Broadway shows really benefited from the Passover-Easter holiday. All the shows got big numbers at the box office. The big news is that “Rocky” finally took off and had a huge week. They did over $1 million, as did “Beautiful.” I do think both of those shows are in the running for Best Original Musical now. “Rocky” may not have the best songs, but it has the best set and the most exciting conclusion. The folks at the Winter Garden must be very very happy.
Of course “The Lion King” and “Wicked” were up over $2 million for the week. Coming in third is “Kinky Boots,” which has really turned into a money machine. It’s one of the few times you can you’re happy that show is a big hit. Good for Cyndi Lauper.
“Book of Mormon, “Cinderella,” and “Matilda” all did very well, too, posting in the $1.5 million region. My go to show, “Pippin,” is holding strong at just under $900 million for the week. “Bullets Over Broadway” is just under $1 million for the week. See these shows!
The one show that will likely close right after May 1st is the interminable “Bridges of Madison County.” With few to no awards nominations coming their way, “Bridges” will be washed out soon. They’re playing at 64% capacity and made just $345K last week. It can’t be over soon enough.
Best original musicals, my picks: Bullets over Broadway, Rocky, Beautiful, Gentleman’s Guide, and After Midnight.