WICKED Defies Gravity In Salt Lake City Again; Generates Close To $40 Million In Economic Impact

The Broadway sensation WICKED flew out of the Eccles Theater on Sunday, March 3rd after a 41-performance return engagement in Salt Lake City, presented by Broadway at the Eccles/Broadway Across America. WICKED's fourth play in Salt Lake City grossed over $12 million in sales and was seen by over 100,000 patrons.

Based on a statistical analysis by The Broadway League, the New York City-based national trade association for the Broadway industry, the local economic impact of this year's engagement of WICKED in Salt Lake City can be estimated at nearly $40 million. This estimate includes economic impact generated by patrons, tourism, hotels, dining at local restaurants, parking and more. It also includes the cost of local supplies and local labor involved in the production.

The cultural phenomenon returned by popular demand after record-breaking runs in 2008, 2012 and 2014, providing a significant impact on the local economy once again.

"Utah has a very special relationship with WICKED. It simply resonates with people here," says Bruce Granath, VP of Broadway Across America's Mountain Region. "It has been extraordinary hosting five sold out weeks. During the final week we had nearly 200 people at each performance participating in the drawing to purchase tickets for $25. It is also exciting to see the impact that WICKED had on downtown Salt Lake City during the run. All the restaurants were packed. In fact, since 2017, more revenue has been generated by entertainment and dining than retail."

WICKED producer David Stone was one of the early believers in the impact a new theater would have on Salt Lake City.

Broadway at the Eccles will announce its 2019-2020 season in just a few weeks.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office. Led by 13-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 45 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney's The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include The Band's Visit, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Hairspray, Mean Girls, The Producers and Waitress.

The John Gore Organization is the leading developer, producer, distributor and marketer of Broadway theatre worldwide. Under the leadership of 13-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, and Group Sales Box Office. The company presents shows in 45 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London's West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier awards.