Are Tough Times On Broadway A Myth?
(BROADWAY MAGAZINE) While today saw the poignant closings of Spamalot, Gypsy, and All My Sons, those walking Broadway this morning were able to see lines of over 100 eager fans standing in the cold waiting to be a part of the Spring Awakening lottery (that show closes next week). Ticket buyers getting free copies of Broadway Magazine from our Broadway Ambassador in Times Square noted that tickets for shows were going fast at TKTS. It may have been quiet in Midtown today, but the audiences have not disappeared. Are the “dark days of Broadway” a myth?
Stats from the Broadway League this week confirm that there was no decline in audience from 2007 to 2008 (calendar year). The all-important number of playing weeks saw a jump from 2007 (of course, there was the 2007 Broadway Strike). In 2008, there were 1,653 playing weeks as opposed to 1,552 in 2007.
In a news release, Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League said, “Even though the last few months of the year were challenging, these last two weeks encompassing the Christmas and New Year’s holidays grossed nearly two million dollars more than the same two-week period last year! This reflects that even in tough economic times, theatregoers go to the theatre!”
Also this week, at the Ticket Summit at the Waldorf Astoria, secondary ticket sellers (commonly known as brokers) gathered to talk shop. Spirits there were not low at all. Demand is still high for popular events…at least anecdotally. One broker noted with a smile that an upcoming rodeo at Madison Square Garden was selling like crazy. Rodeo’s aren’t Broadway, of course, but fun to note.
Like Rodeos, Off Broadway too has seen demand actually rise. The gem of Forbidden Broadway has delayed its trip to rehab until March. That looks like it must be a firm closing date, but who knows. Could Forbidden Broadway play a special engagement if there is a open house on Broadway this spring? That is a big “if.” St. Martin goes on to say in her Broadway League press release: “Over 20 new shows are lined up to open before spring to enhance an already exciting season, and it’s a great time to see a Broadway show featuring your favorite stars!”
The first date of Spring is March 20. If St. Martin is correct there are 20 shows about to open. Hardly a deep freeze. Likely the impact of the sinking economy just hasn’t hit Broadway yet. Maybe, it never will. One can hope.
