ORLANDO, Fla. – The Phantom of the Opera kicked off a 16-show performance at the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday night.
Wednesday's show marked the first of the Broadway road shows at the Dr. Phillips Center since it opened last month.
"I'm super excited to see my first show in over a year," said theater major Bryan Chess.
"Makes it about as good as New York," Crystal Bennetch said.
The Broadway series began with the most successful musical, and it wasn't just good for the venue, but downtown Orlando business as well.
"It's fabulous. I couldn't have asked for anything better," Kres Chophouse general manager Billy Deans said. 'We got our early rush, we filled up, everybody got out and we are getting our regular business dinner."
Kres Chophouse on Church Street catered to ticketholders with a special theater menu. Kres plans to open on Sundays, which are Broadway show nights.
Meanwhile, James Garrett and his friends were at Hamburger Mary's where they received 15 percent off by showing their tickets.
With more than 10,000 Broadway season subscriptions at the center, businesses hope it means big bucks for them, too -- all while guests reap the benefits.
"I think it's exciting. It's nice to have a new venue to see stuff and come enjoy the arts," said Shelda Higginbotham.
Construction on the billion-dollar project spanned months.
More Broadway shows are scheduled with "The Book of Mormon" after Christmas. Meanwhile, tickets to 2015 performances by Jay Leno, Idina Menzel, and Sarah McLachlan go on sale Dec. 5.
For more information on the DPAC, click here.