Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending July 11, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the
week ending July 11, 2010:
3:07 pm July 12 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, FENCES, PROMISES PROMISES, BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS each have $1 million+ box office
3:08 pm July 12 - Sold-out WICKED was last week's top grosser by thin margin of just $16,000 over LION KING on Broadway
3:09 pm July 12 - WICKED grossed $1,650,562 on Broadway last week, playing to 100% capacity. Average ticket price: $114.05
3:10 pm July 12 - THE LION KING grossed $1,634,367 on Broadway last week, playing to 100.1% capacity. Average ticket price: $121.74
3:11 pm July 12 - Last week's highest capacity(101.5%) & av ticket price($134.20) belongs to FENCES, week's top grossing play: $1,175,626
3:12 pm July 12 - RACE last week's lowest grossing show $248,053.Av tix priced $65.94. Capacity just 44.4% Will closing notice be posted?
3:13 pm July 12 - COME FLY AWAY had last week's lowest capacity at just 40.4%. Grossing $488,217. Av tix price still sky high at $93.76
3:14 pm July 12 - Just closed EVERYDAY RAPTURE had week's lowest average ticket price of $51.44. Grossed $253,560 on 83.3% capacity
3:15 pm July 12 - EVERYDAY RAPTURE also posted week's biggest capacity gain of 10.1% to 83.3%. Grosses up $83,000 week over week
3:17 pm July 12 - Week's biggest capacity drop was LEND ME A TENOR losing 14.6% capacity to 59.4%. Grossed $333,346 last week.
3:18 pm July 12 - Tony-winning Best Musical MEMPHIS doing respectable box office. Grossed $890,626 last week playing to 88.9% capacity
3:19 pm July 12 - Overall, Broadway grosses up nearly $700,000 from last week to $19,380,905, yet audience was down .44% to 79.8%
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: average ticket price, Box Office, Broadway, Broadway Box Office, Capacity, Come Fly Away, Everyday Rapture, Fences, Race, The Lion King, Wicked
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending July 4, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the summer holiday
week ending July 4, 2010:
3:15 pm July 6 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, FENCES, BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS, PROMISES PROMISES each enjoy $1 million+ box office
3:16 pm July 6 - Sold-out WICKED still Broadway's top weekly grossing show: $1,620,851. Average ticket price: $112.00
3:17 pm July 6 - FENCES still Broadway's top grossing play taking in $1,164,529 last week, up $26,000 week over week
3:18 pm July 6 - FENCES is #1 Broadway show in terms of average ticket price: $132.65. Top tickets selling for $425.00
3:19 pm July 6 - FENCES, which ends Broadway run on Sunday, also has Broadway's highest capacity. Standing room only at 101.7%
3:20 pm July 6 - EVERYDAY RAPTURE had Broadway's lowest gross $171,942 & average ticket price $39.69. Capacity still at 73.2%
3:21 pm July 6 - COME FLY AWAY had Broadway's lowest capacity last week: 43% (drop of 11.6%). Gross: $515,296. Av tix priced: $93.01
3:22 pm July 6 - Just-closed NEXT FALL has week's biggest capacity increase of 25.5% to 90.1%. Grosses: $257,274. Av tix priced: $60.58
3:22 pm July 6 - IN THE HEIGHTS has Broadway's biggest capacity drop of 12.8% to 69.3%. Grossed $515,540. Average ticket price: $69.20
3:24 pm July 6 - Overall, Broadway's week over week grosses were down 9% or nearly $1.7 million to $18,840,132
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: average ticket price, Broadway, Broadway Box Office, Capacity, Come Fly Away, Everyday Rapture, Fences, In The Heights, Next Fall, Wicked
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending June 27, 2010
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending June 27, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the
week ending June 27, 2010:
4:30 pm June 27 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, PROMISESx2, FENCES, JERSEY BOYS, BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS each have $1MM+ weeks
4:32 pm June 28 - WICKED remains #1 at Broadway box office grossing $1,641,718 last week. Average ticket price: $113.44. 100% capacity.
4:33 pm June 28 - LION KING last week's #2 show grossing $1,551,798 on Broadway playing to 100.1% capacity. Average ticket price: $115.59
4:34 pm June 28 - FENCES remains Broadway's top grossing play: $1,138,982.Also highest average ticket: $129.89 & highest capacity: 101.6%
4:35 pm June 28 - NEXT FALL had Broadway's lowest weekly gross: $180,317. Average ticket price: $59.24. Playing to 64.6% capacity.
4:36 pm June 28 - RACE has week's lowest capacity 46.6% & lowest average ticket price $51.95. Grosses $204,944 Will show close early?
4:37 pm June 28 - Just-closed HAIR goes off with bangs! Grosses $712,008 playing to 85.3% capacity up 15.2%. Highest over week over week
4:38 pm June 28 - FELA! has week's biggest capacity decrease of 4.1% to 88.2%. Grosses $588,286. Average tickets priced $80.99
4:39 pm June 28 - FELA! and RACE are only two Broadway shows last week to lose capacity. Overall, a very strong week at box office.
4:40 pm June 28 - Despite the critics, both ADDAMS FAMILY and PROMISES PROMISES are building audiences. Each earned $1.3 million+
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: average ticket price, Broadway, Broadway Box Office, Capacity, Fences, Promises Promises, Race, The Addams Family, Wicked
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending June 20, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
The week after the Tony Awards is always telling because it demonstrates which shows gained from the broadcast and which ones sadly did not.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the
week ending June 20, 2010:
4:30 pm June 20 - Broadway box office totals are up slightly over last week. Grosses $21,957,198
4:31 pm June 20 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, PROMISES PROMISES, FENCES, BILLY ELLIOT & JERSEY BOYS each gross $1 million+
4:32 pm June 20 - Sold-out WICKED week's top grossing show on Broadway pulling in $1,620,876. Average ticket price: $112.00
4:33 pm June 20 - FENCES continues breaking records at Broadway's Cort grossing $1,135,974 with average ticket now priced at $129.53
4:34 pm June 20 - As week's top grossing play FENCES also hits capacity home run as week's highest at 101.6%. Lots of standing room only
4:35 pm June 20 - Week's highest average ticket price: $130.50-A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC bid farewell to Catherine Zeta-Jones/Angela Lansbury
4:36 pm June 20 - Grossing $950,296, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC played to 97.8% capacity last week.
