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Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19

Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19

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Rob
#1Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 3:06pm

Click below to access all the Broadway grosses from all the shows for the week ending 10/6/2019 in BroadwayWorld's grosses section.

Also, you will find information on each show's historical grosses, cumulative grosses and other statistics on how each show stacked up this week and in the past.

Click Here to Visit the Broadway Grosses...

Up for the week by attendance was: FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME (11.6%), FROZEN (10.2%), DERREN BROWN: SECRET (9.7%), THE ROSE TATTOO (6.8%), THE INHERITANCE (6.1%), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (5%), MEAN GIRLS (3.9%), CHICAGO (3.6%), LINDA VISTA (3%), WAITRESS (2.8%), BEETLEJUICE (2.6%), BETRAYAL (2.2%), DEAR EVAN HANSEN (1.9%), SLAVE PLAY (1.5%), ALADDIN (1.2%), TOOTSIE (1.1%), BEAUTIFUL (0.1%),

Down for the week by attendance was: THE GREAT SOCIETY (-6.4%), THE LIGHTNING THIEF (-6.1%), WICKED (-3.8%), OKLAHOMA! (-2.8%), THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM (-1.9%), THE BOOK OF MORMON (-1.8%), THE LION KING (-1.3%), THE SOUND INSIDE (-1.2%), AIN'T TOO PROUD (-0.7%), COME FROM AWAY (-0.4%), HADESTOWN (-0.3%), HAMILTON (-0.1%), MOULIN ROUGE! (-0.1%), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (-0.1%),

Click Here to Visit the BroadwayWorld Grosses...

Sponsored By: The Book of Mormon - The New York Times calls The Book of Mormon "the best musical of this century." The Washington Post says, "It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." And Entertainment Weekly says, "Grade A: the funniest musical of all time." Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal." The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical.

woeisme3
#2Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 3:25pm

Truly sad numbers for The Great Society, Linda Vista, and The Lightning Thief.

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ModernMillie3
#3Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 3:42pm

Man, just close The Lightning Thief already, playing to empty houses night after night must really suck. 

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binau
#4Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 3:52pm

The Inheritance looks like a flop, sadly. Wicked also is not having its best days anymore - I do hope we get some exciting casting choices in the future when they need to resort to stunt or star casting in a few years. 


"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022) "Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009) "Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000

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ACL2006
#5Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 3:58pm

Was at The Lightning Thief on Saturday night. Seemed like they gave rush tickets to anyone that asked at the box office($42). Orchestra section looked about 75% full. I looked up at the mezzanine during intermission and the sides seemed empty. On a Saturday night. There just isn't a large enough audience for this show that has done very little advertising. Can't imagine them changing their schedule next month will help sales(they're eliminating Mon/Tue evenings and adding Wed/Thu matinees). I still think they won't finish out their 16-week run.


A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.

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Kalimba
#6Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:01pm

Wonder if Lightning Thief will be an opening night flop.

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Mike Barrett
#7Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:03pm

qolbinau said: "The Inheritance looks like a flop, sadly. Wicked also is not having its best days anymore - I do hope we get some exciting casting choices in the future when they need to resort to stunt or star casting in a few years."

Didn’t The Inheritance start only a week or two ago? It’s too early to call it a flop lol. 2 part original play with no star is going to be an incredibly difficult sell however so I don’t doubt this could end up being the case, but wait for the reviews. If any show could benefit from reviews it’s the (potential) best show that’s offered this season, so I think it will garner attention. Also they haven’t even done Part 2 yet if I recall that starts this week, but I haven’t been following so I’m unaware. Either way, bit too early. 

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bdn223
#8Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:04pm

qolbinau said: "The Inheritance looks like a flop, sadly. Wicked also is not having its best days anymore - I do hope we get some exciting casting choices in the future when they need to resort to stunt or star casting in a few years."

Yes clearly its going to pack up and close making only a pitiful $1.3M in a week, which is unfortunately more money than show made in its first  two years of its run..... Being $500K over your weekly nut clearly doesn't cut it any more and they might as well post a January closing. 

