Final answer:
The exact amount of money audiences spent to watch performances rain or shine is not specified, but in the context of the information provided, $20 theatre tickets were available during the production of RENT in 1997, making theatre more accessible. However, the costs of working on Broadway have escalated, and high ticket prices can deter audiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the question, it is not explicitly mentioned how much money audiences spent to watch performances rain or shine. However, the information provided suggests that there were $20 theatre tickets available for the first two rows of seats in the theatre during the production of RENT in 1997. This low-cost option began to spread to other Broadway theatres as well, making theatre more accessible. On the other hand, it is mentioned that the costs of working on Broadway have escalated and that high ticket prices can deter audiences. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of money spent by audiences, as it would vary depending on the specific performance and theater.