THE LION KING North American Tour Celebrates Sold-Out Engagement in Montreal

Disney's THE LION KING continues to reign across North America with a record-breaking sold-out four-week premiere engagement in Montreal which concluded on Sunday, September 4. The engagement grossed over $7 million at the box office and entertained more than 85,000 patrons during 32 performances at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, making it the highest-grossing theatrical production in the venue's history.

It is estimated that THE LION KING generated a $24 million economic benefit to Montreal from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff. This figure is based upon a report from the Touring Broadway League, the official trade organization for Broadway and their North American Tours. The report states that on average, Broadway tours contribute to the local metropolitan area's economy an economic impact 3.5 times the gross ticket sales.

"evenko is extremely proud to be part of THE LION KING's success in Montreal. We are delighted to have brought this internationally renowned Broadway musical to Montrealers" said Jacques Aubé, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of evenko. "The success of THE LION KING had a substantial impact on Montreal's economy and community and made Broadway accessible for Montrealers and tourists in the city this summer. Working with Disney was a wonderful experience and we hope to do it again in the near future."

"THE LION KING has been celebrating successful engagements throughout Canada this summer and we are especially proud of our record-breaking run in Montreal," said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic, Disney Theatrical Productions. "We are overwhelmed by the enduring response to the show and thank the city of Montreal for an incredible engagement."
This North American National Tour has been seen by nearly 13 million theatergoers and grossed over $834 million to date. Enjoying its ninth year on the road, THE LION KING continues to celebrate unparalleled achievements and delight new audiences throughout North America. The current schedule is listed below.

ABOUT THE LION KING

Now in 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, 18 global productions have been seen by more than 55 million people, grossed over $4.3 billion to date and have cumulatively run 83 years. 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 seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed in 14 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, Tokyo, Singapore and Sapporo. In October, the first Spanish production will bow in Madrid.

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 2012:
Syracuse - Oncenter-Crouse Hinds Theatre

September 6 - October 2, 2011

Buffalo - Shea's Performing Arts Center

October 4 - 30, 2011

Denver - Buell Theatre

November 2 - December 4, 2011

Baltimore - Hippodrome Theatre

December 7 - January 8, 2012

Minneapolis - Orpheum Theatre

January 11 - February 12, 2012

New Orleans - Mahalia Jackson Theatre

March 14 - April 15, 2012

Orlando - Bob Carr Performing Arts Center

April 17 - May 13, 2012

Miami - Adrienne Arsht Center

May 17 - June 10, 2012

Greenville - Peace Center for Performing Arts

June 12 - July 8, 2012

Houston - Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

July 10 - August 12, 2012

St. Louis - Fox Theatre

August 15 - September 2, 2012

 

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