In reality Wicked has clearly perfected its pricing where even when its only selling 80% of its capacity its making $1.3M, a number all shows would kill to have. 

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little_sally
#9Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:10pm

I think The Inheritance will do just fine after the reviews come out but it has an uphill battle. Angels in America's title had cache, and it had two stars in the cast and still couldn't sell out. Should be interesting how The Inheritance fares in the long run.

It's too bad that all of the new plays are struggling.


A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.

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Call_me_jorge
#10Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:13pm

qolbinau said: "The Inheritance looks like a flop, sadly. Wicked also is not having its best days anymore - I do hope we get some exciting casting choices in the future when they need to resort to stunt or star casting in a few years."

I do wonder if Alexandra Billings is somewhat of a stunt casting.


In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound. Signed, Theater Workers for a Ceasefire https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement

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Sauja
#11Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:15pm

I agree that The Inheritance is a super tough sell, and opinions are pretty sharply divided on it. Will be curious how reviews are and whether they're spike attendance. Will confess that I really hope so. I adore the play. But truly, it's a sad state that of the 9 new plays on Broadway, only Mockingbird and Harry Potter are earning over 50% capacity. 

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bdn223
#12Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:27pm

Call_me_jorge said: "qolbinau said: "The Inheritance looks like a flop, sadly. Wicked also is not having its best days anymore - I do hope we get some exciting casting choices in the future when they need to resort to stunt or star casting in a few years."

I do wonder if Alexandra Billings is somewhat of a stunt casting.
"

Wicked did do this type of "stunt" casting early in its run with Ben Vereen and David Garrison as the Wizard and Michele Lee, Miriam Margolyes, Carol Kane, and Rue McClanahan as Madame Morrible. Both roles are extremely easy to stunt cast with aging baby boomer actors in need of a pay check. They also stunt casted Fiyero for a while with Joey McIntyre.

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ErmengardeStopSniveling
#13Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:28pm

Wonder if Great Society will post an early closing notice? It's got to be an expensive play to run with a cast of that size.

I'm not going to say anything about The Inheritance yet, since it's only in its second week and it only played 5 previews of part 1. Reviews (and possibly the Pulitzer Prize going into the Tonys) will help, but as others have said, this could be a tough slog for its producers. I personally wouldn't want to see Part 1 so early and then wait a few weeks to see Part 2.

Stop that WICKED talk. Remember, the movie is also (allegedly) coming out in about 2 years, which could help sales in the long-term. Alexandra Billings might generate some press, but she doesn't bring anything substantial to the box office.

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JBroadway
#14Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:37pm

bdn223 said: "David Garrison as the Wizard " 

 

David Garrison counts as stunt-casting? He certainly isn't helping The Great Society's ticket sales. 

(I'm being nit-picky, but I agree with your overall point! :) ) 

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bdn223
#15Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:44pm

JBroadway said: "bdn223 said: "David Garrison as the Wizard "



David Garrison counts as stunt-casting? He certainly isn't helping The Great Society's ticket sales.

(I'm being nit-picky, but I agree with your overall point! :) )
"

Being in a role 10 years after the peak of your career and 20 years after the peak of your career probably means something for ticket sales.

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ACL2006
#16Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:46pm

Kalimba said: "Wonder if Lightning Thief will be an opening night flop."

 

Certainly checks off all the boxes. It's been a while since we've had a show close after opening. Bit considering it's limited run, the producers may just suck up the operating costs.


A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.

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little_sally
#17Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 4:59pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Wonder ifGreat Societywill post an early closing notice? It's got to be an expensive play to run with a cast of that size.

I figure it'll be okay since it's non-profit?

 


A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.

JSquared2
#18Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 5:09pm

bdn223 said: Wicked did do this type of "stunt" casting early in its run with Ben Vereen and David Garrison as the Wizard and Michele Lee,Miriam Margolyes, Carol Kane, and Rue McClanahan as Madame Morrible. Both roles are extremely easy to stunt cast with aging baby boomer actors in need of a pay check. They also stunt casted Fiyero for a while with Joey McIntyre."

I wouldn't consider any of those people "stunt casting".  All have/had solid theatre backgrounds (including Joey McIntyre).  And Miriam Margolyes --- stunt casting -- seriously???

