Other Desert Cities Earned $1.9 Million in Previews

The production neared full capacity during its seven-show preview run at the Hudson Theatre.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Children’s Theater

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Other Desert Cities has generated $1.9 million in box office revenue during its seven-show preview run at the Hudson Theatre. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Other Desert Cities has secured $1.9 million in box office revenue through seven Broadway preview performances. The show played to nearly 100 percent capacity at the Hudson Theatre with tickets averaging $275.

Why it matters

Strong early box office numbers for high-profile productions indicate resilient consumer demand for new Broadway plays as they prepare for official openings. These figures help set the stage for how these shows will perform during the competitive fall theater season.

Other Desert Cities earned $1.9 million across seven preview performances with an average ticket price of $275. In comparison, Billy Crystal's show 860 grossed $854,574 over five previews with an average ticket price of $159.

The players

Billy Crystal

He is an actor and comedian currently starring in the Broadway production 860.

Hudson Theatre

It is a historic Broadway venue currently hosting performances of Other Desert Cities.

The details

The production of Other Desert Cities is currently being hosted at the Hudson Theatre. The show reached near-capacity attendance throughout its preliminary run of seven performances.

Timeline

  1. Last week, Broadway productions performed and reported box office earnings.

  2. September 28, 2026, saw the opening of School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play.

  3. October 18, 2026, is the scheduled opening date for Other Desert Cities.

Industry Dynamics

This production fits into the competitive landscape of the 2026 Broadway season, where new shows vie for audience share against established hits. The successful preview run underscores the current studio strategy of driving high upfront revenue before official openings.

Theatergoers planning to see the show should be aware of the high average ticket price of $275 and the near-capacity crowds at the Hudson Theatre. Securing tickets in advance is recommended given the current demand reflected in the preview revenue.

The takeaway

Producers often track preview revenue closely to gauge the commercial viability of a production before its official premiere. Readers should look for consistent box office reporting to track how these shows sustain their momentum throughout the run.

What happens next

Other Desert Cities is officially scheduled to open on Broadway on October 18, 2026.

Further reading

For more information on the current theater landscape, visit the Children’s Theater section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

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