THE LION KING Sets New Box Office Records During Return Engagement In Sacramento

Disney's THE LION KING set new box office records during the five-week return engagement, ending June 28, at the Community Center Theater in Sacramento, entertaining sold-out audiences of more than 88,000 people.

"With total box office sales amounting to just under $6 million, this engagement of THE LION KING is the highest grossing theatrical return in Sacramento's history," said Richard Lewis, Executive Producer of California Musical Theatre. "We knew the production would be a success. A show like THE LION KING can make such a positive impact on the community, and we certainly saw that here in Sacramento."

THE LION KING brought a major economic influx into the city, drawing thousands of first-time theatergoers and many travelers from more than 100 miles away.

"We are thrilled to have once again shared the experience of this award-winning Broadway production with audiences in Sacramento" said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic Touring, Disney Theatrical Productions. "It is truly wonderful that people in communities all across the country continue to embrace THE LION KING."

THE LION KING is currently playing in Edmonton, Canada and future stops during the year include Calgary, Canada; Anchorage, AK; San Diego, CA; Spokane, WA and San Antonio, TX. THE LION KING is the winner of over 70 major awards worldwide and has become a global phenomenon seen by nearly 50 million people. This North American National Tour is currently one of eight productions running worldwide along with New York, London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Paris, and Fukuoka. A new production recently opened in May to excellent reviews at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas and is currently playing to capacity crowds.

Now in its second sold-out decade in New York, THE LION KING is the winner of six Tonyâ 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 Grammyâ Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for THE LION KING. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the 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.

The Sacramento engagement of Disney's THE LION KING was presented by arrangement with California Musical Theatre. The 2009-2010 Broadway Sacramento season includes LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical, SPRING AWAKENING, XANADU, CHICAGO, THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE starring Melissa -Gilbert as "Ma" and A CHORUS LINE. For season tickets or for more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit online at www.BroadwaySacramento.com.