4:37 pm June 20 - NEXT FALL was week's lowest grossing Broadway show: $154,207. Average ticket price: $55.31 on 59.2% capacity
4:38 pm June 20 - EVERYDAY RAPTURE had week's lowest average ticket price on Broadway: $52.99. Grosses $213,249 on 68% capacity
4:39 pm June 20 - RACE had week's lowest capacity on Broadway: 47.6%. Grosses $253,436 with average tickets priced $62.97
4:40 pm June 20 - Tony Best Musical MEMPHIS enjoys box office bump: Grosses $835,071. Up over $135K week over week. Capacity at 86.5%
4:41 pm June 20 - Tony Best Musical Revival LA CAGE gets slight bump: $687,825 gross. Capacity up 3.5% to 86.5%. Av tix priced $94.02
4:42 pm June 20 - Tony Best Play RED capacity decreases to 98.9% but increases gross by nearly $130K to $666,618. Av tix priced $104.78
4:43 pm June 20 - PROMISES PROMISES gets biggest Tony bump as capacity increases 9% to 97.2%. Grosses $1,237,426. Av tix priced $91.06
4:45 pm June 20 - COME FLY AWAY has week's biggest drop in capacity down 13.2% to just 52.3%. Grosses $667,096. Av tix priced $99.02
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: average ticket price, Broadway, Broadway Box Office, Capacity, Come Fly Away, Fences, La Cage Aux Folles, Memphis, Promises Promises, Wicked
Broadway: What Shows Are Closing?Good thing I didn't make a bet to eat my
Next Fall Playbill if it didn't post closing notices.
A couple days ago,
I had predicted that due to its lackluster box office performance in the already tiny
Helen Hayes Theatre coupled with no Tony wins that it would likely shutter soon. But
its producers say, for now anyway, that it's their goal to remain open through summer.
UPDATE (June 23, 2010) - Next Fall has posted its closing notice for July 4.So what shows
are closing?
So far, none as a direct result of Sunday night's Tony Awards.
In fact, this year's Best Play
Red announced just yesterday that its limited run would close
as scheduled on June 27, which is really too bad because it offers those fortunate enough to see it two of the year's most magnificent stage performances (
Alfred Molina and
Eddie Redmayne). That is, unless you count those being offered over at the
Cort Theatre for this year's Best Revival of a Play
Fences with the two other stellar performances (
Denzel Washington and particularly
Viola Davis).
Fences currently remains on schedule to close its limited engagement on July 11.
But here is the full list of Broadway shows currently scheduled to close:
June 27, 2010:
Hair - Al Hirschfeld Theatre
(
SOB Review: *** out of ****)
On June 9,
it was announced that the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Music otherwise known as "The American Tribal Love Rock Musical" would shutter on June 27, 2010, after 29 previews and 519 regular performances (over and above those
Hair extensions in Central Park during the summer of 2008).
Most of this revival of
Hair's original cast may be seen in
London through September 4. Plus, a
tour commences this October at the
Shubert Performing Arts Center in New Haven, Connecticut.
Red - John Golden Theatre
(
SOB Review: **** out of ****)
An import from London's
Donmar Warehouse, this year's Tony Award-winning Best Play has only been scheduled for a very limited run. That engagement will conclude as scheduled on June 27, 2010.
Red will have played 22 previews and 101 regular performances.
Look for
John Logan's work to be mounted by regional theatres throughout the United States over the next couple years, albeit with different direction and casts.
Sondheim On Sondheim - Studio 54
(
SOB Review: **1/2 out of ****)
This limited engagement initially was set to finish this past Sunday but was extended by two weeks. When it closes on June 27, 2010, this revue will have played 37 previews and 76 regular performances.
As for a life beyond? Unless there's a tour, which seems highly unlikely, it's hard to imagine regional mountings given how a major portion of the show incorporates
Stephen Sondheim's own words via video. Plus, there are already several other Sondheim songbook revues out there.
July 11, 2010:
Everyday Rapture - American Airlines Theatre
(
SOB Review: *** out of ****)
The last-minute, surprise hit run that managed to garner Tony nominations has always been a limited run and is scheduled to close on July 11, 2010. When it shutters,
Everyday Rapture will have played 11 previews and 85 regular performances.
Although
Sherie Rene Scott is portraying a semi-fictionalized version of herself, there's no reason why enterprising regional theatre companies couldn't pick up this show
a la Hunter Bell and
Jeff Bowen's semi-autobiographical
[title of show]. Yet Scott herself
seems to be keeping the door open to returning to her character for a tour, although "it wouldn't be for another year."
Fences - Cort Theatre
(
SOB Review: ***1/2 out of ****)
Director
Kenny Leon's camp at this year's Tony-winning Best Revival of a Play has been so silent over the past few days that you can't help but wonder if they're secretly working toward extending their limited run past July 11, 2010, which is nearly sold out. Or are they waiting to announce something else like a new cast and/or a tour?
If the show closes as scheduled, it will have enjoyed 13 previews and a mere 80 regular performances. But why do I have this hunch....
August 15, 2010:
Lend Me A Tenor - Music Box Theatre
(
SOB Review: ***1/2 out of ****)
The single most hilarious Broadway show I saw all year was initially an open-ended run. But on May 21, a
closing notice was posted for August 15, 2010, which marks the end-date for its ensemble's contracts. Tony-nominated for Best Revival of a Play,
Lend Me A Tenor will have played 25 previews and 153 regular performances.
