Lion King premieres in Sydney

“THE LION KING is a worldwide phenomenon. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 63 million people and grossed more than $4.7 billion.”Lion King is premiering its Australian season in Sydney.

“Last year the Premier and I had the pleasure of meeting with Thomas Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical Group and Vice President /Manager Director Disney Theatrical Productions Australia James Thane, to discuss the opportunity.

“We wanted to ensure that Sydney would host one of the world’s most enduring musical events,” he said.

“Having world-class musicals like this open in Sydney is part of the NSW Government’s strategy to have one of the world’s leading events calendars.

“What we are seeing is that Sydney is fast becoming a city that producers worldwide are choosing to premiere their musicals.

“Audiences are responding incredibly well and there is certainly a demand for high quality productions that capture people’s imagination.”

Thomas Schumacher, Producer and President Disney Theatrical Productions said: “Australia - and Sydney in particular - have embraced our Disney stage musicals as warmly as audiences anywhere in the world and we are thrilled that THE LION KING is being invited back.

“We look forward to re-introducing Sydney to Julie Taymor’s singular, captivating vision.”

THE LION KING is an established tourism magnet internationally and here in Sydney.  The last season ran for almost two years and played to 1.35 million people.

Mr Souris said that the 2013 production was expected to attract 50,000 visitors from interstate and overseas generating $36 million in new money for NSW.

“Securing THE LION KING marks the seventh consecutive win for Sydney and ensures that from 2012-2014, Sydney theatres are full of high quality, first run West End, Broadway and world premiere productions,” he said.