Cast album sales

[binau]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 2:53am

It is 'often said' that Cast Albums don't make much if any money, though does anyone actually have an idea of the kind of sales cast albums achieve?

I suppose it's a very vague question since the sales of the Wicked OBC vs Pacific Overtures revival for example would differ SO much,

but since I don't think people will have an idea of everything - any information anyone has of anything would be insightful :).

thanks

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 4:39am

Actually, there are a few people here who probably have all the numbers.

[Mark_E]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 5:37am

The cast recording for Phantom of the Opera is one of the top 10 best selling album of all time with 40 million sales!

[Sh-K-Kate]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 11:15am

I don't have the numbers, but this article partially explains why it is so difficult for Cast Recordings to make money:

"With the expense of producing a cast album so exorbitant -- a big show can cost as much as $400,000 to record these days"

Oh yeah - that and piracy. (sad crying face)

(Though obviously Phantom and Wicked have done fine for themselves.)

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-broadway-albums12-2009jun12,0,2987252.story