There's no word on any plans for this production beyond Broadway, but
Ken Ludwig's farce is already regularly mounted by regional and community theatres.
August 21, 2010:
Race - Ethel Barrymore Theatre
(
SOB Review: *1/2 out of ****)
Yesterday,
Eddie Izzard,
Dennis Haysbert and
Afton C. Williamson join the cast of this
David Mamet play as replacements for
James Spader,
David Alan Grier and
Kerry Washington, respectively (
Richard Thomas remains). Currently, the show is scheduled to close August 21, 2010, after 23 previews and 297 regular performances.
Although the show has already recouped its initial investment, don't be surprised to see it close earlier if the box office doesn't experience a bounce from its new cast.
August 22, 2010:
South Pacific - Vivian Beaumont Theatre
(
SOB Review: ***1/2 out of ****)
On February 19,
it was announced that this 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Musical would close on August 22, 2010. But when it does, it will have played 37 previews and 1,000 regular performances. The show will go out with a bang as original cast member
Kelli O'Hara returns August 10 and again appears opposite Tony-winner
Paulo Szot (rumors that
Matthew Morrison may also return remain just that -- rumors).
Earlier this year, I caught the
South Pacific national tour and I can tell you that it is nearly as good in every way as the Broadway mounting; that tour will last through 2011. Additionally, when the closing notice was posted, it was
also announced that there are plans to bring the production to London and Australia.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: Broadway, Closing Notices, Closings, Everyday Rapture, Fences, Hair, Lend Me A Tenor, Next Fall, Race, Red, Sondheim On Sonheim, South Pacific
Broadway Box Office Tweets Tony Edition - Week Ending June 13, 2010
Broadway Box Office Tweets Tony Edition - Week Ending June 13, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
This past week was a particularly good one for the Great White Way as box office totals swelled by just over $2 million more than the previous week, no doubt as audiences flocked to see all the Tony nominated shows prior to Sunday night's award ceremonies.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the
week ending June 13, 2010:
4:30 pm June 13 - WICKED/LION KING/ADDAMS FAMILY/BILLY ELLIOT/PROMISES PROMISES/JERSEY BOYS/FENCES each grossed $1 million+ last week
4:31 pm June 13 - Sold-out WICKED last week's top grossing Broadway show with $1,614,485. Average ticket price: $111.56
4:32 pm June 13 - Standing room only FENCES week's top grossing play $1,057,269 & week's highest capacity: 101.5%. Av tx priced $120.65
4:33 pm June 13 - A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC was week's highest priced ticket. Av price: $122.26. Grosses $911,429 on 100.1% capacity
4:34 pm June 13 - COLLECTED STORIES had last week's lowest gross: $117,408 & last week's lowest av tix priced: $30.55 (73.9% capacity)
4:35 pm June 13 - RACE had last week's lowest capacity of 59.1% grossing $358,328 & average tickets priced $71.64.
4:36 pm June 13 - AMERICAN IDIOT had biggest increase in capacity. Up 20.5% to 73.3%. Grosses w/av tix priced $86,66
4:37 pm June 13 - EVERYDAY RAPTURE & FENCES had week's "biggest" capacity drop of .1% & .2% respectively. Every other show gained
4:38 pm June 13 - WICKED stayed steady in 100% capacity week over week. They don't sell standing room only tickets
4:39 pm June 13 - Overall, Broadway box office was up 9.14% week over week. Grosses up more than $2 million to $21,958,013
6:14 pm June 13 - NEXT FALL producer Richard Willis
hopes to keep show open through summer despite no Tony wins & low box office demand
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: A Little Night Music, American Idiot, Broadway Box Office, Collected Stories, Fences, Next Fall, Race, Tony Awards, Wicked
Tony Awards Monday Morning Quarter-backingThink my title mixes two extremes of popular entertainment where never the twain shall meet?
Think again.
Since
New York Jets'
quarterback Mark Sanchez appeared on last night's
Tony Awards as a self-proclaimed "
theatre aficionado" (when this Jet was introduced, dare I say, many in the audience likely thought he was from the cast of
West Side Story), and since this fall will see the Broadway bow of
Lombardi, it's entirely apropos.
(Click
here for the full list of Tony Award winners).
Yes, there will be the carping about
Memphis' big win as Best Musical, but let's face it -- the show has what it takes to be a huge success on tour, and lest we forget, a large number of the Tony voters represent the touring class. But it was telling that for the first time in years, the Tony-winning Best Musical earned less awards (four) than the year's Tony-winning Best Play,
Red.
Red earned a total of six well-earned Tony Awards, including a first ever for estimable director
Michael Grandage, who has become a master of both musicals and plays.
Eddie Redmayne surprised (me) as the winner in the Best Featured Actor category, but given his astounding Broadway debut, I could not quibble with the choice of the Tony voters. I had hoped his co-star
Alfred Molina would win in what was arguably the evening's most competitive category, but as I
predicted,
Denzel Washington won for his superb performance as Troy Maxson in
Fences.
Which brings me to the photo above. In addition to also accurately predicting
Fences would win Best Revival of a Play, Washington's co-star
Viola Davis proved to be the most deserving winner of the evening for her bravura performance. In fact, so absolutely certain was I that Davis would win that I had made a twitter wager with @BroadwayGirlNYC that I would eat my
Fences Playbill if she failed to take home the Tony. Although that Playbill looked mighty tasty on my plate, I knew all along that I never needed to worry about actually eating it.
In terms of overall predictions, I got 17 out of 26 correct or just over 65%. In the categories that were broadcast, I accurately predicted 11 out of 15 or just over 73%. Not bad, but after entering producer
Ken Davenport's contest, I blew his tie-breaker question that asked how long (without going over)
Marian Seldes' Lifetime Achievement Award speech would be; I thought I was being modest by predicting it would clock in at a bit over 2 minutes.
