Disney’s The Lion King continues to reign across North America with a sold-out engagement in Salt Lake City, which concluded on Sunday, April 16, at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater.
The triumphant four-week return, which was heralded by the Salt Lake Tribune as a “beautiful theatrical spectacle,” grossed over $6.2 million at the box office and entertained nearly 75,000 theatergoers during 31 performances. The Lion King was presented in Salt Lake City in cooperation with Zions Bank Broadway at the Eccles.
It is estimated that the Salt Lake City engagement of The Lion King generated an economic benefit of more than $20 million 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 3.27 times the gross ticket sales to the local metropolitan area’s economy.
“Broadway at the Eccles is thrilled with the success of The Lion King’s engagement in the new Eccles Theater,” said John Ballard, President of MagicSpace Entertainment. “Our thanks go out to the nearly 75,000 patrons in attendance who have reminded us all of what a great market this is for touring Broadway musicals and how important this new theater is in bringing them here.”
“We were delighted to return to Salt Lake City and to be a part of The Eccles Theater’s inaugural season,” said Jack Eldon, Vice President of Domestic Touring and Regional Engagements, Disney Theatrical Productions. “It was a joy to experience The Lion King in this spectacular new venue and to witness the standing ovations from this vibrant community. We look forward to returning in the near future.”
The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 17 million theatergoers in over 70 cities throughout North America.
