TORONTO — May 24, 2024 —
The curtain is coming down on the Toronto run of “The Lion King.” After 43 weeks and 345 shows, with over 250,000 audience members, the award-winning show will close at the Princess of Wales Theater on August 30. Producers cited a strategic decision to end the Lion King on a high note, with a focus on upcoming theatre seasons and changing travel climates, according to reports, and it’s profitable. Read on for further details about the closing.
‘The Lion King’ to Close Toronto Run: A Roar cut Short
Toronto’s acclaimed production of “The Lion King” is set to conclude its run at the Princess of wales Theater on Aug.30, Mirvish Productions announced Tuesday. the stage adaptation of the beloved 1994 Disney animated film opened in November with high hopes for a lengthy engagement, featuring a predominantly Canadian cast and crew.
A Strategic exit
While many anticipated a longer stay for the award-winning musical, the decision to close was a strategic one. John Karastamatis, the company’s director of sales, explained that producers preferred to end the show on a really high note
rather than risk potential challenges later in the year. You don’t want to go out struggling,
karastamatis added.
Did you know?
“The Lion King” first graced the Toronto stage from 2000 to 2004, establishing a strong connection with local audiences.
By the Numbers
- 43 weeks: Total run of the production.
- 345 shows: Number of performances.
- 250,000+: Expected audience members.
By its closing date, “The lion King” will have played for 43 weeks, totaling 345 shows and reaching an estimated audience of over 250,000 people. Karastamatis confirmed that the production is profitable, stating, We’ve accomplished what we set out to do, we have a new generation of artists on the stage and we’ve had great audiences.
Factors Influencing the Decision
Several factors contributed to the decision to conclude the run. Karastamatis cited a changing political climate that has reduced cross-border travel. We’re not getting Americans up here.Canadians aren’t going to the United States either. So it’s a whole new world,
he said. Our hope for this summer is that Canadians will make up the difference.
Producers also considered the upcoming theatre season and the possibility of “The Lion King” being perceived as an old show
amidst new productions.
Pro Tip
Consider attending matinee performances for possibly lower ticket prices and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Enterprising undertakings and Early Challenges
The Toronto production of “The Lion King” was an ambitious project from the start.Mirvish rented a former Catholic school to accommodate the large cast, crew, and costumes, as no existing rehearsal space in the city was adequate. The show also faced an early setback when its star, Aphiwe Nyezi, who played Simba, was sidelined by injury just before opening night. Nyezi missed the first two-and-a-half months of the run but returned in mid-January, having been temporarily replaced by the lead from the musical’s North American tour.
Open-Ended Runs: A Risky Venture
Open-ended productions are not common in Toronto, and their long-term success is not guaranteed. Mirvish’s previous open-ended venture, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” closed in 2023 after only 13 months, despite a significant investment of $25 million and an additional $5 million for theater renovations.
Special Performances and Events
before the final curtain,mirvish plans to host a “relaxed performance” for the Aug. 1 matinee, catering to neurodivergent audiences with reduced noise and music levels. A “touch tour” will also be available that day, allowing ticket holders to interact with props and costumes before the show.
Timing and the Toronto International Film Festival
The closure of “The Lion King” precedes the Toronto International Film Festival, which utilizes the Princess of wales Theatre as a key screening venue. The festival is scheduled to run from Sept. 4 to 14.
