Broadway’s New Musicals Are Struggling at the Box Office

Why the Applause Isn’t Matching the Hype

Even with buzz and big budgets, these musicals aren’t packing houses like their predecessors. Some shows opened strong but quickly lost steam, while others never found a consistent audience. Here’s what seems to be working against them:

• High production costs make early losses harder to absorb.
• Audiences are choosier: they want unique stories and experiences, not just spectacle.
• Competition from streaming, film adaptations, and alternative live events is pulling attention (and dollars).
• Risk aversion is creeping in—investors are more cautious, so many shows lack the runway to fail forward.

When the Curtains Close Quietly

In the theater world, not every show is a hit—and that’s okay. What’s important is what producers and creators learn from these quieter seasons: how to build stories that resonate, not just dazzle.