Broadway Box Office Soars as Star Power Drives Record Weekly Grosses

Broadway had an exceptionally strong week. The total industry gross surged past expectations. This happened in the middle of November. The driving force was major star casting in several hit shows.

According to data from The Broadway League, the collective box office saw a significant uplift. Two returning film stars provided a major boost. Their presence sent ticket prices and demand skyrocketing for specific productions.

Harry Potter Leads the Charge with Tom Felton’s Arrival

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child saw a massive jump. Its weekly gross increased by over $1.3 million. This spike coincided with Tom Felton joining the cast.

Felton originated the role of Draco Malfoy in the films. He is now playing an adult version of the character on stage. His scheduled run continues through May 2024.

The play’s average ticket price more than doubled. It reached $228 compared to a previous $100. The show also played to 100 percent capacity at the Lyric Theatre.

It finished the week as the second highest-grossing show on Broadway. Its total take was nearly $2.6 million. Only one other production earned more.

Star Returns and New Openings Shape a Competitive Landscape

The Great Gatsby also benefited from a star return. Jeremy Jordan came back to play Jay Gatsby. The musical’s gross increased by over $200,000.

It played to 92 percent capacity at the Broadway Theatre. The show earned close to $1.2 million for the week. This demonstrates the clear impact of familiar lead actors.

Meanwhile, Hamilton retained the top spot. It grossed $3.8 million for the week. The return of Leslie Odom Jr. continues to drive its success.

The revival of Chess had a strong opening week. It earned $1.78 million despite multiple comped performances. The production stars Lea Michele and Aaron Tveit.

Not All Productions Shared in the Success

The week was not positive for every show. Rob Lake Magic With Special Guests The Muppets was the lowest grosser. It brought in only $285,713 across nine performances.

The show at the Broadhurst Theatre announced an early closure. It will end on November 16. Its original run was planned through January.

It played only 20 previews and four regular performances. The quick closure highlights the challenges for new, unconventional productions on Broadway. Competition for audience dollars remains fierce.

The latest Broadway box office figures confirm a timeless truth. Star power remains a dominant force for driving ticket sales and breaking revenue records. This dynamic continues to define the commercial landscape of New York theater.

Info at your fingertips

Which Broadway show grossed the most last week?

For the reported week, *Hamilton* was the top-grossing Broadway show. It earned $3.8 million. The return of original star Leslie Odom Jr. has sustained strong demand.

Why did *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* gross so much more?

The play’s gross jumped over $1.3 million due to new casting. Tom Felton, famous for playing Draco Malfoy in the films, joined the production. This caused average ticket prices to more than double and filled the theater to capacity.

What show performed the poorest last week?

*Rob Lake Magic With Special Guests The Muppets* was the lowest grosser. It earned $285,713. The production has since announced an early closure, cutting its run short by several months.

How did *The Great Gatsby* musical perform?

*The Great Gatsby* saw a solid increase in its weekly gross. It earned nearly $1.2 million. The return of lead actor Jeremy Jordan helped boost attendance to 92 percent capacity.

Did any new shows open last week?

Yes, the play *Oedipus* and the musical *Chess* opened. *Chess* had a strong commercial start with $1.78 million. *Oedipus* played to full houses but had many comped tickets for press and opening night.