Wicked became the only Broadway show in history to gross more than $2 million for a single week of performances, raking in $2,086,135 for the week ending November 29. The smash-hit musical topped its own previous record of $1,839,950, set in December 2007, and set a new house record for the Gershwin Theatre. Two other perennial winners, The Lion King and Billy Elliot experienced king-size box-office results in a week when nine shows grossed more than $1 million. The Disney hit raked in almost $1.7 million and the dancing miner’s son smashed the house record at the Imperial Theatre, grossing a whopping $1,574,501. (The previous record holder was The Boy from Oz with $1,489,354.) Newcomer A Little Night Music played to a respectable 89.90% of capacity in its first seven performances at the Walter Kerr Theatre.
Here is a look at who was on top and who was not for the week ending November 29:
FRONTRUNNERS (By Gross)
1. Wicked ($2,086,135)
2. The Lion King ($1,693,074)
3. Billy Elliot ($1,574,502)
4. Jersey Boys ($1,323,745)
5. West Side Story ($1,206,235)
UNDERDOGS (By Gross)
5. After Miss Julie ($211,997)
4. The 39 Steps ($184,861)
3. The Royal Family ($161,070)
2. In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play ($150,727)
1. Oleanna ($129,778)
FRONTRUNNERS (By Capacity)
1. A Steady Rain (101.14%)
2. Jersey Boys (100.55%)
3. The Lion King (100.05%)
4. Billy Elliot (100%)
5. Wicked (100% - tie)
UNDERDOGS (By Capacity)
5. White Christmas (53.51%)*
4. Burn the Floor (51.69%)
3. In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play (47.69%)
2. Superior Donuts (42.28%)
1. Oleanna (32.03%)
*Number based on nine regular performances.
Data provided by the Broadway League.