The Lion King sets new records, becomes highest-grossing show at the Landmark
Disney’s Broadway hit continues to dazzle audiences, and the recent run has set box office records at the Landmark Theater. Just how many people came to see the production, and how much money it will leave in Richmond’s wallet
With four performances still remaining, the four-week run of Disney’s The Lion King has already broken the Landmark Theater box office record for a Broadway engagement. When the show ends this Sunday, it will have grossed over $5.5 million and performed for over 93,000 people.
“We are so proud to share the experience of this groundbreaking production with audiences in Richmond, and to entertain so many first-time and regular theatergoers,” said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic, Disney Theatrical Productions in a statement. “We are overwhelmed by the enduring response to the show and thank all of Central Virginia for an incredible engagement.”
It is estimated that the Broadway production will generate $19.5 million in economic benefits to the city, including hotels, restaurants, parking, and businesses patronized by audience members and production staff.
“The Lion King brought us incredibly talented creative artists and actors, and a team that worked hard to maintain the highest theatrical standards,” says Steve Traxler, President, Chicago-based Jam Theatricals, the presenting company for Broadway In Richmond, “and the patrons and our loyal Broadway In Richmond subscribers showed their thanks by supporting this blockbuster engagement and making it a success.”
Since its Broadway premiere in November 1997, The Lion King has had nineteen worldwide productions that have been seen by more than 63 million people and grossed over $4.7 billion. The seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history won six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Costume Design, and Best Choreography.
Here’s our review and behind the scenes look of the Broadway production
-
Recommend this
on Facebook -
Report an error
-
Subscribe to our
Weekly Digest
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
The fact that 93,000 people would hazard the narrow street, problematic parking and sketchy neighborhood and aging venue is very encouraging. I be restaurants from Carytown to downtown felf the boost. I imagine very few of them to a stroll around what should be the finest park in Richmond. Maybe someday.
“problematic parking”?
How many parking garages does the world need?
“sketchy neighborhood”?
It is in the middle of the VCU campus. Does that make it sketchy?
From the article:
“It is estimated that the Broadway production will generate $19.5 million in economic benefits to the city, including hotels, restaurants, parking, and businesses patronized by audience members and production staff.”
This is a booster’s estimate. What is reality?
The City has poured millions into the Landmark. What has been the return on that investment?
If you don’t know the area, narrow and one way streets, make getting around difficult. Veteran theater goes know their way around, newbies don’t. Despite campus security and a slew of call boxes, students are still ambushed and robbed. Sketchy may be more of a reputation than reality, but for suburban theater goers reputation is reality.
As for impact, 93,000 people speaks for itself. That’s somewhere around 5 milllion dollars in ticket sales and admissions tax alone.
As for the Landmark Theater, do you really think Richmond would be better off without it? We are really only scratching the surface of the economic impact these shows could have. Shuttling more people to neighborhood restaurant, where parking is near impossible, would be a good place to start. How many of these people would never come to the city if it weren’t for show like this? Now the task is to give them a reason to come back.
“suburban theater goers reputation is reality.”
So you are reinforcing an area’s supposed reputation despite the lack of evidence? Why?
It goes back to priorites. Suburban theater goers are not as important to me as my fellow citizens. It’s always questionable when millions in public money are spent on things that do not directly improve the lives of Richmond citizens.
This goes back to accountability. If 100,000 suburban theater goers come and all the City gets in net is more traffic and snide remarks about undeserved reputation, then maybe money should be going to schools and neighborhoods instead.
Let’s see some hard numbers and accounting for the PUBLIC investment in the Landmark Theater, Hippodrone, and Center Stage.
As for restaurants, when will City Council and Center Stage fullfill its PROMISE to citizens to rescind the meals tax increase?
The benefits are many.
When suburban theater goers spend surburban money it helps the city, helps businesses and those who work for them. Maybe these folks find out more cool things to do in Richmond and come back and spend more suburban money. Maybe they like it here, buy homes and patronize local business everyday. Maybe we get more great shows like the Lion King and start the whole cycle again.
And maybe anonymous commentators will start signing their names, or maybe not.
How much suburban money, Paul?
And how much City taxpayer money has been spent, is being spent, and will continue being spent chasing this dream?
Is there any PUBLIC accountability?
Accountability includes signing your name to your comments Mr. Burger.
Resorting to personal, Paul?
How do you know this is Mr. Burger? Do you think Mr. Burger is the only one who has concerns with PUBLIC accountability and the meals tax?
Nothing personal Scott.