During a prosperous holiday season for New York theater, several prominent Broadway productions witnessed a notable increase in their earnings. Topping the charts was 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' which accumulated an impressive $2.7 million in revenue. This success was further amplified by the continued appearance of Tom Felton, a familiar face from the cinematic adaptations of the wizarding world. Following closely were other theatrical powerhouses such as 'Hamilton,' securing $2.2 million, and 'Wicked,' which garnered $2 million. 'The Lion King' also performed strongly with $1.9 million, while 'Chess' rounded out the top five with $1.6 million.
These impressive figures represent a substantial week-over-week growth for many shows, with 'The Lion King' alone experiencing a $404,000 jump. Other beloved musicals, including 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Aladdin,' and 'MJ,' also reported significant revenue boosts of $450,000, $314,000, and $350,000 respectively. This positive trend was largely attributed to an influx of visitors to New York during school holidays and the Presidents Day weekend, coinciding with the end of the popular Broadway Week discount program on February 12. The overall industry revenue surged by 11 percent compared to the previous week, and audience capacity saw a 3.7 percent increase. Additionally, 'Chicago' enjoyed heightened earnings as Whitney Leavitt, known from Hulu's 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart, contributing to a 99 percent capacity at the Ambassador Theatre and an average ticket price rise to $164.
In other theatrical news, 'Marjorie Prime,' a play exploring themes of artificial intelligence and aging, concluded its limited run at the Hayes Theater on February 15. The production, featuring acclaimed actors June Squibb, Cynthia Nixon, and Danny Burstein, achieved its highest gross of $405,194 in its final week, playing to an impressive 95 percent capacity. Meanwhile, 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' temporarily suspended its public performances from February 10 to February 14 to facilitate the filming of the production for future release. The broader outlook for Broadway remains bright, with overall grosses up 8 percent and attendance up 3 percent compared to the same period last year, demonstrating the enduring appeal and vitality of live performance.
The current upward trajectory of Broadway’s box office success underscores the resilience and enduring allure of live theater. It reflects a vibrant cultural landscape where compelling storytelling and captivating performances continue to draw enthusiastic audiences, offering a unique and irreplaceable experience that transcends the digital age. This robust performance is a testament to the creativity and dedication of everyone involved in bringing these magnificent productions to life, enriching our communities and inspiring countless individuals through the power of artistic expression.