Broadway is buzzing with excitement as the comedy Oh, Mary!, written by and starring Cole Escola, has made headlines by breaking box office records at the Lyceum Theatre. The production grossed an impressive $1.05 million during its first full week of regular performances, surpassing the previous record held by the Tony Award-winning musical A Strange Loop.
Set against the backdrop of the Lyceum Theatre, where Escola takes on the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, the play showcases a unique narrative where the historical figure aspires to become a cabaret star. The overwhelming positive reception from audiences and critics alike has led to an extension of the show’s run, now scheduled to continue through November 10, 2024, after initially planning to close on September 15.
Oh, Mary! made its debut at the Lyceum Theatre on July 11, following a successful off-Broadway run earlier this spring. The production has been performing to full houses, achieving a remarkable 100 percent capacity for the past two weeks. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a show has grossed over $1 million at the 895-seat Lyceum Theatre.
Prior to Oh, Mary!, the record was set by A Strange Loop, which brought in $955,591 during its final week of performances in January 2023. The success of Oh, Mary! not only highlights the show’s appeal but also demonstrates the robust state of Broadway as it continues to attract audiences.
In addition to Oh, Mary!, the Broadway box office has seen other notable performances. The Outsiders, which was crowned this year’s best musical, has also been climbing the charts, breaking its own box office record for five consecutive weeks. Last week, it grossed $1.43 million while maintaining an impressive performance capacity.
The revival of The Who’s Tommy concluded its Broadway run on a high note, earning $1.04 million, the highest gross for the musical during its four-month tenure. Although it was nominated for a Tony Award for best revival of a musical, it ultimately lost out to Merrily We Roll Along.
Overall, Broadway’s total grosses have increased by 5 percent, bolstered by the addition of new plays and ongoing favorites. The play Job, which began performances on July 15, grossed $319,668 at the Hayes Theater, also achieving full capacity. Iconic productions like The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked continue to dominate the box office, contributing to the overall health of the industry.
The current success of Broadway productions reflects a vibrant and dynamic theater scene, with new and returning shows captivating audiences and setting new standards for box office performance. As the industry continues to recover and thrive, the spotlight remains on innovative storytelling and the talented individuals who bring these productions to life.