I'm sure all of us were wrong as she didn't utter a single word, opting instead to soak in the enormously deserved standing ovation before exiting the stage. Some say it was the best speech ever. And since she spoke volumes more with her eyes and sweeping gestures than most actors can say in a blue streak, I think they may be right.
Speaking of blue streaks, there were plenty to be seen in the hair of numerous cast members via the number of performances afforded
American Idiot, which took home two Tony Awards in creative categories. But were all those televised numbers enough to move the needle on its struggling box office? I'm sure we'll hear soon enough. But let's just consider this. For the
week of June 6, the show attracted a capacity of 52.6%, which was very anemic for a Best Musical nominee. If there isn't a box office boost for this tuner, you can expect to see closing notices posted very shortly.
Same goes for
Come Fly Away, which failed to walk away with any awards. Like
American Idiot, this
Twyla Tharp tuner has been losing its audience and was down to 56.8% capacity for the week ending June 6.
Million Dollar Quartet is in the danger zone, too (it attracted just 57.8% capacity during that same period), but at least
Levi Kreis to score a Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and the show didn't come off too shabbily during the broadcast.
But it's
Next Fall I predict will post the first closing notice. The show grossed a paltry $116,150 for the week ending June 6 and attracted just 52.3% capacity in what is already one of Broadway's smallest houses. Perhaps they thought they could eke it out through the Tonys, but the producers may feel it's time to finally pull the plug after going home empty-handed. Expect a closing notice at any moment.
For the second year in a row, I spent my Tony Awards evening in the comfort of my own home where I tweeted the night away. Among my tweets that resonated most with my fellow Twitterers (by virtue of how frequently they were retweeted) were the following comments:
(Upon Tony Awards entrance of Angela Lansbury:) There's no legend quite like Angela Lansbury. She's not an overnight sensation ... she's a lifetime sensation! #Tonys
(As Catherine Zeta-Jones was singing "Send In The Clowns":) Catherine Zeta-Jones inexplicably became a bobble-head #Tonys
(During performance from cast of Come Fly Away:) Still think COME FLY AWAY looks like an after-after-after party where all the decent people already went home #Tonys
(As Cate Blanchett was presenting:) Could someone figure out a way to bring Cate Blanchett to Broadway? She's 1 of the best actresses of our time, stage or film. #Tonys
(At start of Lea Michele's rendition of "Don't Rain On My Parade":) Now for the biggest Broadway audition in history as Lea Michele has high hopes for FUNNY GIRL revival. #Tonys
(Just after it the winner was announced in this category:) Best Actress in a Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. All the other actresses were robbed, but I predicted this #Tonys
(When Memphis' Best Musical acceptance speech was cut-off:) It's over?! Most awkward finish to a Tony Awards show goes to
Sean Hayes. What just happened?! #Tonys
Speaking of my Twitter comments, about halfway through the Tony Awards, my friend Esther at
Gratuitous Violins alerted me that my Twitter feed was appearing on the
New York Times' online Tony coverage (her tweets were there as well).
I was so honored, yet flabbergasted, that I couldn't help but tweet, "I feel like the folks from
[title of show] in learning that my tweets are live on NYTimes' #Tonys Twitter feed. Will this go on site, too??"
And sure enough, it did.
So, what did you think of the Tony Awards? Thrilled? Disappointed? Somewhere in between? I'll be curious to know what you thought.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: Box Office, Broadway, Fences, Gratuitous Violins, Marian Seldes, Mark Sanchez, Memphis, Red, Tony Awards, Tony Predictions, Twitter, Viola Davis
Tony Time 2010
This evening marks the
American Theatre Wing's 64th Annual
Tony Awards hosted by one of Broadway's newest stars,
Sean Hayes.
The Tonys remain the highest honors bestowed annually upon Broadway's new and revived plays and musicals. Named for theatre legend
Antoinette Perry, the
first Tony Awards were held in 1947 at the
Waldorf Astoria's Grand Ballroom with 11 awards presented in only 7 categories, along with 8 special awards.
This year, the Tony Award winners will be honored at
Radio City Music Hall, where awards will be announced in a 26 categories -- one less than last year (the Special Theatrical Event category has been eliminated).
Fela! and
La Cage Aux Folles lead the pack with 11 nominations each, followed by
Fences with 10,
Memphis with 8 and
Red with 7 nods.
I have posted my Tony Awards predictions
here for whom I believe will win, as well as weighing in on whom I think deserves to win.
Additionally, Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre will honor the brilliance of both playwright
Alan Ayckbourn and actress
Marian Seldes. This year's Regional Theatre Tony Award will be bestowed upn the
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center (Waterford, CT).
David Hyde Pierce is flying back from London to receive the second annual
Isabelle Stevenson Award for his work in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Last, but not least, four Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre will be awarded, including to: the
Alliance of Resident Theatres (New York), esteemed theatrical fight director
B.H. Barry, the
Midtown North and South New York City Police Precincts, and
Tom Viola (Executive Director of
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS).
Just like last year, I'll be viewing tonight's ceremonies from the comfort of my own living room. Look for my full wrap-up later. And just like last year, I invite you to check out my live tweets throughout the course of the Tony Awards along the right hand side of SOB or by clicking
here.
In the meantime, whether you're in Radio City Music Hall, in Times Square or watching on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. EDT tonight, here's hoping you enjoy this year's event.
Here's to all the nominees!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Labels: American Theatre Wing, Broadway, Fela, Fences, La Cage Aux Folles, Memphis, Red, Tony Awards, Tony Nominations, Tony Predictions
SOB's Best Of 2009-10: Top Ten Of The YearOver the last couple days, I've offered up my "Best Of" lists for each of the four major stage categories honored by the Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revivals, Best Play Revivals, Best New Musicals and Best New Plays.
