(CelebriotyAccess MediaWire) —
The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc has reported that Broadway has grossed a record-breaking $825 million in New York for the 2005 calendar year — the highest grossing calendar year in history for Broadway. This figure is up 10.2% from the 2004 total of $749 million.
Paid attendance for Broadway in 2005 reached 11.98 million, the second highest calendar year paid attendance in the past two decades — a 5.7% increase from 11.33 million in 2004. Theatre seats were 80.4% filled — the highest level since 1997. Thirty- nine shows opened in the 2004 season. Playing weeks, the best indicator of overall Broadway activity, numbered 1,517, the highest in the past decade.
A recap of 2004-2005:
Calendar Year/Gross/Paid Attendance/Playing Weeks/# Shows Opening
2005 $825 million 11.98 million 1,517 39
2004 $749 million 11.33 million 1,455 34
"This incredible calendar year for Broadway is a testament to an extraordinary, diverse array of offerings, as well as the return of domestic and international tourism to Broadway, now back to pre-September 11 levels," commented Jed Bernstein, president, The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc. "These record-breaking numbers for Broadway's 2005 calendar year demonstrate how live entertainment and Broadway are very much at the top of the cultural menu."
In 2005, plays brought in a record-breaking $136,245,789 and 2.11 million in paid attendance, a 57.2% increase over last year's $86,656,934 gross, and 33.2% increase over last year's 1.58 million in paid attendance. For 2005, there were 439 playing weeks, compared to 372 in 2004 — an 18% increase. Twenty-three new plays opened in the 2005 calendar year, compared to 2004's twenty-two plays. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