SouthernCakes
#19Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 5:31pm

I think The Lightning Thief is doing better than we think. It’s basically just a long “tour” stop, so I don’t think the cast is on a production contract, and it can’t be an expensive show to run, etc. It isn’t trying to be on the same level as Hadestown.

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ErmengardeStopSniveling
#20Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 6:34pm

little_sally said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Wonder ifGreat Societywill post an early closing notice? It's got to be an expensive play to run with a cast of that size.
I figure it'll be okay since it's non-profit?
"

It's a commercial production. They rented out the Beaumont. (See IBDB and the initial NYTimes announcement for a list of the producers.)

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ErmengardeStopSniveling
#21Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 6:38pm

SouthernCakes said: "I think The Lightning Thief is doing better than we think. It’s basically just a long “tour” stop, so I don’t think the cast is on a production contract, and it can’t be an expensive show to run, etc. It isn’t trying to be on the same level as Hadestown."


Doesn't work like that. The actors are absolutely on a Production Contract, as is the case with every Broadway show. At minimum, I would guess the operating cost is $400k per week; if that's the case, it's burning money. No show can survive on 25% of its gross potential and an average ticket price of $53.

The production is also capitalized (budgeted) separately from the tour. While some assets may have been re-used, and while profits from the tour could offset Broadway losses and vice-versa, they're not one and the same. (We also don't know if the tour officially recouped.)

I will never quite understand why this moved to Broadway so quickly with such a limited window of advance notice.

Jarethan
#22Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 6:56pm

bdn223 said: "qolbinau said: "The Inheritance looks like a flop, sadly. Wicked also is not having its best days anymore - I do hope we get some exciting casting choices in the future when they need to resort to stunt or star casting in a few years."

Yes clearly its going to pack up and close making only a pitiful$1.3M in a week, which is unfortunately more money thanshow made in its firsttwo years of its run..... Being $500K over your weekly nut clearly doesn't cut it any more and they might as well post a January closing.

In reality Wicked has clearly perfected its pricing where even when its only selling 80% of its capacity its making $1.3M, a number all shows would kill to have.
"

I also felt that that was a premature comment.  Wicked is at the point where it is going to do mega business many weeks and less impressive on others, but $1.3 ain’t exactly bad  I guess we can debate whether  Qolbinau is on to something when Wicked hits its 10,000th performance, which I believe is inevitable.

SouthernCakes
#23Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 6:59pm

I’m not so sure they are? I mean, you can in a Roundabout show and not be on a production contract.

They didn’t hold any auditions, so the Broadway runs seem to be just worked into their initial contracts.

Jarethan
#24Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 7:01pm

JSquared2 said: "bdn223 said:Wicked did do this type of "stunt" casting early in its run with Ben Vereen and David Garrison as the Wizard and Michele Lee,Miriam Margolyes, Carol Kane, and Rue McClanahan as Madame Morrible. Both roles are extremely easy to stunt cast with aging baby boomer actors in need of a pay check. They also stunt casted Fiyero for a while with Joey McIntyre."

I wouldn't consider any of those people "stunt casting". All have/had solid theatre backgrounds (including Joey McIntyre). And Miriam Margolyes --- stunt casting -- seriously???
"

Stunt casting is usually done to increase ticket sales.  Did any of these people sell tickets?  I don’t think so.  David Garrison was cast as someone the producers thought would be good in the role, not to sell tickets.  I like Miriam M, but I wouldn’t have even considered paying to see her play Madame Morrible.  I probably would have been happy if she was in it one of the times I saw it.

Jarethan
#25Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 10/6/19
Posted: 10/7/19 at 7:03pm

bdn223 said: "JBroadway said: "bdn223 said: "David Garrison as the Wizard "



David Garrison counts as stunt-casting? He certainly isn't helping The Great Society's ticket sales.

(I'm being nit-picky, but I agree with your overall point! :) )
"

Being in a role 10 years after the peak of your career and 20 years after the peak of your career probably means something for ticket sales.
"

Not to be disrespectful, but when did David Garrison ever sell tickets?