Australian Lion King, Closing 6/4, is Set for Shanghai

One of the largest productions ever to be mounted in Australia, The Lion King will roar for the final time on Sunday, June 4.

The Australian production of The Lion King played 1,087 performances to 2.2 million people, which is roughly 10% of the population of that country. The Sydney season played to 94% capacity while in Melbourne the season exceeded expectations by playing to 100% capacity resulting in combined gross box office receipts of over US$100 million.

The Australian production will open in China in six weeks. Three Jumbo jets will be waiting on the tarmac at Tullamarine to transport the 136 strong-company and its award-winning set, 232 puppets and 387 costumes in preparation for a July 18 opening at Shanghai's renowned Grand Theatre.

President of Disney Theatrical Thomas Schumacher said, "Audiences from all over the world have embraced Julie Taymor's unique vision and the Australian audiences have taken the production to their hearts."

The Lion King has been acknowledged by the Australian performing arts industry, winning three 2004 Mo Awards and four 2004 Helpmann Awards, including Best Musical. These join numerous international accolades, including six 1998 Tony Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a Grammmy Award for Best Musical Show Album of 1998. Seen by nearly 34 million people worldwide, the stage adaptation of The Lion King has earned US$2.2 billion in box office revenue since its opening in 1997. In addition to New York City, where the record-breaking Broadway show is now in its tenth year of sold out performances, the musical can also be seen in London, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Tokyo and two touring companies throughout the United States.

The Lion King, directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan, features music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, sets by Richard Hudson, costumes by Taymor, mask and puppet design by Taymor and Michael Curry, and sound design by Tony Meola.

Visit www.DisneyOnBroadway.com for more information.