A locally created production of one of the world’s most popular stage musicals, The Lion King, will open its Australian exclusive run this evening at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, confirming NSW as the major events and live performance capital of Australia.

“Fans of this phenomenally successful musical, from Sydney and across Australia, have welcomed The Lion King with open arms, resulting in record breaking ticket sales,” Minister for Tourism, major Events and the Arts, George Souris said.

“We anticipate the Australian production, exclusive to Sydney, will generate about half a million ticket sales, with around 50,000 interstate and international patrons travelling to Sydney to see the show.

“Destination NSW, which secured the event, estimates these visitors alone will inject at least $28 million into the NSW economy based on an anticipated eight-month run, with the Disney organisation believing the cumulative economic impact to NSW will be about $100 million.”

The Lion King is an international blockbuster and the highest-grossing stage show in the world, with more than 70 million people having enjoyed the musical since its Broadway premiere in 1997.

The Lion King is the winner of more than 70 major international awards including, six Tony Awards in 1998 and a GRAMMY Award for Best Musical Show Album. Sydney’s Lion King is the 22nd production worldwide and the 10th production running concurrently, the highest number in the show’s history.

“This is one of the biggest productions in Sydney and showcases a great range of local and international talent. I would like to wish the cast and crew of this musical the best of luck ahead of their Opening Night performance.

“The NSW Government is committed to working closely with internationally renowned producers such as Disney Theatricals to drive tourism, create jobs and grow our economy – and The Lion King is set to bring enormous benefits to NSW tourism”.