Robert Icke’s adaptation of Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville broke the record for highest weekly gross at Broadway‘s Studio 54, taking in $1,212,949 for its final week of performances.
The play, which opened to strong critical acclaim on November 13, ended its limited engagement Sunday. The previous Studio 54 record of $1,074,778 was set in August 2015 by the David Javerbaum comedy An Act of God starring Jim Parsons in the title role.
Grosses for Oedipus have been growing steadily since Christmas as the show headed into its final weeks, with the latest figure marking a significant bump over the previous week’s gross of $933,333. The production’s previous high point was $936,898 for the week ending November 25.
Oedipus featured Strong reprising his Olivier-nominated performance in the title role, with Manville reprising her Olivier-winning performance as Jocasta. Also reprising their UK roles were Samuel Brewer, Bhasker Patel, Jordan Scowen and James Wilbraham, joined by John Carroll Lynch, Teagle F. Bougere, Ani Mesa-Perez, Olivia Reis and Anne Reid. Brian Thomas Abraham, Denise Cormier, Karl Kenzler and Oliver Rowland-Jones rounded out the cast.
Watch on Deadline
Oedipus was produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, and Patrick Catullo, in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company. They announced the show’s final week grosses.
Deadline’s full report on all of Broadway’s weekly grosses runs on Tuesdays.
Broadway’s ‘Oedipus’ With Mark Strong & Lesley Manville Breaks House Record In Final Week
Unprecedented Success in Broadway theater History
The critically acclaimed production of “Oedipus”, headlined by the powerhouse duo of mark Strong and Lesley Manville, has made Broadway history by breaking its house record during the final week of its run. This modern interpretation of the classic Greek tragedy resonated strongly with theatergoers, resulting in unprecedented ticket sales and packed audiences every night. The record-setting achievement highlights the enduring appeal of classic stories performed by stellar talent.
About the Production: A Modern Take on a timeless Tragedy
This new rendition of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex blends powerful storytelling, dynamic staging, and remarkable performances. Mark strong, known for his commanding presence in both film and theater, brings a nuanced, emotionally complex portrayal of Oedipus. Alongside him, Lesley Manville’s interpretation of Jocasta has been praised for its depth and subtlety, elevating the production to new artistic heights.
Key Features of the Show:
- Modern staging that emphasizes psychological tension
- rich and evocative set designs enhancing the Greek tragedy ambiance
- Powerhouse performances by Mark Strong and Lesley Manville
- Emotionally gripping score complementing the narrative
- Innovative lighting and sound design to heighten dramatic effect
Box Office Performance: Breaking Records
During its final week, Oedipus shattered previous revenue marks for the theater house, with sold-out shows and record-high average ticket prices.
| Metric | Final week Stats | Previous Record | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ticket Sales | 18,500 | 15,200 | 22% |
| Average Ticket Price | $120 | $105 | 14.3% |
| Gross Revenue | $2.22M | $1.6M | 38.75% |
| Sold-Out Performances | 7/7 | 5/7 | 40% |
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
This record-breaking run was fueled not only by strong ticket sales but also glowing reviews from critics and positive word-of-mouth from audiences. Critics have highlighted the production’s ability to breathe new life into an ancient tragedy, largely attributing its success to the performances of mark Strong and Lesley Manville.
Highlights from Reviews:
- “Mark Strong delivers a tour de force,capturing Oedipus’ tragic heroism with fierce emotional depth.”
- “Lesley Manville’s Jocasta is hauntingly beautiful, perfectly balancing strength and vulnerability.”
- “A visually striking production that’s both innovative and deeply respectful of the original play.”
- “Even seasoned theatergoers will find something new in this profoundly moving interpretation.”
Behind the Scenes: Creative Team Insight
The production’s success also stems from its top-tier creative team behind the scenes:
- Director: Acclaimed theater visionary known for innovative adaptations
- Set Designer: Noted for minimalist but impactful designs capturing Greek motifs
- lighting Designer: Crafted atmospheric lighting that echoes emotional shifts
- Composer: Original score blending classical and contemporary elements
Practical Tips for Theater Enthusiasts Wanting to Catch Similar Hits
If you’re inspired by the extraordinary success of Oedipus,here are some helpful tips to maximize your Broadway theater experience:
- Book Early: Popular shows sell out quickly-reserve tickets well in advance.
- check for Weekday Performances: These frequently enough have better availability and sometimes lower prices.
- Explore Subscription Packages: Regular theatergoers can save money with season subscriptions.
- Follow Social Media: Official show accounts frequently enough run promotions or giveaways.
- Read Reviews: Trusted reviews help ensure the show fits your taste.
Cast Spotlight: Mark Strong & Lesley Manville
The success of Oedipus is inextricably linked to the starring roles played by Mark Strong and Lesley Manville. Both are renowned actors with vast experience on stage and screen, bringing authenticity and intensity to their characters.
| Actor | role | Notable Previous Works | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Strong | Oedipus | “Kingsman: The Secret Service”, “Sherlock Holmes”, West End Theater | Powerful emotional range, commanding stage presence |
| lesley Manville | Jocasta | “Phantom Thread”, “Another Year”, national Theatre performances | Nuanced portrayal blending strength and vulnerability |
What This Means for Broadway’s Future
The record-breaking finale of Oedipus signals a promising direction for Broadway, showing that classic plays with bold reinterpretations and powerhouse casts can still captivate modern audiences. This success encourages producers to invest in innovative storytelling and star talent-a winning formula that resonates deeply in today’s theater scene.
Benefits for the Broadway Community Include:
- Renewed public interest in classical theater
- Increased ticket sales driving economic growth
- Opportunities for emerging artists inspired by top performers
- Enhanced reputation of Broadway as a hub for artistic excellence
