The long Labor Day weekend drew more attendees to Broadway, resulting in a boost to the box office.
For the week ending Sept. 4, the 21 shows running grossed $25,329,740 and played to 90% capacity. Both figures are up 8% and 4%, respectively, from last week.
Many of the family-friendly musicals that took a hit as students returned to school last week saw a boost this week — likely thanks to the long weekend. “Aladdin,” “Beetlejuice” and “Wicked” all saw gross increases of at least 6% and capacity increases of at least 8%.
“The Music Man,” “Hamilton” and “Into the Woods” were the three highest-grossing productions. Every Broadway production saw an increase in box office earnings, with the exception of “A Strange Loop” and “The Lion King.”
For the second straight week, “Dear Evan Hansen” and “MJ” were the only two productions to play to 100% capacity. However, every Broadway production played to at least 70% capacity.
Ending its Broadway run on a high was the musical “Mr. Saturday Night.” Through seven performances, the Billy Crystal-led musical had its highest-grossing week, earning $1,014,614. The musical played to 98% capacity. Both of these figures are up 18% and 10%, respectively, from last week.
The original Broadway revival cast of “Into the Woods” played their final performance on Sunday prior to the cast changes that went into effect on Sept. 6. The musical grossed $1,867,861, up 16%, and played to 99% capacity, up 5%.
In the final week of Julie Benko’s regular run as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl,” the musical grossed $659,874, up 15%, and played to 79% capacity, up 11%. Benko will perform on Thursday nights going forward, as Lea Michele takes over as Brice on Sept. 6.
“A Strange Loop” played only seven performances last week, canceling its Sunday matinee. The new musical grossed $573,890, down less than 1%, and played to 89% capacity, down 5%.
