Blockbuster musical "The Lion King" was named the most successful production in history, raking in $6.2 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.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera", 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 $6 billion worldwide at the box office and pulled in 140 million spectators.
The 2009 movie "Avatar" is the highest-grossing movie on record, netting $2.8 billion at the box office worldwide.
With a catchy score by Elton John and British lyricist Tim Rice, "The Lion King" made its debut on Broadway in 1997, three years after the release of the Oscar-winning film.
"It's difficult not to become emotional at this realization of the show's impact," said Thomas Schumacher, president and producer at Disney Theatrical Productions, which announced the record-breaking numbers.
"Our goal then was to tell the story purely and theatrically so that audiences could feel it in their heart."
There are currently 10 productions of "The Lion King" staged around the world, including in London, New York and Tokyo.
More than 75 million people have watched nearly two dozen global productions of "The Lion King".
It was the highest-grossing show on Broadway in 2013 and so far in 2014.
Source: AFP
GMT 15:22 2018 Wednesday ,17 January
Afghanistan's buzkashi horses prepare for battleGMT 13:12 2018 Monday ,15 January
Abe visits memorial to 'Japanese Schindler'GMT 13:43 2018 Sunday ,14 January
Trump taps long historical vein against immigrationGMT 15:07 2018 Saturday ,13 January
British crown jewels buried in biscuit tinGMT 15:06 2018 Saturday ,13 January
British crown jewels buried in biscuit tinGMT 12:45 2018 Friday ,12 January
Japanese tycoon loans Basquiat masterpieceGMT 15:02 2018 Thursday ,11 January
Germans outraged as historic church makes wayGMT 13:48 2018 Wednesday ,10 January
Sumo champs perform New Year ritual after scandal-hit 2017Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor