Broadway Thrives, Despite Dips in other Entertainment

As of April 30, the current Broadway season has made gains from last year, giving more hope to the slew of new and promising musicals on the scene in 2009. Overall ticket sales during this Broadway season evened out to be $861,310,274, up from $837,434,838 last year. This rising number could mean that more Americans are making the venture to the theater, but credit is also due to the leading productions of the year, including several that are up for Tony Awards.

Broadway shows that have been racking up audiences and money all the same over the last several months have largely been led by Wicked, the production that has consistently been the top-grossing musical week after week. West Side Story, Billy Elliot: The Musical, Jersey Boys, Hair, Rock of Ages, Shrek the Musical, 9 to 5, Next to Normal, 33 Variations and The Lion King have also been Broadway frontrunners this year, posting strong numbers in keeping Broadway alive in the wake of the recession.

Last week, box office numbers for Broadway shows were down, securing sales of $18,101,244, down from $19,223,496, but with the recent announcement of the Tony Awards, Broadway hype is sure to take off again in the upcoming weeks, especially with Billy Elliot, the musical nominated for 15 Tony Awards.

To get Broadway tickets, go to StubHub.

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