Over 41,000 people took in the 34 new works and events presented in 2007, up from 36,400 attendees for the 2006 festival. Because many of the NYMF productions begin to sell out before performances begin, the festival also saw memberships increase some 30 percent in 2007, which allows NYMF members to purchase tickets in advance of public sale.

Additionally, the 2007 festival is slated to pull in over $1 million for the first time in the festival's four-year history. The increased funding will be put to good use as NYMF prepares for its fifth season scheduled for Sept. 15 through Oct. 5.

NYMF executive director Kris Stewart commented, "the growth of the festival has been pretty incredible over the last couple of years. And, realistically, that's only been able to happen because there is an enthusiastic audience interested in supporting new musicals.”

The annual three-week festival features musicals from around the world, culled from invitations and an open submission process. Numerous Broadway veterans lend their talents to the promising new works, many of which have found commercial life Off-Broadway in previous years.

NYMF has been the breeding ground for success stories like Altar Boyz, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, The Big Voice: God or Merman, Captain Louie, Gutenberg! The Musical, Meet John Doe, Nerds:// A Musical Software Satire, [title of show] and Shout! The Mod Musical. Submissions for the 2008 festival begin Jan. 1, information will be available by visiting NYMF's website www.nymf.org after Dec. 1.