With stars like Fantasia Barrino and visionaries like Berry Gordy, R&B, Soul and Jazz music is winning on Broadway right now.
According to recent sales tallies, musical efforts "Motown The Musical" and "After Midnight" are pulling in millions of dollars and filling theaters at performance rates as high as 98 percent.
"Motown: The Musical," which opened in March, has grossed over $47.8 million with average ticket prices at $113.01 and a total of 423,850 seats sold.
"After Midnight," which opened just a few weeks ago and features "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino and actor Dule HIll, is also doing very well.
According to Broadway World, "After Midnight" opened during the week of October 20 with $235,823 in sales and has been growing every week since — up to $585,515 the week of Nov. 10.
Overall "After Midnight" has grossed over $2.25 million since its opening in October with an average ticket price of $70.98.
Tickets for both well rated productions are available now. If you haven't already, you can watch teasers for both shows in videos above.
You may have heard that Broadway is known for its grandiose productions of classic plays and musicals, but recently there has been a shift towards celebrating the music of R&B and jazz legends.
Two shows in particular – ‘Motown The Musical’ and ‘After Midnight’ – have been raking in millions at the box office, proving that audiences are eager to see these genres take center stage.
‘Motown The Musical’ tells the story of Berry Gordy Jr., who founded Motown Records in Detroit in 1959. The show features over 50 classic hits from artists such as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. Audiences have been singing along and dancing in their seats to favorites like ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’and ‘Dancing in the Street.’
Meanwhile, ‘After Midnight’ celebrates jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Ella Fitzgerald with high-energy dance numbers set to live music by a big band orchestra. These shows are breathing new life into timeless music while introducing it to a whole new generation of fans.
Motown The Musical’: Celebrating the Legacy of R&B Icons
You’re gonna love reliving the greatest hits of R&B legends with ‘Motown The Musical’. This Broadway production celebrates the legacy of Motown Records and its iconic artists.
You’ll be taken on a journey through the music that defined a generation and changed the face of popular culture. The show features classic tunes from legendary artists like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson.
You’ll be transported back to the 60s and 70s when Motown ruled the charts. The performances are electrifying, and you’ll find yourself singing along to every song. But Motown The Musical is more than just a concert-style performance.
It tells the story of Berry Gordy Jr., who founded Motown Records in Detroit in 1959. You’ll learn about his struggles to make it in the music industry and how he created an empire that produced some of the most influential songs ever recorded.
So come along for this exhilarating ride through musical history!
After Midnight’: A High-Energy Tribute to Jazz Greats
Get ready to feel the rhythm and energy of a high-energy tribute to jazz greats in ‘After Midnight.’ Here, you’ll be transported back in time to experience the magic of some of the greatest musicians in history.
From Duke Ellington to Cab Calloway, this production showcases the best of jazz music from the 1920s and 30s. ‘After Midnight’ is not just a musical performance, it’s an immersive experience that transports you into a world where jazz reigns supreme.
The electrifying performances are backed by a live jazz band on stage, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the whole show. You’ll be amazed by the vocals and dancing skills of performers who bring these legendary songs to life with their talent.
The show has already left audiences spellbound with its dazzling performances, earning rave reviews from critics worldwide. And if you’re wondering what makes this show so special, it’s simple – ‘After Midnight’ is more than just a tribute; it’s a celebration of an era when jazz music was at its peak.
So come on down and join us for a night filled with toe-tapping rhythms, amazing choreography, and unforgettable melodies that’ll leave you wanting more!
Conclusion
You’re probably thinking that it’s impossible for R&B to dominate Broadway, but ‘Motown The Musical’ and ‘After Midnight’ have proven otherwise. These shows have raked in millions and are still going strong today.
‘Motown The Musical’ celebrates the legacy of R&B icons, highlighting their music and stories on stage. Meanwhile, ‘After Midnight’ pays tribute to jazz greats with its high-energy performances.
Both shows have received critical acclaim and have become fan favorites. They showcase the power of R&B and jazz in captivating audiences of all ages.
So if you’re a fan of these genres or just looking for a fun night out, be sure to check out ‘Motown The Musical’ and ‘After Midnight.’ You won’t regret it!