Now, before this evening's Tony Awards are bestowed, here’s how the best of the best rank in my personal countdown of the “10 Best” theatrical productions I saw over the course of the 2009-10 Theatrical Season (ending April 30, 2010):
10 - A Streetcar Named DesireVenue: Harvey Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, New York
Top 10 Worthiness: Liv Ullmann's crackling revival of
Tennessee Williams'
A Streetcar Named Desire became a must-see event not only because it starred the magnificent
Cate Blanchett, but also because it so forthrightly showcased this classic work for what it is -- one of the best plays ever written.
Exceptional Standout Performance: Cate Blanchett
Status: Closed late 2010
SOB Review Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)
9 - Fences
Venue: Cort Theatre, New York City, New York
Top 10 Worthiness: In
Kenny Leon's exceptional revival of
August Wilson's monumental
Fences,
Denzel Washington excels in delivering a solid line drive as former baseball player Troy Maxson -- once a player, always a player. Yet as Troy's wife Rose,
Viola Davis hits this one out of the park with the most extraordinary, heartwrenching performance of the year.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.
Status: Limited run through July 11, 2010
SOB Review Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)
8 - The Full MontyVenue: McKnight Theatre, Theatre Latté Da, Ordway Center For The Performing Arts, St. Paul, Minnesota
Top 10 Worthiness: In one of those rarest of rarities,
Theater Latté Da's excellent and thoroughly enjoyable revival of
The Full Monty was actually much better than the Broadway original. Under
Peter Rothstein's exceptional, confident direction,
Terrence McNally's book and
David Yazbek's underrated score became even more salient, all the more emotionally gripping and certainly more entertaining today.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Wendy Lehr and
Randy SchmelingStatus: Closed last fall after limited run
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
7 - Brighton Beach Memoirs
Venue: Nederlander Theatre, New York City, New York
Top 10 Worthiness: Nothing could have prepared me for the earnest and devastating charms found in
Neil Simon's superb
Brighton Beach Memoirs. This semi-autobiographical period piece received an excellent (though sadly short-lived) Broadway revival, flawlessly executed by director
David Cromer. Through
Brighton Beach Memoirs, Cromer further burnished his credentials as a brilliant, visionary master at breathing vigorous new life into classic material.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Laurie Metcalf,
Noah Robbins and
Santino FontanaStatus: Closed last fall the Sunday after it opened
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
6 - Superior Donuts Venue: Music Box Theatre, New York City, New York
Top 10 Worthiness: Tracy Letts' tasty and satisfying
Superior Donuts may have appeared on my list last year, but since he and director
Tina Landau further sharpened this dramatic comedy for its Broadway bow, the play once again earns its place on my list.
Superior Donuts ostensibly left its audience with hope and an entreaty to wake up to the world around us, give a damn and take a stand.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Michael McKean and
Jon Michael HillStatus: Closed at the beginning of this year
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
5 - Twelfth NightVenue: Delacorte Theatre, Central Park, New York City, New York
Top 10 Worthiness: Love was in the air, and that breeze blowing straight through Central Park was
William Shakespeare's
Twelfth Night.
Daniel Sullivan’s gorgeous gender-bending revival was brimming with bawdy charms and an extraordinary ensemble. I walked out of Central Park both enthralled and enchanted.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Anne Hathaway,
Raúl Esparza,
Audra MacDonald and
David PittuStatus: Closed last summer after limited run
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
4 - The Brother / Sister Plays
Venue: Upstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf, Chicago, Illinois
Top 10 Worthiness: The Brother / Sister Plays,
Tarell Alvin McCraney's excellent and deeply poetic trilogy, cast an unusally enthralling spell over me through its lyrical power. Standing as a towering achievement, not only for the incredibly young yet wise-beyond-his-years playwright, but also for its outstanding ensemble,
The Brother / Sister Plays may ultimately prove to be the most important new work of this new decade.
Exceptional Standout Performances: K. Todd Freeman and
Alana ArenasStatus: Closed this spring after limited run
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
3 - RuinedVenue: New York City Center Stage I
Top 10 Worthiness: What playwright
Lynn Nottage and director
Kate Whoriskey have achieved with the heartstopping and excellent
Ruined was nothing short of monumental. They skillfully succeeded in placing many a human face on those who are grossly dehumanized, even if it ranks as one of the most difficult plays I ever sat through.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Portia,
Quincy Tyler Bernstine and
Russell G. JonesStatus: Closed last summer after multiple extensions
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
2 - RedVenue: John Golden Theatre, New York City, New York
Top 10 Worthiness: John Logan's magnificent
Red, masterfully directed by
Michael Grandage, has forever changed how I'll view abstract art, particularly that of artist
Mark Rothko. A modern-day masterpiece imported directly from London's
Donmar Warehouse,
Red intrigues and titillates the senses with its potent examination of the internal conflicts Rothko may have endured.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Alfred Molina and
Eddie RedmayneStatus: Limited run scheduled through June 27, 2010
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
1 - Brief EncounterVenue: McGuire Proscenium, Guthrie, Minne-apolis, Minnesota
Top 10 Worthiness: The all too
Brief Encounter stands out as the most magnificent entertainment production I saw anywhere this year.
As its conceit, director
Emma Rice ingeniously builds on the precepts from the Oscar-nominated
1945 motion picture written by
Noël Coward about two married individuals who enjoy a chance meeting in a train station only to find themselves swept away in a mad love affair. Silver screen images are shown on the stage, but it's seemlessly brought to life with a captivating fusion with live theatre. Topping off this delectable treat is a perfect blend of music from the era that breaks the fourth wall.
To say much more beyond this doesn't seem fair because this excellent production has to be seen to be believed and fully appreciated. But I'll add one more thing. It took
Brief Encounter's spellbinding trip back in time to catch a glimpse of the future in entertainment and the integral role projection designs -- like those offered here by
Gemma Carrington and
Jon Driscoll to mesmerizing, dramatic effect -- can have in stage productions.
Fortunately, Broadway
audiences will have their chance this fall to encounter this excellent work that defies description. And don't be surprised if there's further call for a new Tony Award category to be created for Best Projection Design. It's an element that's here to stay.
