Blockbuster musical \u201cThe Lion King\u201d was on Monday (Sep 22) named the most successful production in history, raking in US$6.2 billion (S$7.87 billion) at the box office – more than any other stage show or movie. The earnings come from ticket sales alone and do not include merchandise, recordings or revenue from the Disney film on which it is based.\nAndrew Lloyd Webber\u2019s \u201cThe Phantom of the Opera,\u201d which opened in London in 1986, was previously the highest-grossing show and has still been seen by twice as many paying audience members. A spokesman told AFP that Phantom had collected US$6 billion worldwide at the box office and pulled in 140 million spectators.
\nThe 2009 movie Avatar is the highest-grossing movie on record, netting US$2.8 billion at the box office worldwide.
\nWith a catchy score by Elton John and British lyricist Tim Rice, \u201cThe Lion King\u201d made its debut on Broadway in 1997, three years after the release of the Oscar-winning film. \u201cIt\u2019s difficult not to become emotional at this realization of the show\u2019s impact,\u201d said Thomas Schumacher, president and producer at Disney Theatrical Productions, which announced the record-breaking numbers. \u201cOur goal then was to tell the story purely and theatrically so that audiences could feel it in their heart.\u201d There are currently 10 productions of \u201cThe Lion King\u201d staged around the world, including in London, New York and Tokyo.
\nMore than 75 million people have watched nearly two dozen global productions of \u201cThe Lion King.\u201d It was the highest-grossing show on Broadway in 2013 and so far in 2014.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"