If your dad is anything like ours, he hates all of the Broadway medleys that dominate the first hour or so of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He's out of luck because that's one of the biggest advertising moments of the year for the New York theater district, as Thanksgiving week is one of the biggest sales periods for the Great White Way. This year the 36 plays showing generated revenues of more than $34.1 million, an all time high for the time period according to Billboard.
That number also comes with attendance numbering at 284,569. Combined, Broadway rough in more than $2.6 million front the same week last year, as well as more than 23,500 more guests.
Although Billboard doesn't specify which production brought in the most cash, it insinuated that the always-popular Wicked came out on top, bringing in more than $2.43 million by itself. The Lion King wasn't far behind, reaping more than $2.42 million during the timespan.
Of course none of those musicals were actually featured during the parade itself. Those productions-which include A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Side Show and On The Town-will most likely see boosts in the weeks to come thanks to their brief bits during the big show. One of the featured musicals, The Last Ship, was a rarity in that it actually had lower sales during Thanksgiving week. However producer Sting is due to begin starring in the production come December 9, which will all but certainly bring tourists running.
The trend doesn't stop at Thanksgiving week: Broadway earnings during 2014 have grown more than 13 percent over 2013, with attendance rising at a similar clip.