Exceptional Standout Performances: Hannah Yelland and
Milo TwomeyStatus: Closed in April after limited run. Production will be mounted this fall at Broadway's Studio 54
SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)
What shows would be on your top ten list? Do you think I've completely missed the boat, or would your choices largely mirror mine?
I invite you to join the discussion and post your comments here.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: A Streetcar Named Desire, Brief Encounter, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Fences, Red, Ruined, SOB's Best of 2009-10, Superior Donuts, The Brother/Sister Plays, The Full Monty, Twelfth Night
SOB's Best Of 2009-10: Best Play RevivalsDuring the 2009-10 Theatrical Season, I've had the opportunity to see over 80 performances of a wide range of new and revived musicals and plays, as well as other theatrical events.
Unlike this past year's selection of musicals, the plays were once again "the thing." That included a terrific array of play revivals on Broadway as well as other venues near and far.
So, without further ado, here is my list of the "5 Best Play Revivals" over the 12 months ending April 30, 2010:
5 - American Buffalo (Downstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf, Chicago, Illinois)
Director
Amy Morton’s retro-cool revival of
David Mamet's
American Buffalo was a veritable feast for the senses. This
Steppenwolf production succeeded in spades.
Steppenwolf ensemble members
Francis Guinan as Don and
Tracy Letts as Teach were both in prime (and even primal) form. Even while practically chewing the scenery, Letts found all the subtle shadings of this most shady character while Guinan offered such an amazing air of authenticity that you could practically smell him from your seat.
4 - A Streetcar Named Desire (Harvey Theatre, Brooklyn Academy Of Music, Brooklyn, New York)
The hottest ticket in New York last year was actually over in Brooklyn. And with good reason. Director (and onetime actress)
Liv Ullmann mounted a crackling revival of
Tennessee Williams'
A Streetcar Named Desire. By that, I mean one that expertly found each of the fissures and cracks in Blanche DuBois, arguably Williams' most artfully drawn character.
The revival became a must-see event not only because it starred the magnificent
Cate Blanchett, but also because it so forthrightly showcased this classic work for what it is -- one of the best plays ever written. As Blanche DuBois, the superbly luminescent Blanchett offered a remarkably balanced portrayal that evenly teetered from one extreme to the other. Unafraid to embrace Blanche's sensually needy side, Blanchett demonstrated that there was still plenty of rouge left in this faded rose, even amidst the thorns that were so painfully evoked.
3 - Fences (Cort Theatre, New York City, New York)
It may be
Denzel Washington's name above the title in
Kenny Leon's exceptional, if exhausting, revival of
August Wilson's monumental
Fences. Yet it's
Viola Davis' name you'll be praising long after exiting Broadway's
Cort Theatre. Make no mistake, Washington excels in delivering a solid line drive as Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player with a wandering eye.
But as Troy's wife Rose, Viola Davis hits this one out of the park with the most extraordinary, heartwrenching performance of the year. It's a grand slam, even in a play that feels like it's never going to end. It's a credit to Leon and Davis that we almost don't want it to.
2 -Brighton Beach Memoirs (Nederlander Theatre, New York City, New York)
I wasn't prepared to be this astonished. Nothing could have prepared me for the earnest and devastating charms found in
Neil Simon's superb
Brighton Beach Memoirs. This semi-autobiographical period piece received an excellent (though sadly short-lived) Broadway revival, flawlessly executed by director
David Cromer. Through
Brighton Beach Memoirs, Cromer further burnished his credentials as a brilliant, visionary master at breathing vigorous new life into classic material.
An exuberant
Noah Robbins made an impressive Broadway debut as Eugene Jerome, Simon's young alter-ego. With winsome appeal, Robbins captivated and enthralled. And as outstanding as he and the rest of the ensemble were,
Laurie Metcalf was an unmitigated, complete triumph as Eugene's mother Kate. Without ever overshadowing the rest of the cast, Metcalf delivered one of the year's most withering, nuanced performances. Simply put, Metcalf was amazing in this outstanding revival.
1 - Twelfth Night (Delacorte Theatre, Central Park, New York City, New York)
Love was in the air, and that breeze blowing straight through Central Park was
William Shakespeare's
Twelfth Night.
Daniel Sullivan’s lovely, gorgeous revival was brimming with bawdy charms and an extraordinary ensemble, including
Raúl Esparza as Orsino,
Audra MacDonald as Olivia,
Julie White as her attendant,
Michael Cumpsty as Malvolio and that consummate scene-stealer
David Pittu as Feste.
Was it any wonder that rain or shine, this was a formidable mounting with which to be reckoned and revered? Add to that mix film actress
Anne Hathaway’s mesmerizing turn as Viola, and those lucky enough to get tickets witnessed a wondrous new theatre queen being born. I walked out of Central Park both enthralled and enchanted.
So what were the best new revivals of plays
you saw over the past year? I invite you to join the conversation by sharing your theatre experiences with me.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: A Streetcar Named Desire, American Buffalo, Best Revival of Plays, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Fences, Play, SOB's Best of 2009-10, Twelfth Night
SOB's 2010 Tony PredictionsThis Sunday, the
American Theatre Wing’s
64th annual Tony Awards ceremonies will honor the best of Broadway's 2009-10 Theatrical Season. As we count down the days to the Tonys, it's time for me to place my wagers on those nominees I believe
will actually win, as well as tell you whom I think
should win.
As noted on Monday, I've been extraordinarily fortunate to see every single show, eligible and
otherwise, that opened on Broadway over the past year. So unlike last year, I'll be able to at least make informed decisions. Whether I'm right or not remains to be seen.
There is plenty of momentum behind
Red,
La Cage Aux Folles and
Fences, and it doesn't hurt that they all remain open to Tony voters
and that they're pulling in respectable audiences. In the case of
Fences, it's become box office titanium.
