HOUSTON -- They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but not this year. The hard economic times means the lights have gone out for more than a dozen Broadway shows. 

"They said that due to economic crisis, we're not seeing a lot of future ticket sales, and we're going to be ending the show," said Jamison Scott, Broadway show performer.

People not travelling to the Big Apple to see the shows may have benefitted Houston.

In fact, the lights of Houston's theater district shone strongly during the holiday season, and the Alley’s ticket sales broke records.

"The New York situation is very difficult because it's a tourist-based industry. With people saving money and not going out as much, they are losing sales," said Dean Gladden, Alley Theater General Manager. “But our sales were up by 9 percent this year."

The economy, it seems, is not driving away the Houston theater crowd.

"In hard economic times, I think it's best to get out and do the things you enjoy," said Jim Nichols, theater fan.

But there's a fear that what's haunting the economy, could change the future for the arts in the city.

“We are going to start feeling it,” said Gladden. “We're already seeing our contributions being affected by corporations who are cutting back."

What does play in Houston’s favor is that there are a smaller number of shows available than in New York, and there is a loyal audience with season tickets.

It may just be enough to keep the lights shining in the Houston theater world.