How Much Does A Broadway Show Cost To Produce?

'Shrek the Musical' cost $25 million 

The New York Times published an article this week by Patrick Healy called "The Staggering Cost of Broadway" with comments by producer Maria Friedman ('Boeing-Boeing', 'The Norman Conquests' and 'La Cage Aux Folles' revivals). It's an enlightening article that goes into some detail about explaining the economics of producing a musical or play on Broadway. It also gives insight on why ticket prices are so high in New York.

The article reveals some interesting facts and figures:

• The 2011 London revival of Harold Pinter's play 'Betrayal' cost £350,000 (about $565,000) on the West End and an additional £65,000 ($105,000) to pay weekly operating costs. The same production would cost $2.8 million on Broadway.
• Only about 20 percent to 30 percent of new shows each year turn a profit on Broadway.
• Union-negotiated contracts also stipulate the number and wages of crew members, musicians and others who are expected to work on a Broadway show; there is far greater flexibility in London.
• Broadway plays cost at least $2.5 million to mount.
• Intimate Broadway musicals that hold down expenses (such as 'Next to Normal') can cost $4 million.
• Bigger-scale Broadway musicals can cost $10 million to $15 million. 
• 'The Book of Mormon' cost $9 million.
• 'Shrek the Musical' cost $25 million 
• 'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark' cost $75 million

Click HERE for the full article on nytimes.com.

'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark' cost $75 million