Who said there's a ticket-buying recession going on? History Theatre reports their best season since 2002, with more ticket revenue in 2009-10 than the previous two years combined. Combined!
Much of the renaissance was led by musicals. "Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story" was the box office champ and "Sisters of Swing" did land-office business during the holidays. However, every show did at least 150 percent of the targeted goal.
Sales totaled 45,000, up from 24,500 in 2008-09 and perhaps even more important, roughly 47 percent of those ticket buyers were new to the St. Paul theater. Total ticket revenue was 215 percent of the season goal. Premieres last season were "Sister Kenny's Children" and "Queens of Burlesque," the latter of which sold hugely even after being extended.
The success spread to philanthropy, too. Donors doubled in fiscal 2009 and then again in 2010.
"When all is said and done this will likely be the second most successful season in History Theatre's history," said Ron Peluso, artistic director.
Now, do it again.
