FILE: The Lion King becomes the first Broadway musical to bring in $1 billion (USD)

Record ID: 230595

  • Title: FILE: The Lion King becomes the first Broadway musical to bring in $1 billion (USD)
  • Date: 17th October 2013
  • Summary: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 17, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF THE LION KING MARQUEE
  • Embargoed: 1st November 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Arts
  • Reuters ID: LVA4AOTS1OVMVIRSDWN54JDRS14G
  • Story Text: Nearly 17 years after it began the Broadway production of "The Lion King" is still setting records.
    The New York show is about to become the first Broadway musical to take in $1 billion (USD) (731,208,000 Euro) in ticket sales since its 1997 opening.
    In a statement Thomas Schumacher, the President and Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, attributed the success to the show's director.

    "This humbling milestone is a testament to the vision and artistry of Julie Taymor," said Schumacher.

    "For nearly 17 years she has been 'The Lion King's' guiding creative force and an inspiration to the show's brilliant cast, musicians and crew. But above all, we thank our loving audiences who continue to be moved and delighted night after night at the Minskoff Theater and all around the world," he continued.

    "The Lion King," based on the 1994 animated Disney film of the same name, follows the journey of Simba, a young lion born into animal royalty. When Simba is ousted into the wild by his evil uncle, he overcomes adversity with the help of his jungle friends to reclaim his crown as king of African wildlife.
    The musical features songs by Elton John and lyrics from Tim Rice. The show has become an international sensation after playing around the world and setting up a West End production in London in 1999.
    Last year the musical ousted long-standing box-office hit "The Phantom of the Opera" from the top of the list of all-time Broadway box office hits.
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