The Muny's 2013 Season Shows Highest Attendance in Six Years

The Muny in St. Louis announced today that paid attendance increased 9 percent for 2013 over the 2012 season. Total patron attendance, including paid tickets, free seats and community outreach tickets, increased 6.4 percent, 383,485 in 2013 compared to 360,307 in 2012.

"This summer, The Muny followed the inspiration of Mary Poppins and flew high," said Denny Reagan, president and CEO of The Muny. "Beginning with an 85% season ticket renewal and continuing through the closing day of the season, audience response to our 95th season has been nothing short of spectacular!"

The Muny's 2013 season, which ended on Sunday, August 11 with West Side Story, reflected a strong upward trend in all areas:

- New season ticket sales were up by 3.9 percent.

- The newly revamped Corporate Advantage Program (corporate season tickets) was up 44.8 percent.

- Total ticket revenues increased 18.7 percent over 2012.

- In the area of development, The Muny had a 13 percent increase in annual contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.

- The Muny raised $750,000 in six months for its landmark Fan Project.

- 2013 attendance was the highest in six years.

"We're so moved by the amazing support we received this year," said Muny Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. "The Muny audience is unlike any in the world. Every artist who created for or appeared on our stage felt the unbelievable passion and commitment of this audience and this community. Gratitude doesn't begin to describe what we're feeling around here."

The Muny's production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins was the most popular show of the season, enjoying a total attendance of 79,719 people over its 9-performance run. The next most-attended show was Shrek followed by West Side Story, LES MISERABLES, South Pacific, Nunsense Muny Style! and Spamalot. (Spamalot's attendance was impacted by the season's only rainout.)

"All the elements came together this season," Reagan said. "The shows, our new fans, and most importantly, the response and word-of-mouth from of our audiences were all phenomenal."

To post a comment, you must register and login.