Given the dearth of truly new musicals this season, Tony voters are going to reward
Memphis for being one of the lone tuners with original score and an actual book, plus it stands the best chance of being a hit on tour. The exception for
Memphis will come (but shouldn't) in Tony voters'
starstruck decision for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.
Something also tells me that given the lack of nominations -- except for
one key nod -- for one of the season's earlier critical hits,
Superior Donuts, along with the love shown already this awards season for its talented nominee that you shouldn't be surprised when they call his
name. Similarly, with a certain
Ragtime actor becoming a bona fide darling of the stage, don't be surprised if he pulls off an upset as well as Tony voters recognize the future star they have a chance to honor now.
Here are my picks:
Best Play In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) - Author: Sarah Ruhl
Next Fall - Author: Geoffrey Nauffts
Red - Author: John Logan
Will Win/Should WinTime Stands Still - Author: Donald Margulies
Best Musical American Idiot
Fela! Should WinMemphis Will WinMillion Dollar QuartetBest Book of a Musical
Everyday Rapture - Dick Scanlan and Sherie Rene Scott
Should WinFela! - Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones
Memphis- Joe DiPietro
Will WinMillion Dollar Quartet - Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre The Addams Family - Music & Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Enron - Music: Adam Cork Lyrics: Lucy Prebble
Fences - Music: Branford Marsalis
Memphis - Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan
Should Win/Will WinBest Revival of a Play
Fences Should Win/Will WinLend Me A Tenor
The Royal Family
A View From The Bridge Best Revival of a Musical Finian's Rainbow
La Cage Aux Folles Should Win/Will WinA Little Night Music
RagtimeBest Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Jude Law -
Hamlet Alfred Molina -
Red Should WinLiev Schreiber -
A View From The Bridge Christopher Walken -
A Behanding In Spokane Denzel Washington -
Fences Will WinBest Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play Viola Davis -
Fences Should Win/Will WinValerie Harper -
LoopedLinda Lavin -
Collected StoriesLaura Linney -
Time Stands Still Jan Maxwell -
The Royal Family Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Kelsey Grammer -
La Cage Aux Folles Sean Hayes -
Promises, Promises Douglas Hodge -
La Cage Aux Folles Will WinChad Kimball -
MemphisSahr Ngaujah -
Fela! Should WinBest Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Kate Baldwin -
Finian's RainbowSherie Rene Scott -
Everyday RaptureMontego Glover -
Memphis Should WinChristiane Noll -
RagtimeCatherine Zeta-Jones -
A Little Night Music Will WinBest Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play David Alan Grier -
RaceStephen McKinley Henderson -
FencesJon Michael Hill -
Superior Donuts Should Win/Will WinStephen Kunken -
Enron Eddie Redmayne -
RedBest Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play Maria Dizzia -
In the Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)
Rosemary Harris -
The Royal Family Jessica Hecht -
A View From The Bridge Scarlett Johansson -
A View From The Bridge Jan Maxwell -
Lend Me A Tenor Should Win/Will Win Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical Kevin Chamberlin -
The Addams Family Should WinRobin De Jesús -
La Cage Aux Folles Christopher Fitzgerald -
Finian's Rainbow Levi Kreis -
Million Dollar Quartet Bobby Steggert -
Ragtime Will WinBest Performance by a Featured Actress in a MusicalBarbara Cook -
Sondheim On Sondheim Katie Finneran -
Promises, Promises Should Win/Will WinAngela Lansbury -
A Little Night Music Karine Plantadit -
Come Fly Away Lillias White -
Fela! Best Direction of a Play Michael Grandage -
Red Should Win/Will Win
Sheryl Kaller -
Next Fall Kenny Leon -
FencesGregory Mosher -
A View from the Bridge Best Direction of a Musical Christopher Ashley -
MemphisMarcia Milgrom Dodge -
RagtimeTerry Johnson -
La Cage Aux Folles Will WinBill T. Jones -
Fela! Should WinBest Choreography
Rob Ashford -
Promises, Promises Bill T. Jones -
Fela! Should Win Lynne Page -
La Cage Aux Folles Twyla Tharp -
Come Fly Away Will WinBest OrchestrationsJason Carr -
La Cage Aux Folles Will WinAaron Johnson -
Fela! Should Win Jonathan Tunick -
Promises, Promises Daryl Waters & David Bryan -
MemphisBest Scenic Design of a Play
John Lee Beatty -
The Royal Family Should WinAlexander Dodge -
Present Laughter Santo Loquasto -
FencesChristopher Oram -
Red Will WinBest Scenic Design of a Musical Marina Draghici -
Fela!Christine Jones -
American Idiot Should Win/Will WinDerek McLane -
RagtimeTim Shortall -
La Cage aux Folles Best Costume Design of a Play
Martin Pakledinaz -
Lend Me a Tenor Constanza Romero -
FencesDavid Zinn -
In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)Catherine Zuber -
The Royal Family Should Win/Will Win Best Costume Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici -
Fela! Should WinPaul Tazewell -
MemphisMatthew Wright -
La Cage Aux Folles Will WinBest Lighting Design of a Play Neil Austin -
HamletNeil Austin -
Red Will WinMark Henderson -
Enron Should WinBrian MacDevitt -
Fences Best Lighting Design of a Musical Kevin Adams -
American Idiot Should WinDonald Holder -
RagtimeNick Richings -
La Cage Aux Folles Will WinRobert Wierzel -
Fela!Best Sound Design of a Play Acme Sound Partners -
FencesAdam Cork -
Enron Should Win/Will WinAdam Cork -
Red Scott Lehrer -
A View from the Bridge Best Sound Design of a Musical Jonathan Deans -
La Cage Aux Folles Will WinRobert Kaplowitz -
Fela! Should Win
Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen -
A Little Night Music Dan Moses Schreier -
Sondheim On Sondheim Do my picks for this year's Tony Awards match yours? Let me know.
