THE LION KING Breaks Records at The Fabulous Fox Theatre

Disney’s The Lion King continues to reign across North America with a sold-out return engagement at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, where the record-breaking tour celebrated its 15th anniversary on April 27. The triumphant three-week return, which concluded on May 7, grossed more than $7.5 million at the box office and entertained nearly 100,000 theatergoers during 24 performances.  This return engagement marks the fourth timeThe Lion King has played The Fabulous Fox Theatre.  Since its premiere in 2003, more than half a million people have experienced the show in St. Louis alone.

During this St. Louis engagement, The Lion King North American tour had its highest-grossing week in its entire 15-year history with a gross of $2,960,494.00 for eight performances for the week ending May 7, 2017. 

It is estimated that the St. Louis engagement of The Lion King generated an economic benefit of more than $24 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. 

“We were thrilled to welcome back to the Fabulous Fox Theatre stage the phenomenon that is Disney’s The Lion King,” said Jack Feivou, President & CEO of Fox Associates. "With unforgettable music and stunning visuals, this breathtaking show proved to once again captivate the St. Louis audience and deliver a level of artistry that truly stands the test of time.” 

“It’s profoundly gratifying to know that since opening the tour in Denver in April 2002, The Lion King has been instrumental in bringing new audiences to the theatre across North America for the past 15 years,” said Jack Eldon, Vice President of Domestic Touring and Regional Engagements, Disney Theatrical Productions. “We were delighted to celebrate this milestone anniversary in the great city of St. Louis, where The Lion King has always been so warmly welcomed.  We thank the St. Louis community and our partners at The Fabulous Fox Theatre for another sensational engagement and look forward to returning in the near future.”

Aaron Nelson as “Simba” and the ensemble in THE LION KING North American Tour.

©Disney. Photo by Matthew Murphy.