How is Broadway Attendance Doing?

[macbeth]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 7:11am

I kept reading early on that the hits were only sold out for their first few performances and then it was looking dicey - but it seems like sales are picking up from unscientific research (looking at available seats). Has anyone been to the bigger hits lately (Hamilton, Wicked, Lion King, etc.) and seen empty seats?

I think we'll hit some challenges as more shows open, but (Aladdin aside) how are sales? I miss the grosses. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 8:13am

It’s hard to really read a pulse right now because the amount of show options are condensed to the select few that were already established (with some exceptions). Plus, quite a few shows are papering to fill seats (notably “Chicken & Biscuits”)

I’m sure we will have a much better idea of a pattern by Thanksgiving/December holidays

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 8:25am

All musicals seem to be doing well. The big three of Lion King, Hamilton & Wicked seem to be selling out. Hadestown, Six & Moulin Rouge as well. Aladdin is cancelled until Oct. 12. Come From Away & Waitress have occasionally been up at TKTS, but usually not for long. Chicago & American Utopia have been at TKTS, for 50% off, excluding their reopening nights. As more shows reopen, I'd suspect more availability for day of tickets and better odds of shows being at TKTS.

 

 

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 9:48am

Interesting insight. I noticed Aint Too Proud popped up on TDF and my friend reported some empty rows of seats at Chicago, so I had opposite impression. Keep up the nonscientific research.

[nealb1]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 10:40am

I saw 4 shows last weekend - "Moulin Rouge," "Little Shop," "Chicken & Biscuits" and "Chicago."  All were completely full, expect C&B, which was at about 75% capacity.  

[JBroadway]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 11:01am

quizking101 said: "It’s hard to really read a pulse right now because the amount of show options are condensed to the select few that were already established (with some exceptions). Plus, quite a few shows are papering to fill seats (notably “Chicken & Biscuits&rdquo

I’m sure we will have a much better idea of a pattern by Thanksgiving/December holidays"

just PMed you a question about this 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 11:25am

ACL2006 said: "Come From Away & Waitress have occasionally been up at TKTS, but usually not for long. "

According to an usher friend of mine, Come from Away has had a noticeable drop in attendance, with only Saturday nights being close to sold out. They also said they've been seeing comps, but wasn't sure if it was more than pre-pandemic (CFA has always had a consistent mix of discount tickets and comps at its performances, which is why it's often sold-out. i e., you can get reasonably priced seats). But they aren't survival-threatening drops, as of yet.

 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 11:34am

THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN just moved its Opening Night up to next Wednesday, October 13, which is 2.5 weeks earlier than previously announced (10/31). Looking at this coming week's seating charts on Telecharge, ticket sales are abysmal –– like PASS OVER before it, this desperately needs reviews.

Safe to assume this thing will not last past first week of January, at the absolute latest. (It's currently scheduled through March 20.)

[BoringBoredBoard40]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 2:33pm

where is Chicken and Biscuits papering because I have not seen it in the usual spots

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 2:37pm

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "where is Chicken and Biscuits papering because I have not seen it in the usual spots"

Not sure (I paid for mine), but there were A LOT of people on Thursday that I saw with $0.00 COMP written on their tickets - more than I would assume just people who were affiliated with the cast/crew.

[nealb1]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 3:26pm

Quizking101, how were you able to see other people's ticket stubs?  Were they on the floor and you saw them as you exited the theatre?  

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 3:44pm

Either that or the people in the rows in front of me holding up their tickets for their obligatory pre-show pics. (I was in the last row)

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 3:45pm

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "where is Chicken and Biscuits papering because I have not seen it in the usual spots"

The must be hoping for word of mouth.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 3:48pm

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "where is Chicken and Biscuits papering because I have not seen it in the usual spots"

If you are referring to the usual spots pre-covid then LOL

[Wick3]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 3:48pm

I didn't know "papering" also meant comp. Learned something new.

I did see $29 tix for chicken & biscuits at Todaytix app.

 

[nealb1]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 4:05pm

In person rush is $29 for "Chicken & Biscuits."  That's how I got my ticket last weekend.  Loved it!

[Fosse76]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 4:08pm

Wick3 said: "I didn't know "papering" also meant comp. Learned something new."

A papered house always means the tickets were comped by the production to fill seats, though it doesn't necessarily mean the ticketholder didn't pay for the ticket. However, comp tickets don't always mean a production is papering.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 4:20pm

I was at Waitress and was very surprised to see an empty front row seat. But otherwise I think that show has been selling VERY well.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 4:56pm

If Come From Away is only averaging 75% capacity, I'm surprised they haven't released a discount code yet.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 5:11pm

ACL2006 said: "If Come From Away is only averaging 75% capacity, I'm surprised they haven't released a discount code yet."

They did, but I think only through the mailer. Also, the show has been up on TDF since the reopening. TKTS also sells it every day.

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 5:18pm

Opening of Waitress was obviously packed. Chicken and Biscuits last Sunday was about 90% full. Is This A Room last Wednesday was sadly dead with barely 30% of the audience full. No one’s in the mood for these dark and depressing plays.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/4/21 at 5:24pm

Oh man, that must have been so depressing for the cast. 30%? That just hurts.

Updated On: 10/5/21 at 05:24 PM

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 10/5/21 at 1:51am

ACL2006 said: "If Come From Away is only averaging 75% capacity, I'm surprised they haven't released a discount code yet."

I was there last Tuesday night. Couldn't see into the mezz real well but the orchestra seemed pretty packed and that was on a Tuesday. Super high energy from both the cast and the audience. You'd never know they were just 8 or 9 performances in from being off 18 months.

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 10/5/21 at 11:41am

I’ve been looking at Moulin Rouge tickets and they seem have been selling better than I thought!

Though, I did notice the first 4 center aisle seats on the right and left orch are unavailable for nearly every single performance - through til next year. Does anyone know why they’re being held? I’d love to buy an aisle seat but nothing is available! I’ve searched MULTIPLE dates… no luck.

[soulmistin]

Posted: 10/5/21 at 4:27pm

I work at larger shows (including one of the big three) and all of them seem to still have massive attendance, even during weekday matinees. I don't work in the ticketing sector, but I can tell you the success based on other financial gains seems really promising. For smaller, less well known shows I have no clue though.