There’s nothing like a closing notice to get playgoers’ attention. Sustaining that isn’t easy.
Indecent grosses soared 60 percent to $606,000 last week, according to data from the Broadway League. It was by far the best week for Paula Vogel’s historical drama — about the controversial 1923 Broadway production of God of Vengeance — since it began previews in April.
Indecent had announced a Sunday, June 25, closing, but late on Thursday, June 22, lead producer Daryl Roth said she was inspired by the sales surge to rescind her decision and run it until August 6. Restarting a box office, with no advance sales, is challenging. A quick check of Telecharge suggests wide availability for this week.
Lynn Nottage’s Sweat, which stuck with its decision to end its Broadway run on Sunday, saw sales soar 50 percent to $412,000. And Present Laughter, which departs on Sunday, July 2, jumped 9 percent to $855,000. Kevin Kline won a Tony Award for his role as aging actor Garry Essendine in Noel Coward’s 1939 comedy. It is produced by Roth’s son, Jordan Roth, who is president of the theater chain Jujamcyn.
Oslo, Lincoln Center Theater’s Tony-winning best play, dipped slightly to $738,000. It was its second week above $700,00 and ends its run on July 16. And Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House Part 2, at $505,000, had its third week above $500,000. It’s not scheduled to close until January 2018.
Editor: Alice Scovell
