Cast members perform "Circle of Life" during the media day for Disney's "The Lion King" at the production's rehearsal space in Toronto, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Toronto’s much-loved musical spectacle, The Lion King, is set to leave the stage sooner than many expected. Mirvish Productions has officially announced that the final performance will be held on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
Closing While the Applause Is Loud
This decision took many by surprise, given the scale and success of the production. But Mirvish Productions believes it’s the right time to step away.
“You don't want to go out struggling,” said John Karastamatis, the company’s director of sales. He explained that the producers preferred ending the show on a “high note” rather than risking unpredictability later this year.
A Bold Start with High Hopes
The production launched in November with soaring ambitions. Featuring a mostly Canadian cast and crew, it was hoped the show would run for at least a couple of years. David Mirvish had forecasted the show would break even after 26 to 36 weeks.
Instead, it will conclude after 43 weeks and 345 performances. The production has welcomed more than 250,000 audience members, achieving profitability in the process.
Challenges Behind the Curtain
Despite its success, the show wasn’t without obstacles. Before the curtain even rose, the production had to rent an old Catholic school to accommodate its large cast and elaborate costumes due to a lack of suitable rehearsal spaces.
Then came a major hiccup: lead actor Aphiwe Nyezi, who plays Simba, suffered an injury just before opening night. He missed more than two months of performances, though he later returned in mid-January. A replacement from the musical’s North American tour stepped in during his absence.
Shifting Tides and Changing Travel Trends
Karastamatis noted that various factors played into the decision to close. One was the current shift in cross-border travel due to evolving political climates. Fewer American tourists are heading north, and Canadians are also limiting travel south.
“It’s a whole new world,” he said. “Our hope is that Canadians will fill those empty seats this summer.”
Additionally, as autumn approaches, new productions will take centre stage. Keeping The Lion King running might have risked it being seen as yesterday’s news in a rapidly changing theatre market.
A Fitting Farewell for a Theatre Giant
The show’s return to Toronto was always a major undertaking. It marked the first open-ended run since Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which closed after just 13 months despite major investments.
Before The Lion King exits, Mirvish will host a special “relaxed performance” on August 1. Designed for neurodivergent audiences, it will feature softened sounds and lighting. A pre-show “touch tour” will also allow guests to explore props and costumes up close.
Making Room for TIFF
The curtain will fall just days before the Toronto International Film Festival takes over the Princess of Wales Theatre from September 4 to 14.
After nearly a year of enchantment and powerful performances, Toronto will bid farewell to Simba and his pride—on a high, just as they intended.
