Industry Pro Newsletter: Andrew Lloyd Webber on Broadway Economics, Paddington Takes First Bow on the West End

This week, we look at the record-setting viewership of the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and renewed efforts in New York and abroad to redefine cultural priorities. Across Broadway, we probe shifting economic pressures on creatives through a new interview with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Meanwhile, with the announcement of a new arts and culture transition committee by Zohran Mamdani, incoming leadership may reimagine the city’s cultural agenda. On a regional level, we follow the pioneering costume exhibition by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance at Denver International Airport — a celebration of decades of creative work — and internationally, we cover a new report revealing post-pandemic shifts across UK theatres, as well as the opening night of Paddington: The Musical in London’s West End.

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Industry Trends

2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Draws 34.3 Million Viewers Across NBC and Peacock

The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade drew a record-setting 34.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. The 8:30 a.m. ET NBC broadcast alone averaged 25.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched entertainment telecast in nearly seven years. Viewership rose by 2.5 million over 2024 and saw a 13% increase among adults 18–49, while viewers under 25 jumped 20%.

Photos: RAGTIME, Cynthia Erivo, & More Perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 99th annual Macy’s Parade featured performances from the casts of Ragtime, Just In Time, Buena Vista Social Club, and celebrated the 100th year of Radio City Rockettes. Cynthia Erivo opened the show with a rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.”

Broadway/New York

Video: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Thoughts on Broadway Economics Amid Financial Uncertainty
In a new interview, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber criticized the decision to close The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, calling it “idiotic” given its appeal to a new, younger audience. He argued that current economic structures favor unions and theatre owners over creatives — making it difficult for writers and artists to sustain a living. Lloyd Webber suggested theatre owners must find innovative ways to engage younger audiences or risk losing them to alternative entertainment.

ARTNews: Zohran Mamdani Names Arts and Culture Transition Committee

Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor-elect, has announced a 28-member arts and culture transition committee. The group includes leaders such as Elizabeth Alexander (Mellon Foundation), Kamilah Forbes (Apollo Theatre), and curators from institutions including MoMA PS1 and the New York Public Library. The committee is expected to help shape the incoming administration’s cultural agenda.

Regional

The Denver Post: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance costumes take flight at DIA

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has opened its first-ever costume exhibition at Denver International Airport while celebrating its 55th anniversary. The display, located on Concourse C’s Center Core Mezzanine and open through March 26, 2026, features historic costumes from productions such as Angelitos Negros, Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, Mary Don’t You Weep, Raindance, and With You I’m Born Again. Founder Cleo Parker Robinson emphasized the often unseen artistry behind costumes and their role in the company’s history. The exhibit includes glass-case displays and QR codes offering background on decades of creative work, including frequently repurposed designs.

International

WhatsOn Stage: New report examines pandemic’s effects on theatre programming

A report from the British Theatre Consortium compared programming between 2019 and 2023 across 139 UK theatres. Between those years, the number of productions dropped by 14.5%, and performances by 3.6%, yet overall attendance rose by 6.8%. Musicals increased their presence, accounting for 40% of performances and nearly two-thirds of box office income in 2023. However, the report warns of a “sizeable drop” in new plays, despite those that were produced running longer and drawing strong audiences.

Video: West End PADDINGTON Cast Takes Opening Night Bows 

The cast of Paddington: The Musical took their opening night bows at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End. This marks the official start of the musical’s world-premiere run, slated to continue through October 25, 2026.

Missed our last few newsletters?

November 24, 2025 - Broadway Wins Big at the Clio Awards, UK Looks to Ban Resellers

From award-winning Broadway marketing campaigns and fresh digital viewing options for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to updates on tax credits and Tony eligibility, the industry continues to adapt on multiple fronts. Regional and national stories examine how institutions are navigating political scrutiny and how artists across the country are sustaining their work amid financial pressures. Internationally, major regulatory changes in the U.K. signal further shifts in how audiences access live performance.

November 17, 2025 - Leigh Silverman New President of SDCF, UK’s National Youth Theatre Expands Access Initiative

Poudre High School Theatre demonstrates how Stage Mag can be used by organizations of all shapes and sizes to build a fully interactive show program. In New York, the Performing Arts Library prepares a major Martha Graham exhibition, and Leigh Silverman steps into her new role as President of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. Regionally, IN Series appoints its first Executive Director and Dallas restores funding to Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Abroad, the National Youth Theatre expands its Assemble programme with a significant new grant.

November 10, 2025 - Leadership Changes in Opera Large and Small

This week’s roundup highlights major leadership changes, funding shifts, and renewed investment in the performing arts. OPERA America has named Michael J. Bobbitt as its next President & CEO, while Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS announced $1.5 million in emergency food grants nationwide. In New York, The Joyce Theater Foundation received a landmark $15 million gift, and Broadway productions prepare to take the stage at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Regionally, Chicago’s cultural department faces a proposed budget reduction, Theatre Washington released a new industry impact report, and Houston Grand Opera appointed James Gaffigan as its next Music Director. Meanwhile, in the UK, opera and arts education take center stage with efforts to broaden access and strengthen creative learning.

BroadwayWorld Resources

BroadwayWorld Stage Mag - A Fully Interactive Show Program

The digital solution to your show program needs - want to see what's possible? Check out the Stage Mag's for A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and for The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)! Then start building your own at stagemag.broadwayworld.com.

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