BroadwayRadio Grosses Report: February 18, 2026

Main Theme:
This episode delivers an in-depth analysis of the Broadway grosses for the week ending February 15, 2026 (38th week of the 2025–2026 season), and discusses breaking casting news for major shows including Chicago and The Great Gatsby. Host Matt Tamnini also dives into industry rumors and casting updates for Titanique and reflects on the state of current Broadway productions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Broadway Grosses Overview

• Shows on Broadway: Only 27 shows performed last week, down from 29, due to the closing of Oedipus (Feb 8) and Stranger Things being on a filming break.
• Total Grosses: Jumped by 11% to $33,578,362, despite fewer shows.
• Attendance: Dropped 4% to 246,718, but was up 1% compared to the same week in 2025.
• Average Ticket Price: Sharp increase to $136.10 from $117.50 — a 16% week-to-week increase, attributed in part to the holiday and Broadway Week.

  “That $1.4 million is roughly double what the show has been averaging during a normal week this year.” (Host, 06:37)

2. Top Grossing Shows (04:03)

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Led with $2,682,872, “still riding the wave of Tom Felton joining the cast as Draco Malfoy.”
• Hamilton: $2,198,000
• Wicked: $2,024,000
• The Lion King: $1.9 million
• Chess: $1.59 million
• Other notable million-dollar shows: Just In Time, MJ, Chicago, Aladdin, The Great Gatsby, Hell's Kitchen, Maybe Happy Ending in Hell, The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge, Death Becomes Her, Ragtime, Hadestown, Buena Vista Social Club.

3. Winners, Losers, and Trends

• Nearly every show saw increases, many with six-figure jumps.
• Only one show dropped:
  • Bug at Samuel J. Friedman saw a decline of $70,000 to $490,000.

    “It seems like that [transfer to the Shubert] is getting less and less likely with every week that we go by and talk about grosses…” (Host, 05:10)

• Season-to-date: Broadway grosses are up 8% year-over-year, with 10.4 million ticketed attendances so far (18:07).

Spotlight: Chicago (Ambassador Theatre)

(06:15)

• Grossed $1,410,093 — best for the show since 2023’s holiday season.
• Attribution: Big bump credited to Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Dancing with the Stars star Whitney Levitt as Roxie Hart, whose run extends through March 15.
• Host Reaction:

  “I would be shocked if they don't find a way to keep her there for even longer.” (Host, 06:42)

• Breaking Update: Whitney Levitt will return March 23-April 5, 2026, and is rumored to be joined by her Dancing with the Stars partner, Mark Ballas, as Billy Flynn.

  “Just a short two week run there, allegedly with her Dancing with the Stars partner.” (Host, 07:47)

Spotlight: The Great Gatsby (The Broadway Theatre)

(08:01)

• New Cast Announcements:
  • Eva Noblezada returns as Daisy Buchanan (starting March 4 after vocal injury).
  • Reeve Carney (her husband) as Jay Gatsby (begins March 30).
  • Corbin Bleu returns as Nick Carraway (from original London company, starts March 30).
  • John Behlmann will play Tom Buchanan (from March 30).
• Insight: The new lineup debuts on March 30 (except for Eva, starting March 4), reinforcing anticipation for the show’s refreshed dynamic.

Show Closing: Marjorie Prime (Second Stage, Helen Hayes Theater)

(09:21)

• Wrapped up its run with a final week bump of $49,627 to $405,000.

Industry Rumors & Additional Casting News

Titanique (St. James Theater)

(10:38)

• Earlier Rumors Debunked: Initially teased major casting additions with clues related to “Glee” or “Pitch Perfect,” but now expected to “reunite with an original Titanique star” instead.
• Host skepticism:

  “Overall, I still am worried for this show...I’m not sure if just the idea of Celine Dion songs in a Titanic parody is enough.” (Host, 12:31)

• Glee Star Teaser: A former “Glee” cast member likely to return to New York for a short 3-week engagement, serving as a bridge between two major cast departures and replacements.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the volatile nature of Broadway scheduling:

  “They could make the announcement as soon as I get done with recording this episode.” (Host, 05:52)

• On Whitney Levitt's impact for Chicago:

  “That $1.4 million is roughly double what the show has been averaging during a normal week this year.” (Host, 06:37)

• On the challenge facing Titanique:

  “I'm not sure if just the idea of Celine Dion songs in a Titanic parody is enough. I hope it is because I think it's brilliant and hilarious.” (Host, 12:25)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:01–04:03: Grosses overview, seasonal comparison, attendance breakdown
• 04:03–06:10: Top-earning shows, increases/declines
• 06:10–08:00: Chicago deep dive, Whitney Levitt discussion, breaking news insert
• 08:00–09:21: The Great Gatsby casting update
• 09:21–10:38: Marjorie Prime closing report and running totals
• 10:38–12:47: Titanique casting rumors and Glee star tease
• After 12:47: Closing remarks and wrap-up

Final Takeaways (in Host’s Tone)

Broadway’s winter box office is running hot, propelled by star power, strategic casting, and timely holidays. While some productions like Chicago and The Great Gatsby are doubling down on crowd-pleasing performers, shows like Titanique face an uphill battle despite their cult appeal. The week’s numbers and news highlight the fluid, high-stakes theater landscape where even offhand rumors can send ripples across the Great White Way.

Host: Matt Tamnini
Episode Date: February 18, 2026
Podcast: BroadwayRadio Grosses Report