Shrek offering Buy one, Get one free. Is this a bad sign?

[BwayBoundJoe]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:22pm

Just wondering, since the show has been offering discounts left and right, is this a bad sign? I mean, they are in the 80%/90% range with ticket sales, but why the buttload of discounts? Plus, on a side note, Johnny is leaving from now until December?
Shrektember Savings

[i am the one]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:26pm

I think it might be the push some people need to choose Shrek over another, full-priced or TKTS-day-of ticket.

However, according to the grosses, Shrek still grosses over $1 mil per week, and has a capacity of high-80s, low-90s, meaning the seats are filling up for one reason or another!

I think more shows should get involved in putting their tickets on sale. God knows it's how we buy everything else.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:32pm

IMO, these are signs of a foreseeable, although not immediate, closing. With the spate of new shows coming in and some from the past still doing great numbers, a show like SHREK faces an uphill climb. I have nothing against the show, but I think the post-Labor Day figures will be critical to its survival.

[BwayBoundJoe]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:34pm

That's sad. I havn't seen the show so I don't know how it is, but everyone I've talked to who have seen it said it's great fun. Wonder why John is leaving. Arn't there other cast members who have left as well? I know at least Jen Cody.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:50pm

This promotion is for the fall months. Shows typically have a drop in ticket sales after Labor Day.

I don't think this promotion is a bad sign of how Shrek is doing, but rather there to help during the upcoming months.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:59pm

Honestly, this is no different than any other discount. Offering a free ticket with a full price ticket comes out to about the same as buying two tickets at TKTS.

[Princeton2]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 1:11pm

This happens a lot in London, doesnt mean a show will close.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 1:30pm

Since the show seems to be doing well right now, I'm thinking this might be their way of keeping interest, after Labor Day. Isn't this only good for a month anyway?

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 1:42pm

I remember before the summer months it was doing just okay in terms of how much tickets it sold. Shrek implemented a "Shrek-cation" promotion, which really seemed to help boost ticket sales. But you have to keep in mind that because it is summer, there is a natural boost in ticket sales, as is with most shows.

But Marianne2 is right - I think this is a way of keeping interest in the show after Labor Day. Even though you are essentially getting tickets at the price of two TKTS tickets, people see the word "free" and jump on the offer.

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 3:44pm

It is just for the Fall months...when all shows have a drop in attendance, except for Wicked.

Or...maybe their advance sales for the Fall don't look too good.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 5:26pm

Well they are at least planning on being around for a bit longer, as they have now announced ticket sales through the end of May, 2010. If they can actually last that long, well that, just like most other shows, is anybody's guess.