Hawa Kamara (Eurydic) and Jose Contreras (Orpheus) in Hadestown North American Tour, 2026. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Broadway touring productions generated nearly $10 million in economic activity in Fresno during the 2023-2024 season, according to a report released this month by The Broadway League.

The report, “The Economic Impact of Touring Broadway 2023-2024,” released April 7, found that Fresno Lexus Broadway contributed approximately $9.95 million in regional economic activity across two weeks of programming at the Saroyan Theatre. That total reflects both the direct costs of presenting productions and additional spending by theatergoers on dining, transportation, shopping and lodging.

The findings follow a record-setting local engagement earlier this month of Hadestown, which became the highest-grossing two-night Broadway run of all time in Fresno.

“We love seeing members of our community be moved by the art they see on stage and contribute to the local economy by visiting downtown Fresno businesses,” said Anne Francis, vice president of Broadway Across America, West Coast. “Broadway’s value is tenfold — it’s not only entertaining, but also a catalyst for economic growth and community connection.”

The economic ripple extends well beyond ticket sales. Nationally, touring Broadway audiences generate more than $1.34 billion in economic activity each year through spending tied to their theater experience.

Broadway Across America, part of the John Gore Organization, presents productions in more than 45 North American markets and is among the largest producers and presenters of live theater in the world. The company also presents shows on Broadway, London’s West End and in international markets including Japan and China.