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Lion King in Top 5 Question

Posted by: Zelgo 03:38 pm EST 12/06/13

Recently, the Lion King made it into the top 5 musicals based on length of Bway run, just below Phantom, Cats, Chicago, and Les Miz.

When those top 4 made it into the top five, were they running as strong? The Lion King doesn't have discounts and isn't sold on TKTS.

Basically, is it headed for number 1?


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it would be around 2007

Posted by: dramedy 05:05 pm EST 12/06/13
In reply to: Lion King in Top 5 Question - Zelgo 03:38 pm EST 12/06/13

when Phantom overtook Cats--about 18 years after opening 1988. Looking at the 2007 numbers, the show averaged for the year 85%. In 2006, it was 90%. So the answer is "no", when Phantom became the leader, it was running under 100% unlike Lion King is now at 16 years on broadway. Phantom at 16 year mark in 2004 was at 82% average capacity that year.

sadly, i think Lion King will surpass Phantom some day. Phantom still has 9 year head start so it will be almost a decade after phantom closes that Lion King will be King of broadway. I doubt that Chicago or BookOM will stay open that long.


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Well ....

Posted by: jdm 03:53 pm EST 12/06/13
In reply to: Lion King in Top 5 Question - Zelgo 03:38 pm EST 12/06/13

Phantom does not seem to be going anywhere soon. Lion King will certainly hit #2. Both of these shows seem destined to be part of NY for a long time to come.

Jim


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re: Well ....

Posted by: FriendofDorothy 06:01 pm EST 12/06/13
In reply to: Well .... - jdm 03:53 pm EST 12/06/13

I actually think one or both shows might never close. They are now tourist institutions as sure as the Empire State Building or Carnegie Deli. I don't really have a problem with that. Keeps a lot of theatre people employed and provides a first Broadway show to lots of people, some of whom might return to see something else, or more likely, see a touring or local show in their hometown.


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re: Well ....

Posted by: Chazwaza 11:05 pm EST 12/06/13
In reply to: re: Well .... - FriendofDorothy 06:01 pm EST 12/06/13

The Lion King is so dripping with amazing and interesting theater craft and original theatricality, I am very fine with it as a tourist institution. It's not the best musical but as far as the stuff that appeals to a broad enough audience to stay open this long, I think it's wonderful we have one that isn't just the movie put onto a stage. If anything sells theater to young audiences it's gonna be Lion King and Phantom, and I'd think West Side Story… I've never understood why that show never stays open more than a year or two but the movie can be such a phenomenal hit.


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