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Updated 01/06/2010 06:00 AM

Shakespeare and Company sees record sales

By: Sabina Kuriakose

Shakespeare and Company sees its highest attendance numbers ever. As our Sabina Kuriakose tells us, it's good news for an organization that's been struggling financially.

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LENOX, Mass. -- "They know something special is happening up here," said Shakespeare and Company Associate Director of Publicity and Playbill Advertising Jeremy Goodwin.

Indeed, it looks like a bit of stage magic for Shakespeare and Company, with record ticket sales for the 2009-2010 season. More than 49,000 tickets have been sold, the most in the organization's 32 year history.

Goodwin says the box office is well on its way to breaking its sales record of $1.1 million that was set last year. It's good news after a year in which the organization's financial troubles took center stage as a result of increasing debt. In October, a survey by the Nonprofit Finance Fund found Shakespeare and Company must raise over $2 million to ensure the organization's short term future.

"To see that we are a success by any measure makes us a better bet I think. It reinforces the fact that we've been here for 30 years and we're not going anywhere," said Goodwin.

The high attendance numbers don't just spell good news for Shakespeare and Company, but for the Town of Lenox, many of whose residents consider the company the economic center of this small town.

"They also employ a lot of people, and they bring people in from as far away as you can drive. Boston, New York, Connecticut. That makes a big impact," said Lenox Chamber of Commerce President Kenneth Fowler.

Goodwin says part of the rise in tickets is due to the company extending its season from 10 to 18 shows this year. But he also credits the community.

And while its financial troubles aren't over, Shakespeare and Company hopes for a repeat performance at the box office next year.