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'Lion King' is highest-grossing show on B'way

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The cast of "The Lion King" Selloane Nkhela and Joel Karie attend 106.7 Lite FM's "Broadway in Bryant Park" in Bryant Park in New York on August 4, 2011. UPI /Laura Cavanaugh
The cast of "The Lion King" Selloane Nkhela and Joel Karie attend 106.7 Lite FM's "Broadway in Bryant Park" in Bryant Park in New York on August 4, 2011. UPI /Laura Cavanaugh 
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Published: April 9, 2012 at 7:21 PM

NEW YORK, April 9 (UPI) -- "The Lion King" has surpassed "Phantom of the Opera" as the highest-grossing show on Broadway, it was announced Monday.

"The Lion King," which opened on Broadway in 1997, has a cumulative gross thus far of $853,846,062, while the gross of "Phantom," which debuted in New York in 1988, is $853,122,847, The Hollywood Reporter said.

"Naturally, we're humbled by this milestone, a feat that can be explained in two words: Julie Taymor," Thomas Schumacher, producer and president Disney Theatrical Productions, said in a statement about the Tony Award-winning musical's director and costume designer. "Her vision, continued commitment to the show and uncommon artistry account for this extraordinary success. Above all, this accomplishment belongs to our audiences, millions of whom are experiencing their first Broadway show at 'The Lion King.' Surely, introducing so many to the splendor of live theater is our show's greatest legacy."

Topics: Julie Taymor, Thomas Schumacher
© 2012 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

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