The Broadway League has released end-of-season statistics for the 2008 - 2009 season, which began May 26, 2008 and ended May 24, 2009.
Broadway shows grossed approximately $943.3 million, compared to the previous season's $937.5 million. * As of the week ending May 24, 2009 (Week 52), cumulative grosses are up 0.6% and are 6 million ahead of last season, culminating in the best season in our history.
For the 52-week period ending May 24, 2009, paid attendance at Broadway shows was 12.15 million, as compared to 12.27 million last season.*
This season, 43 shows opened (10 new musicals, 8 new plays, 4 musical revivals, 16 play revivals, and 5 special performances), which is the highest number of shows since the 1982-1983 Season when 50 productions opened.
Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, said, "It's been an inspiring season! As we have proven, if you put on a great show, people will come -- even in the midst of an economic downturn. Research has shown that theatre provides escape from everyday life and especially during these tough times, we have given the audiences a reason to see a show." She continues, "As illustrated this season, our members, the creative teams, and our industry's unions & guilds are committed to delivering the highest quality productions. To break a record compared with previous seasons gives an exciting end to a spectacular season, and of course we hope the momentum continues into next year."
The Broadway League has been collecting data since 1957.
* Utilizing the estimates for Young Frankenstein (Previews began 10/11/07, closed 1/4/09. 32 weeks played during the 08-09 season; 33 weeks played during the 07-08 season.).
The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 600-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada.
For more information visit www.BroadwayLeague.com.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
