WONDERLAND Creates A Significant Economic Impact on Tampa

The estimated local economic impact of the world premiere of Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is more than $8.1 million. The source is the Americans for the Arts & Economic Prosperity III Calculator*.

With nearly 750 full and part-time jobs impacted by the project, Wonderland, the first initiative of the Straz Center's Broadway Genesis Project, has proven to be an economic catalyst for the region.

"We've always known that the arts impact lives in positive ways," said Judy Lisi, president and CEO of the
Straz Center. "We're especially thrilled that Wonderland has been not just a cultural success, but also an economic boon as well."

Beginning in early October 2009, a team of more than 50 designers, musicians, performers, etc., descended on Tampa and began spending money in the area's restaurants, markets and shops. By the time the show concludes its Tampa engagement, they, their families, friends and fans from around the world will have booked more than 10,000 room nights in local hotels. Using area services and merchants, the local and state tax revenue from their direct spending will be nearly $1.4 million. Sets, costumes and props were all fabricated in the area, further increasing the show's economic footprint.

Performances of Wonderland continue through Jan. 3, 2010, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. A special matinee performance has been added at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve). Regularly priced tickets begin at $38.50 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

TBPAC is now the Straz Center.

*Analyses by the Arts & Economic Prosperity III Calculator are based on research findings from 156 communities and regions examined by the Americans for the Arts' national economic impact study of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences. Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year-$63.1 billion in spending by organizations and an additional $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences.

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