Broadway closings in January are part of the normal cycle, despite 12 productions closing their runs by the end of the month this year, according to a report from Broadway News.
During the first week of January, five shows that had been open at the end of 2022 played their last performance. This then increased to 12 by the end of the month, leaving many describing the situation as bleak.
However, a report from Broadway News has shown that of the 12 productions that closed in January 2023, eight were limited engagements. The report has also outlined that over the last decade, an average 9.6 Broadway shows concluded in the month of January.
Despite January 2023’s number being above average, it ties with 2017 for the most closings. And over the last 10 years, four separate years have had 11 shows perform their final shows in January.
The report also looked back a further decade to January 2003, which saw six Broadway shows conclude their runs. In January 1993, nine shows closed and in January 1983, five shows closed.
According to trade association the Broadway League, Broadway’s highest-grossing and best-attended season fell in 2018-2019, earning approximately $1.8bn (£1.5bn/€1.7bn) and filling 14.77 million seats during 52 play weeks. And this was despite January 2019 witnessing nine closures.
Broadway News highlighted how the closings are not an indicator of the success or failure of Broadway theatres at present, which have more issues to contend with such as changing audience attitudes, continued recovery after COVID-19 and more.