Tune in to CBS this Sunday, June 13, when
Sean Hayes hosts the three-hour live broadcast.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: Bobby Steggert, Fences, Jon Michael Hill, La Cage Aux Folles, Memphis, Ragtime, Red, Superior Donuts, Tony Awards, Tony Predictions
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending June 6, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the
week ending June 6, 2010:
4:46 pm June 6 - WICKED, LION KING, PROMISES PROMISES, FENCES, BILLY ELLIOT each earned $1 million+ last week at Broadway box office
4:47 pm June 6 - JERSEY BOYS has fallen below $1 million gross for first time in years grossing just $963,853 playing to 88.6% capacity
4:48 pm June 6 - ADDAMS FAMILY was also among shows grossing more than $1 million last week, too: $1,278,089 with 94.4% capacity
4:49 pm June 6 - Sold-out WICKED continues reign as Broadway box office's highest grossing show: $1,570,925 with av tix priced $108.55
4:50 pm June 6 - FENCES trifecta: week's top grossing play $1,024,317, highest average ticket price: $116.72, highest capacity: 101.7%
4:51 pm June 6 - NEXT FALL week's lowest grossing show ($116,150) & average ticket price ($47.12). Played to just 52.3% capacity.
4:52 pm June 6 - Week's lowest capacity was at HAIR, attracting 46.5%. Grosses $351,992 with average ticket price of $67.01
4:54 pm June 6 - In a down box office week overall, BEHANDING IN SPOKANE increased capacity by 3.6% to 72.9%. Grosses $483,113
4:56 pm June 6 - Biggest decline in capacity was AMERICAN IDIOT, losing 21.9% audience to 52.8%. Grosses down sharply to $612,380
5:00 pm June 6 - Last week, only FENCES and WICKED sold out completely. LION KING came close at 98.8% capacity
5:02 pm June 6 - AMERICAN IDIOT, FELA!, MEMPHIS, MILLION $ QUARTET (all Tony Best Musical nominees) lost 10% or more of their audiences
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: American Idiot, Box Office, Broadway, Broadway Box Office, Capacity, Fences, Grosses, Jersey Boys, Next Fall, Wicked
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending May 31, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway. Because of the Memorial Day holiday, we had to wait until today to get our fix.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the
week ending May 31, 2010:
3:26 pm June 2 - Last week's Broadway box office was down 2.17% from last week. Total gross was $22,320,549. Average tix priced $80.51
3:27 pm June 2 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, BILLY ELLIOT,PROMISES PROMISES, JERSEY BOYS, FENCES each gross $1 million+ last week
3:28 pm June 2 - Sold-out WICKED Broadway's top grossing show last week pulling in $1,570,390. Average ticket priced $108.51
3:29 pm June 2 - With week's highest capacity (101.6%) FENCES gains momentum as top grossing play $1,002,741.Average tix priced $114.32
3:30 pm June 2 - A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC boasts last week's highest average ticket price of $115.52. Grosses $795,273 on 92.4% capacity
3:31 pm June 2 - COLLECTED STORIES had 2 of bottom 3.Lowest grossing show of week $134,885/lowest av tix priced $42.18. 61.5% capacity
3:32 pm June 2 - RACE had week's lowest capacity at just 48.7% down 4.3% from last week. Grossed $308,931. Average ticket price $74.89
3:34 pm June 2 - It must be tourist season, as PHANTOM OF THE OPERA had week's top capacity increase of 81.% to 94.3%. Grosses $923,158
3:37 pm June 2 - COME FLY AWAY had week's largest capacity drop: 11.7% to 57.4%.Grossed $713,653 with av tix priced $96.44
3:39 pm June 2 - ADDAMS FAMILY still strong with steady box office gross of $1,307,046. Average ticket price $112.52 w/ 95.6% capacity
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: A Little Night Music, average ticket price, Box Office, Broadway, Broadway Box Office, Capacity, Come Fly Away, Earnings, Fences, Promises Promises, The Addams Family, The Lion King, Wicked
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending May 23, 2010
If you follow me on
Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the
week ending May 23, 2010:
4:40 pm May 23rd - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, PROMISES PROMISES, BILLY ELLIOT, JERSEY BOYS all have million $ weeks on Broadway
4:41 pm May 23rd - Sold-out WICKED is once again Broadway's top grossing show last week with $1,576,010. Average ticket price is $108.90
4:43 pm May 23rd - FENCES once again Broadway's top grossing play w/$985,577. Also week's highest capacity: 101.7%. Av tix priced $112.30
4:44 pm May 23rd - Week's highest average ticket price: $115.67 for A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Show grossed $751,745 on just 87.3% capacity
4:46 pm May 23rd - NEXT FALL was Broadway's lowest grossing show last week: $150,982. Capacity just 54.3%. Average ticket price: $59.05
4:47 pm May 23rd - HAIR had Broadway's lowest capacity last week: 51%. Grossed $407,172 with average ticket price of $70.71
4:49 pm May 23rdh - Broadway's cheapest ticket last week was COLLECTED STORIES' $45.79. Grossed only $156,680 on 65.8% capacity.
4:50 pm May 23rd - Snap! ADDAMS FAMILY gets last laugh as box office increases to $1,312,216 gross. Av tix priced $109.79/98.4% capacity
4:53 pm May 23rd - CHICAGO has Broadway's biggest capacity increase of week: 13.5% to 89%. Grosses $597,460. Average ticket price: $77.72
4:55 pm May 23rd - HAIR has Broadway's biggest capacity decline last week of 10% to 51%. But gross increases from $401,681 to $407,172
4:57 pm May 23rd - With several weak weeks in a row, could HAIR be showing danger signs exhibited by most Broadway fare before they announce closings?
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.Labels: A Little Night Music, average ticket price, Box Office, Broadway, Broadway Box Office, Capacity, Earnings, Fences, Million Dollar Quartet, Promises Promises, The Addams Family, The Lion King, Wicked
