Broadway posts record revenue, flat attendance for 2011-12

Broadway shows brought in record revenue of $1.14 billion for the 2011-12 season, but attendance was largely flat compared to the last season, holding steady at 12.3 million. The results, which were announced this week by the Broadway League, suggest that shows benefited from higher ticket prices.

The Broadway League reported that 40 new shows opened during the season -- 14 musicals, 23 plays and three specials. The season officially ran from May 30, 2011 through May 27 of this year.

Among the top-grossing productions of the season were “The Book of Mormon” and “Death of a Salesman” as well as the perennial favorites “Wicked” and “The Lion King.”

A number of Broadway shows follow a dynamic ticket-pricing policy, which commands premium prices for popular seats and certain performances. The most expensive tickets for “Mormon” have exceeded $400.

Last season saw total Broadway grosses of $1.06 billion and attendance of 12.3 million. The numbers reflect a 52-week period. The Broadway League provided an extra set of figures to reflect a 53-week year, in accordance with its accounting practices.

For the 53-week period, total revenue was $1.08 billion, with attendance of 12.5 million.

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