The Sept. 17 opening of "The Outsiders" at Shea's Performing Arts Center will kick start a new and, renewed, era by the historic downtown entertainment venue to bring more visitors into the Theatre District and, by extension, the city's central business district.
Brian Higgins, Shea's president and CEO, estimates the local, spin-off economic impact of "The Outsiders" exceeds $7 million.
"And, that is beyond the ticket sales numbers," Higgins said.
The 120-person touring "Outsiders" crew has been in Buffalo for the past month "teching"-- or prepping the production for its year on the road. Buffalo is the first of 33 cities to host "The Outsiders."
Higgins said that translates to a large contingent of the touring crew to stay in area hotels, eat at local restaurants and take in regional attractions.
"That's a lot money being spent in the area," Higgins said.
For Shea's, "The Outsiders" is the 10th touring Broadway production in recent years to use the nearly century-old theater as a "teching" site. More maybe in the offing.
Why Shea's?
Albert Nocciolino, NAC Entertainment president and the theater's Broadway partner, said the venue is a huge plus as is the support staff and the city itself.
"It all matters," Nocciolino said.
Shea's is not only the downtown Theatre District anchor but also a major player in the central business district's economic landscape.
On average, it attracts more than 350,000 people annually through its doors and has a $120 million yearly economic impact on Buffalo.
Higgins said one of his primary goals is to increase Shea's impact on Buffalo and the region by bringing in more shows and events to the venerable, 3019-seat downtown landmark.
"The Outsiders" begins its run on Sept. 17 and will remain at Shea's through Sept. 23.