THE LION KING Tour Celebrates Sold-Out Engagement in Durham

Disney's THE LION KING continues to reign across North America with a sold-out four-week premiere engagement in Durham, NC which concluded on Sunday, January 30. The engagement, which was heralded by the News and Observer as, "a prime example of what musical theater can and should be," grossed over $5.4 million at the box office and entertained more than 81,000 patrons during 32 performances at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

It is estimated that THE LION KING generated a $16.2 million economic benefit to The Triangle from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff. This figure is based upon a Touring Broadway League report which states that on average, Broadway tours contribute to the local metropolitan area's economy an economic impact of three times the gross ticket sales.

"Our mission is to present unique, one-of-a-kind events and there is no show that better fits that vision than THE LION KING," said Bob Klaus, General Manager of DPAC." "We believe in great live entertainment experiences and Triangle audiences were amazed with the magic and power of THE LION KING".

"We are so proud to have shared the experience of this groundbreaking production with audiences in Durham, and to have entertained so many first-time and regular theatergoers," said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic Touring, Disney Theatrical Productions. "It is incredible to reflect that in our eighth year of touring this theatrical phenomenon, we are still doing huge business at the box office while visiting new cities throughout North America. We are looking forward to continued success in the coming years."

The North American touring production of THE LION KING has been seen by nearly 13 million theatergoers and grossed over $834 million to date. The tour is one of six productions running worldwide, along with New York City, London, Hamburg, Tokyo and Las Vegas. In March of 2011, an all-new production will bow in Singapore. Having already played 60 cities across North America, THE LION KING continues to entertain audiences in new cities. THE LION KING is currently playing in Providence at the Providence Performing Arts Center through February 20, 2011. The current schedule is listed below and for more information and dates, visit LionKing.com.

ABOUT THE LION KING

As it begins its 14th year THE LION KING remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its 1997 Broadway premiere, 17 global productions have been seen by more than 54 million people, and grossed over $4.2 billion to date. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only five productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more, both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into five different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch), the show has been performed in 13 different countries on five continents. THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway (its flagship production), on stages across North America, and in Las Vegas, London's West End, Hamburg and Tokyo. In March of 2011, an all-new production will bow in Singapore.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

On stage, Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. Taymor, along with designer Michael Curry, has created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy® Award-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" to the haunting ballad "Shadowland."
For more information worldwide, visit, LionKing.com

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011:
Providence - Providence Performing Arts Center

February 1 - February 20, 2011

Rochester - Auditorium Theatre

March 22 - April 17, 2011

Toronto - Princess of Wales Theatre

April 19 - June 12, 2011

Dayton - Schuster Center

June 14 - July 10, 2011

Ottawa - National Arts Center

July 14-August 7, 2011

Montreal - Place des Arts

August 9 - September 4, 2011

 

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