Most Expensive Broadway Musicals
Broadway musical is the most successful theatre artistic presentation in New York. Watching at least one Broadway musical show in a lifetime is a must. The costumes, the set-up, music and the performance are just grand and make it worth watching. These shows doesn’t go live in cheap price, there is a lot of money involved in making and also the tickets sold are of quite high price.
Investors and producers shell out huge amount to take the risk and get the money set rolling for good returns. The extravaganza of every show pulls audience to watch and enjoy the best time. Every stage show has different themes with grand musical concept. Here we have listed some most expensive Broadway musicals that you must try watching at least once in a lifetime:
1. Spiderman: Turn off the Dark - $75 Million
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark was a Broadway rock musical featuring music by Bono and The Edge. It followed Peter Parker's journey after being bitten by a radioactive spider, blending superhero action with Greek mythology. The production became notorious for its high cost and technical challenges?,
2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - $68 Million
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway, performed at the Lyric Theatre, offers an immersive magical experience set 19 years after the original series. It blends spectacular effects, time travel, and family drama, captivating audiences with its innovative stagecraft and engaging narrative?.
3. Moulin Rouge! The Musical - $28 Million
Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film to life on stage, blending romance, drama, and dazzling spectacle. Set in Paris, it tells the story of a young composer, Christian, who falls for Satine, a star courtesan. The show is known for its vibrant mash-up of pop hits and won 10 Tony Awards?.
4. The Lion King - $27.5 million
The Lion King Broadway musical, based on Disney's 1994 film, opened in 1997. It follows Simba, a lion prince, who faces tragedy and exile after his father's death. Combining stunning puppetry, African rhythms, and Elton John’s music, the show explores themes of identity, courage, and the “circle of life.” It remains one of Broadway's longest-running and most globally successful productions.
5. Shrek, The Musical - $24 Million
"Shrek The Musical" is a Broadway adaptation of the popular animated film, featuring music by Jeanine Tesori and a book by David Lindsay-Abaire. It follows Shrek's journey with Donkey to rescue Princess Fiona. The show celebrates themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and love, blending humor with a heartfelt message?.
6. Beauty and the Beast - $17.4 million
"Beauty and the Beast" is a Broadway adaptation of Disney’s 1991 animated classic, based on a French fairy tale. Debuting in 1994, it features a blend of new and original songs by Alan Menken, captivating audiences with elaborate costumes, magical effects, and timeless storytelling. The show ran for 13 years and became a global phenomenon, setting the stage for Disney's future theatrical ventures?.
7. The Little Mermaid - $16.6 million
"The Little Mermaid" Broadway musical, inspired by Disney's animated film and Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, premiered in 2008. It tells Ariel's journey, a mermaid longing for the human world. With Alan Menken’s iconic songs, the show explores themes of love, courage, and self-discovery?.
8. Tarzan - $16 Million
The Broadway musical Tarzan, adapted from Disney's 1999 film, premiered at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2006. With music by Phil Collins, it featured impressive aerial choreography but faced criticism for its simplistic storyline and uninspired songs. Despite its visual spectacle, it closed in 2007 after mixed reviews, highlighting its struggles to transition effectively from animation to stage.
9. Matilda - $16 Million
With the budget of 16 million, Wicked was a huge hit and defied gravity by reaping in numerous Tony nominations and awards and garnering critical acclaim. "Matilda the Musical," based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a bright, imaginative girl who discovers her telekinetic powers. Faced with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress, she uses her intellect and courage to fight for justice. The musical, with music by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly, won several awards, including Tony and Olivier awards, and is celebrated for its empowering themes and catchy songs?.
10. Dance of the Vampires - $15.2 million
"Dance of the Vampires" is a Broadway musical adaptation of Roman Polanski's 1967 film, blending gothic comedy and horror. Starring Michael Crawford as Count von Krolock, the show follows the vampire's quest to seduce Sarah while Professor Abronsius and his assistant Alfred attempt to stop him. Despite its elaborate staging and comedic elements, the musical was a commercial failure on Broadway, running only 56 performances due to its complex tonal shifts and production issues.
