THE LION KING North American Tour Celebrates Smash Engagement in Houston

Disney's THE LION KING is celebrating its third smash engagement in Houston, which concluded on Sunday, August 12 presented by Broadway Across America and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The triumphant five-week return grossed over $7.2 million at the box office and entertained more than 100,000 patrons during 40 performances. The award-winning musical first played an eight-week sold out premiere engagement in Houston in 2002 at Jones Hall, followed by a six-week sold-out return in 2006 at The Hobby Center.

It is estimated that the Houston engagement of THE LION KING generated a $25 million economic benefit to the city 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 found that, on average, Broadway tours contribute an economic impact 3.5 times the gross ticket sales to the local metropolitan area's economy. 

"Our theatre was built by our community entirely with private funds, in response to our city's commitment to the arts, and, specifically, in demonstrating Houston's commitment to having a first class venue designed specifically for the presentation of musical theatre," said Fran Macferran, President of the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. "This outstanding third Houston engagement of The Lion King further proves that Houstonians not only support world class musical theatre, but that they demand it.  I couldn't be more proud to have hosted this engagement."

"It is sincerely gratifying to see that the response to this theatrical phenomenon is just as strong as when it first premiered in Houston 10 years ago," said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic, Disney Theatrical Productions. "We are also thrilled to play our first autism-friendly performance outside of New York City. Houston has earned a special place in the history of touring Broadway theatre and THE LION KING. We look forward to someday returning to this fantastic market."

The North American touring production of THE LION KING has been seen by more than 14 million theatergoers and grossed over $928 million to date. After 10 years on the road, THE LION KINGcontinues to celebrate unparalleled achievements and delight new audiences throughout North America. 

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.