The curtains have lifted on Broadway, marking a triumphant resurgence as the 2022-2023 season mirrors pre-pandemic spectator levels. The first full cycle of theatrical performances post-Covid demonstrated that the industry's heartbeat is as strong as ever, announced The Broadway League on Tuesday.

"Broadway is witnessing a potent comeback with spectators flocking back to the city that never sleeps to savor the unique spectacle of live theater," says Charlotte St. Martin, who presides over the industry’s national trade association.

In a clear sign of this resurgence, 88.4% of seats for Broadway shows were occupied during the 2022-2023 season, according to data from The Broadway League. This comes close to the occupancy rate of 89.7% during the 2018-2019 season, the final full season before the advent of Covid-19.

Showcasing Broadway's power to draw in audiences, the latest season attracted an impressive crowd of approximately 12.3 million viewers. This audience graced the opening nights of 40 brand-new productions and the continuing performances of 35 shows. Revenue for the season was robust as well, tallying around $1.6 billion.

Prior to the pandemic's arrival in the United States, Broadway was on a high note, setting records during the 2018-2019 season with an attendance of 14.7 million and a revenue peak of $1.8 billion.

The global health crisis, however, led to an abrupt pause in March 2020, causing all 41 Broadway theaters to go dark. The industry began to stir again in June 2021 with the first full-capacity performance, followed by the return of several prominent productions in September of the same year. Still, it wasn't until the 2022-2023 season that Broadway truly regained its full strength.