New figures show that the New York theater industry has taken in more money this year than ever before, despite an uncertain economy and a three-day transit strike during the heart of the holiday season.
The League of American Theatres and Producers reported this week that Broadway shows - considered the pinnacle of the American theater industry - grossed $825 million in 2005, more than 10 percent higher than 2004.
Paid attendance had one of its highest years ever, with nearly 12 million tickets sold.
The year's most popular shows included the award-winning musical Spamalot, based on the humor of the Monty Python comedy troupe; and the revival of Neil Simon's play The Odd Couple.
After the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, New York City tourism faltered and Broadway's future seemed uncertain - making this year's numbers all the more heartening to theater insiders.