TicketNews 2017 in Review: Best-Selling Theatre Shows

As 2017 comes to a close, we’re taking a look at the best-selling theatrical productions to hit stages over the past year. Sitting firmly at the top of the list to no one’s surprise is Hamilton, which continues to dominate Broadway sales with no slowing down. It most recently broke its own record for weekly sales, raking in $3.4 million over Thanksgiving. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit production about the titular Founding Father is likely to remain the best-selling theatre show in 2018, as it embarks on a massive tour across the U.S.

Following right behind is the latest revival of Hello, Dolly! Fans couldn’t get enough of Bette Midler in the starring role, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. This year’s Tony winner for Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, placed third thanks to generous acclaim from critics and a socially-relevant storyline that resonates with plenty of young theatre fans.

Longtime favorites like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Wicked also made the cut, as did The Lion King, which celebrated its 20th year on Broadway this fall. While only a seasonal production, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular continues to flex its muscles as one of New York’s most beloved holiday traditions, as family-friendly show landing the No. 9 spot. Bruce Springsteen’s intimate, musical storytelling series put him in the middle of the pack. Springsteen on Broadway became a bona fide hit upon its October premiere and has forced The Boss to extend his original eight-week residency at the Walter Kerr Theatre through next spring.

Jukebox musicals also fared well, with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Jersey Boys, Motown—The Musical, and Mamma Mia all appearing in the bottom half of the list.

See the full breakdown below.

TicketNews Best-Selling Theatre Performers in 2017

1. Hamilton
2. Hello Dolly!
3. Dear Evan Hansen
4. The Lion King
5. The Book of Mormon
6. Wicked
7. Aladdin
8. Phantom of the Opera
9. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
10. Springsteen on Broadway
11. Come From Away
12. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
13. Les Miserables
14. Kinky Boots
15. Jersey Boys
16. Waitress
17. A Bronx Tale
18. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
19. Motown -The Musical
20. Mamma Mia!

TicketNews is counting down to 2018 with a look back at how the secondary market shook out in 2017.

Other coverage:

Top-Selling U.S. Venues

Top-Selling U.S. Cities

Top-Selling Tours