To be sure, 'Phantom,' now in its 24th year, is still the longest-running show in Broadway history, with more than 10,000 performances and it has sold many more tickets than its Disney rival on the Great White Way, a staggering 14.8 million so far. None of the figures are adjusted for inflation. The League in 2009 changed the way it calculates grosses, which may explain the discrepancy. Later Monday, they will release numbers for the week of April 8. The Broadway League, a trade group that collects revenue from theater owners, has slightly different numbers, putting the cumulative gross of 'The Lion King' at $851,956,963 and 'Phantom' at $851,859,966 as of April 1.

'Surely, introducing so many to the splendor of live theater is our show's greatest legacy.' 'This accomplishment belongs to our audiences, millions of whom are experiencing their first Broadway show at 'The Lion King,'' Schumacher added. Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions, also gave credit to Julie Taymor, the director, costume and mask maker of 'The Lion King.' ''Her vision, continued commitment to the show and uncommon artistry account for this extraordinary success,' he said in a statement. The upstart's victory is due in large part to its higher average ticket prices and a slightly larger theater.ĭisney Theatrical Productions was gracious when contacted about reaching the milestone, saluting 'Phantom' song writer Andrew Lloyd Webber and 'Phantom' producer Cameron Mackintosh, who also co-produced Disney's hit 'Mary Poppins,' and calling their show 'a global phenomenon of historic proportions.' The Disney show opened in November 1997, while 'Phantom' debuted in January 1988. What makes the achievement all the more remarkable is that 'The Lion King' chased down and grabbed the title despite 'Phantom' having almost a full 10 years' head start. The 'Lion King' surged past 'Phantom' after netting over $2 million at the box office for the week ending Sunday, while 'Phantom' pulled in about $1.2 million. Its chandelier-swinging rival's cumulative total is $853,122,847, according to musical's publicist. The cumulative gross for 'The Lion King' is $853,846,062, according to the show's numbers. NEW YORK - Very quietly, almost stealthily, a new king has been inaugurated on Broadway.īox office figures to be released later Monday show that 'The Lion King' last week swiped the title of Broadway's all-time highest grossing show from 'The Phantom of the Opera,' The Associated Press has learned.

Phantom of the opera 2004 box office