The revival starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell sells out its preview performances, signalling a strong recovery for Broadway.
Broadway’s latest revival of Much Ado About Nothing, featuring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell, has made a remarkable debut, grossing $2.3 million during its first week of previews. This impressive figure positions the production as the third highest-grossing show of the week, indicating a promising future as it approaches its official opening on November 19.
The production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, achieved full capacity for its eight preview performances at the Winter Garden Theatre. The average ticket price for Much Ado About Nothing was reported at $194, placing it among the higher echelons of Broadway pricing, though still below the $315 average for Other Desert Cities, which grossed $2.5 million, and Hamilton, which led the week with $2.7 million.
Overall, Broadway’s box office saw a significant rebound, with total industry grosses rising by 24% and attendance increasing by 15% compared to the previous week. This resurgence can be attributed to the addition of new shows, including Here There Are Blueberries and It’s A Wonderful Life, both of which began previews recently.
In addition to Much Ado About Nothing, other notable productions included A Few Good Men, which grossed $1.44 million, and Oh, Mary!, with $1.4 million. The new musical Wanted, which opened on November 8, garnered mixed reviews but still managed to fill 94% of its seats, grossing $517,134.
As Broadway continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the success of Much Ado About Nothing is a positive sign for the theatre industry, showcasing the enduring appeal of live performances and star-studded casts.
