ATG Entertainment (ATGE) has announced the acquisition of Broadway tour presenter Celebrity Attractions. Celebrity Attractions venues include the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Robinson Center in Little Rock, Arkansas and Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Missouri, all of which will continue to present Broadway national tours under the auspices of ATGE.
Celebrity Attractions was founded in 1983 by Larry and Kay Payton, bringing a subscription series of Broadway tours to markets including the aforementioned Tulsa, Little Rock and Springfield, in addition to Abilene, Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas. The organization is a founding member of the Independent Presenters Network, which has served as a co-producer on numerous Broadway productions, including “The Outsiders,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “The Notebook” and more, in the 2023-2024 season alone. Larry Payton passed away in 2013.
“We are thrilled about our next chapter, knowing that this new relationship with ATGE will open a world of growth and possibilities,” said Celebrity Attractions CEO Kristin Dotson in a statement. “ATGE is a global industry leader that understands the value of strong relationships on a local level. The staff at Celebrity Attractions will continue our trademark customer service and community partnerships, carrying on the legacy of the Payton family with the amazing team at ATGE.”
“Larry Payton was a pioneer in the touring industry, creating subscription series from their inception that have brought the best of Broadway to multiple cities for decades,” added Kristin Caskey, ATGE’s chief content officer, North America. “The longevity of Celebrity Attractions is a testament to the great care and consideration Larry and the Payton family put into the business. We at ATG Entertainment feel honored and privileged to carry forward that business with Kristin Dotson and the Celebrity Attractions staff and will continue to honor the tremendous contributions of Larry and Kay.”
ATGE’s portfolio of North American venues comprises Broadway’s Lyric, Hudson and recently acquired Jujamcyn theaters, in addition to Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre, Detroit’s Fisher Theatre and San Francisco’s Orpheum and Golden Gate Theatres.
