NEW YORK, May 30 (UPI) -- Total paid attendance for Broadway plays and musicals crossed the 12-million threshold for New York's theater district, a season-end report said.
The League of American Theaters and Producers also reported sales for the 2006-07 season hit a record $938.5 million, up 8.9 percent -- $76.9 million -- from the previous year's tally of $861.6 million, Variety reported Wednesday.
The report noted higher ticket prices can be responsible partially for the rise in box office receipts, so attendance figures offered a more reliable assessment.
Attendance hovered around 11.5 million for three seasons between fall 2002 and spring 2005 before the 12-million barrier was crossed for the first time this past season.
Average per-ticket prices rose to $76.23, up $4.44 from the $71.79 average a year earlier.
Thirty-five productions opened during the 2006-07 season, the 52-week period ending May 27. Of the 17 musicals, 12 were new and five were revivals. Of the 18 plays, 11 were new and seven were revivals.
