Broadway in Cincinnati Continues to be an Economic Driver for Greater Cincinnati
- Disney’s The Lion King expected to boost economy by more than $30M million during 4-week run at the Aronoff Center
- The First Financial Bank Broadway in Cincinnati series presented by TriHealth contributed more than $213 million in economic activity in Cincinnati in the past 24 months
- Touring Broadway Drives $5.7 Billion in Economic Impact Across US
June 1, 2026
Cincinnati — On April 7, 2026 the Broadway League released the Economic Impact of Touring Broadway 2023–2024 report. According to this report, Touring Broadway generates substantial direct spending from producers, presenters, and venues, while also drawing audiences into downtown areas where they support local businesses. This activity creates a ripple effect throughout the local economy, as dollars spent in connection with Broadway performances continue to circulate across industries and extend into surrounding communities.
Based on data from the report, the Broadway touring shows that visit the Aronoff Center with the First Financial Bank Broadway in Cincinnati series, presented by TriHealth, has contributed more than $213 million in economic activity during the past 24 months in the Greater Cincinnati area, reflecting both direct expenditures related to presenting Broadway shows and additional spending by theatergoers. Across the country, audiences contribute more than $1.34 billion annually to local economies through dining, transportation, employment, shopping, and lodging tied to their theater experience. This combined spending highlights Broadway’s role in supporting local businesses and jobs while driving economic activity beyond the stage.
Based on this study, Disney’s THE LION KING will bring in more than $30 million of economic activity during its four-week run in Cincinnati. HAMILTON‘s 3-week run in December 2025 made up $32 million of that $213 million of impact for the local economy.
“Our Broadway series is more than world-class entertainment—it’s a powerful economic engine for Cincinnati and the surrounding region,” said Genevieve Holt, Vice President Midwest for Broadway Across America (BAA). “Each production drives meaningful impact for local businesses, from restaurants and hotels to small retailers, while bringing vibrancy and energy to the community. We’re proud to play a role in strengthening the local economy while connecting audiences through the magic of live theater.”
“We are proud to partner with Broadway in Cincinnati to present productions of this scale that bring tens of thousands of visitors downtown, said Steve Loftin, President & CEO of Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA). “In addition to providing the world-class performance home for extended Broadway engagements such as Disney’s THE LION KING, the Aronoff Center provides significant salaries and wages stimulating local spending. With labor accounting for as much as 32% of a show’s total local expenses, the economic impact generated is meaningful and measurable for downtown businesses and our region and serves as a powerful economic engine for Cincinnati.”
One of Broadway in Cincinnati and the Aronoff Center’s longtime neighbors has been Nicholson’s Pub, a Walnut Street mainstay since 1997. “Nicholson’s has been a part of the Theater District from the very beginning, and we are honored to be a preferred destination for a pre-show meal,” said Nick Sanders, CEO of Tavern Restaurant Group. “Every show presents an opportunity for us to connect with the Broadway in Cincinnati audience with special themed features, exceptional hospitality, comfort, and convenience. The loyal patronage and support from the Aronoff community for thirty years has been an essential part of our success.”
Broadway Across America is proud to highlight the significant economic impact of Touring Broadway in Cincinnati, where live theater continues to serve as both a cultural cornerstone and a powerful economic engine for the region.
Broadway Across America, which embraces the philosophy that live theater has the power to change the world, has invested significantly in Cincinnati youth in recent years as well. In the 26/27 season so far, the company has deeply subsidized tickets for more than 3,000 local students through the Janet Taylor Memorial Education Fund. BAA, along with CAA, has also developed a comprehensive education program with the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) called Broadway Beyond the Classroom. This program provides training and master classes from Broadway touring cast and crew to the talented Cincinnati-area students studying the arts at SCPA.
First Financial Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For over twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center. The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League.
Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office, and Broadway Brands. Led by 25-time Tony Award winner John Gore (Owner & CEO), Broadway Across America pioneered the Broadway subscription touring model and is a leading presenter of the first-class productions across more than 45 North American markets. Since inception, Broadway Across America has produced and/or invested in hundreds of Broadway, touring Broadway, and international productions that have won countless Tony awards and introduced millions of fans to the power of live theater.
The John Gore Organization is a leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 25-time Tony-winner and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in over 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. The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals.
Mason Community Players will present STRINGS ATTACHED: A Classical Guitar Concert being held Friday, May 22nd, at 7pm at the Playhouse, 5529 Mason Road in Mason.
Cincinnati, May 21, 2026 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present Kate Hamill’s Emma, based on the novel by Jane Austen, running May 22 through June 14, 2026. This production is directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director Candice Handy. The production also features three special events during its run, including the annual REVEL fundraising gala, an exclusive Bridgerton Affair gathering co-hosted with Voice of Your Customer, and a special Sensory Friendly Performance. Full details are included below.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 