Oh, What a (So-So) Weekend! Jersey Boys Movie Not a Chart Topper

Clint Eastwood’s big-screen adaptation of the Broadway smash Jersey Boys brought in $13.5 million in its first weekend in multiplexes, landing in 4th place at the box office. Those numbers put the film in the league of other recent fizzles like Rock of Ages and Nine and far out of the reach of blockbusters like Mamma Mia! and Les Miserables.

The film was the clear choice for older moviegoers, with 71 percent of ticket buyers over the age of 50. That number causes industry analysts to speculate that the film may be a steady draw over the next few weeks, as word of mouth builds among the demographic. Costing about $40 million, the film is now looking at a break-even scenario at best.

John Lloyd Young recreates his Tony-winning success as Frankie Valli in the film, joined by stage and screen icon Christopher as mobster Gyp DeCarlo and two other stars of Jersey Boys productions, Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio and Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi. Rounding out the cast is Boardwalk Empire’s Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito.

The Oscar-winning success of Rob Marshall’s 2002 adaptation of Chicago kicked off a movie musical revival, but no film has been able to match its box office take. Below is a list of the Broadway-to-Hollywood musicals that have been released since and their final box office takes, from best to The Producers.

1. Chicago - $170.6 million (2002)
2. Les Miserables - $148.8 million (2012)
3. Mamma Mia! - $144.1 million (2008)
4. Hairspray - $118.8 million (2007)
5. Dreamgirls - $103.3 million (2006)
6. Sweeney Todd - $52.8 million (2007)
7. The Phantom of the Opera - $51.2 million (2004)
8. Rock of Ages - $38.5 million (2012)
9. Rent - $29 million (2005)
10. Nine - $19.6 million (2009)
11. The Producers - $19.3 million (2005)