Anchorage has long been home to a vibrant and diverse arts community, with local theaters, musicians, dancers, and creators forming the cultural heartbeat of the city. But in 2022, a new chapter began with the launch of Broadway Alaska—a bold initiative that brought national Broadway touring productions to the state.
Come From Away post-show discussion facilitated by Codie Costello, President & COO, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and General Manager, Broadway Alaska
This transformation came at a critical time. As the city emerged from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA) sought a way to help reenergize audiences, support economic recovery, and offer something extraordinary to both longtime patrons and new attendees. Backed by crucial support from the Anchorage Assembly’s investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, Broadway Alaska quickly became a cornerstone of the state’s cultural calendar.
Broadway Alaska invited Alaskans to experience Tony Award-winning productions in their home state while continuing to support local artists, crews, and venues.
Left - Mountain View Elementary students attend Disney’s ALADDIN at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Right - Cast members of Disney's ALADDIN conducting a dance workshop at Alaska Dance Theatre.
Over its first two seasons, Broadway Alaska presented six major productions across 104 performances, drawing nearly 125,000 attendees from an average of 64 cities statewide. Its staging of Hamilton alone attracted audiences from 91 different communities – an indicator not only of its popularity, but of its broad statewide reach.
Economic and Community Impact
The program’s influence went far beyond entertainment. Broadway Alaska delivered an estimated $35.5 million in economic impact during its first two seasons. Each production created job opportunities for more than 100 local workers during load-ins and load-outs, and an additional 30 to 50 backstage crew members throughout each show’s run. ACPA also expanded its team with new roles in administration, production, and operations, investing in the infrastructure needed to sustain the program and strengthen its long-term offerings to the wider arts community.
Through partnerships with season sponsors Alaska Airlines and GCI, the program also prioritized access, with a strong emphasis on youth and education outreach. Students from across Alaska were given the chance to see performances that would otherwise require travel to major metropolitan centers.
ARPA funding, allocated through the Anchorage Assembly, was a foundational element in making all this possible. As performing arts organizations across the country struggled to survive the pandemic, ACPA used ARPA funds not just to stay afloat but to innovate. These federal dollars allowed the Center to stabilize staffing, redesign internal operations, and update critical processes. That stability created the runway for Broadway Alaska’s launch and strengthened the organization’s capacity for serving all artists, renters, and audiences.
“A vibrant arts scene is the heartbeat of any thriving city, and that is true here in Anchorage,” said Assembly Member Daniel Volland, who represents District 1, North Anchorage which includes downtown. “The ACPA brings people together, sparks our shared creativity, and supports our local economy. Investing in the arts isn't just about culture – it's about quality of life and creating a city where people want to live, work, and stay.”
Why It Matters
“Broadway Alaska is more than a series of shows—it’s a statement about the role the performing arts can play in our community’s resilience and renewal,” said Codie Costello, President of ACPA and General Manager of Broadway Alaska.
“At a time when we needed to come back together, this program gave us something to rally around. It’s helping to grow our local economy and audiences, expand access to exceptional cultural experiences, especially for youth across the state, and position Anchorage as a vibrant hub for the arts – not just for now, but for the future.”
As Broadway Alaska pauses for a season to recalibrate and address facility challenges, the achievements of its early years remain a powerful reminder that thoughtful investment can not only preserve the arts, but also elevate and expand them in ways that benefit the entire state.
June 18, 2025 - President & COO Codie Costello and Assembly Member Daniel Volland in front of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
Once-in-a-generation investments with the American Rescue Plan Act.
This year, the Legislative Services Office is shining light on community projects made possible through the Assembly’s pandemic-era ARPA investments in a series called “A New Day for Anchorage.” Learn how federal relief dollars
distributed during the pandemic are revitalizing the community today and for years to come.
Published by the Assembly Legislative Services Office
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