This is a great article from the Niagara Falls Review. It has a bit of a summary of how Aladdin Jr and Avaia did:
They arrived with lots of hype, hope and hoopla.
Now that Cirque Niagara and Silver Mist Productions have survived their first summer in Niagara Falls, work is already underway for 2007.
Both companies were the new kids on the block this year, taking a big risk with big budget shows.
Silver Mist Productions brought a $1.6-million version of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. to the Greg Frewin Theatre, while Cirque Niagara set up its $10-million spectacle Avaia in a tent at Rapidsview Park.
Both shows got off to a slow start, but gained momentum as summer chugged along.
You really should read the article. A few other highlights:
- Aladdin Jr.’s attendance increased every week with their best week being last week.
- Overall Aladdin Jr. lost money. However now that the equipment has been purchased, future shows will do better.
- Beauty and the Beast is booked for next year.
- Avaia sold 170,000 tickets.
- The president of Cirque Niagara doesn’t believe the numbers that are out there about how many tourists come to Niagara Falls. He figures it is about half.
- Avaia will possibly go on tour, with a new show being in Niagara Falls next year.
- Cirque Niagara has a 3-year agreement with Niagara Parks.