded to a post that said "PEOPLE aren't in the city" - well, PEOPLE were obviously in the city for that show to do that business. Do you enjoy being argumentative for no reason?"

Lolz. I was just adding to what BJR said before I posted which was "There were zero locals here over the weekend. Music Man isn't selling to New Yorkers, for the most part." Not everything is a huge, dramatic event.

"

The only huge, dramatic event here seems to be you. Many shows did well. Some didn't. You don't know who or who wasn't in the city and your responses to me are just, well, what ARE they, really? I'm not the only one who's saying this, you know. Try reading the other responses. Lolz. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 7:54pm

Take your own advice. Like the nearly exact same response that BJR posted earlier than me. Odd you didn't quote them. I know in my life who was or was not in the city. Nobody. And caring what others say isn't really in my wheelhouse. 

Your anger regarding not being able to leave NYC has absolutely nothing to do with me. We live different lives and that's okay. The hugely dramatic responses have only come from you. Everyone can see that now. Have a good one, tho! 

 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 7/7/22 at 8:24pm

Sutton Ross said: "Take your own advice. Like the nearly exact same response that BJR posted earlier than me. Odd you didn't quote them. I know in my life who was or was not in the city. Nobody. And caring what others say isn't really in my wheelhouse.

Your anger regarding not being able to leave NYC has absolutely nothing to do with me. We live different lives and that's okay. The hugely dramatic responses have only come from you. Everyone can see that now. Have a good one, tho!"

Your obliviousness is showing. Not a good look. Oh and stop with the not caring what others say shtick. This board has a long memory. 

[bk]

Posted: 7/8/22 at 12:30am

Sutton Ross said: "Take your own advice. Like the nearly exact same response that BJR posted earlier than me. Odd you didn't quote them. I know in my life who was or was not in the city. Nobody. And caring what others say isn't really in my wheelhouse.

Your anger regarding not being able to leave NYC has absolutely nothing to do with me. We live different lives and that's okay. The hugely dramatic responses have only come from you. Everyone can see that now. Have a good one, tho!

"

Oh, I think everyone here can see just fine who heads the drama department. As to my "anger regarding not being able to leave NYC" well, no, I have no anger about that since I'm not IN New York City or anywhere near New York City. You look rather foolish, but, you probably knew that. (Heart emoji here).

[DennisSSebasiStephen]

Posted: 7/8/22 at 4:31am

My notes:

• Paradise Square is finally getting up there! 70% capacity means it's beating Beetlejuice and Phantom of the Opera. Unfortunately, it's still only grossing $235k/week and needs ~$550k/week to break even, so they're still losing money. I guess that's why they're raising more money.

• Music Man oversold!

• What's Beetlejuice's strategy here? It's the second week they're below 65%; why are tickets still $129/pop?

[markypoo]

Posted: 7/8/22 at 9:21am

DennisSSebasiStephen said: "My notes:

• Paradise Square is finally getting up there! 70% capacity means it's beating Beetlejuice and Phantom of the Opera. Unfortunately, it's still only grossing $235k/week and needs ~$550k/week to break even, so they're still losing money. I guess that's why they're raising more money.
• Music Man oversold!
• What's Beetlejuice's strategy here? It's the second week they're below 65%; why are tickets still $129/pop?

"

I recall that the break even on PS is $599G.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 7/8/22 at 11:35am

DennisSSebasiStephen said: "My notes:

• Paradise Square is finally getting up there! 70% capacity means it's beating Beetlejuice and Phantom of the Opera. Unfortunately, it's still only grossing $235k/week and needs ~$550k/week to break even, so they're still losing money. I guess that's why they're raising more money.
• Music Man oversold!
• What's Beetlejuice's strategy here? It's the second week they're below 65%; why are tickets still $129/pop?"

I think you have some numbers mixed up there in regards to Paradise Square. Their average ticket price was at $70. Their capacity was at 54.5%, which is down from last week.

I’m guessing Beetlejuice is taking the gamble that keeping their average ticket price higher and having smaller houses will pay off better than a fuller house at lower average prices  

 

[DCS]

Posted: 7/8/22 at 12:02pm

I'm continually baffled by people who focus on % capacity numbers -- these mean nothing in terms of the financial health of a show.  I could sell tickets for my show at $10 each and probably get close to 100% capacity every week, but I would be losing tons of $$$.  The numbers you should be looking at are weekly gross (and whether that is enough to cover what you believe is the show's weekly nut) and average ticket price (which tells you how discounted the tickets are).  Just do a comparison of those 2 sets of numbers and you can see which shows are performing poorly, which ones are just breaking even, and which are doing very well.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 7/8/22 at 12:33pm

Sutton Ross said: "Take your own advice. Like the nearly exact same response that BJR posted earlier than me. Odd you didn't quote them. I know in my life who was or was not in the city. Nobody. And caring what others say isn't really in my wheelhouse.

Your anger regarding not being able to leave NYC has absolutely nothing to do with me. We live different lives and that's okay. The hugely dramatic responses have only come from you. Everyone can see that now. Have a good one, tho!

"

Although I didn't think it could be possible, you've become even more unhinged since returning from your lengthy suspension!

 

[CreatureKitchen]

Posted: 7/8/22 at 3:25pm

DennisSSebasiStephen said: "My notes:

• What's Beetlejuice's strategy here? It's the second week they're below 65%; why are tickets still $129/pop?

Their capacity was 73% this pas week, and the week before it was 81%, so I have no idea where' you're getting "second week below 65%" from. Also, they're grossing over a million, so the strategy of high ticket prices and lower attendance seems to be paying off for now.