Shea's: Estimated economic impact of 'Disney's The Lion King' reaches $18.79 million

Over 68,000 patrons visited Shea’s Buffalo’s Theatre

Shea’s Performing Arts Center Press Release

Shea’s Performing Arts Center celebrated a successful three-week engagement of “Disney’s The Lion King” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, which closed Sunday. The widely attended run of 24 performances left a meaningful impact on local businesses, the Buffalo theater district, and the greater community.

Economic impact

•Regional economic impact of “The Lion King’s” three-week engagement, based on the Broadway League ticket sales multiplier – which estimates the average economic impact of spending by the touring show and patrons on restaurants, transportation, parking, shopping, hotels and more: $18.79 million.

•Number of patrons visiting Shea’s Buffalo and the theater district: 68,348. Of that number, 20,100 came from Erie County; 3,400 from Niagara County; 1,300 from Chautauqua County; 1,200 from Monroe County; 1,998 from Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties combined; 497 from Southern Ontario; with 120 cast, crew and creative team members visiting Buffalo with “The Lion King” touring company; 2,280 (approximate) hotel/Airbnb nights purchased in Western New York.

Community impact

In addition to the economic impact, several events and activities supported by the show benefitted students, families and community members. Examples include: 

•“Broadway Bridges”: Shea's Performing Arts Center, Broadway partner Albert Nocciolino, “Disney's The Lion King” and the Broadway League offered the “Broadway Bridges” program to 100 Western New York high school students. This is the first time the program was offered by the Broadway League for a touring production.

Participants from East Community High School in Buffalo, Lockport High School, and the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School received discounted tickets thanks to generous support from KeyBank and free in-school residencies led by Shea’s teaching artists. 

•Musical theater workshop: A free musical theater workshop, led by company members from “The Lion King,” was held Dec. 30 at the William-Emslie YMCA for 30 students ages 8-17. 

•Creative conversation: A free panel discussion, open to the public, was held Friday, Dec. 27, featuring members of “The Lion King” company who work in stage management, wardrobe and puppetry.

•“Kids Night on Broadway”: 267 youth benefited from the “Kids Night on Broadway” performance of “The Lion King,” which offered half-price tickets for children ages 17 and under thanks to generous support from Wegmans. Showgoers enjoyed preshow family-friendly crafts and activities, as well as a post-show talkback.

•Book drive: Books generously donated by Shea’s patrons were collected at each performance and will be redistributed during “Shea’s Free Family Film Series.”

•Talkbacks: Cast members shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of “The Lion King” during two free post-performance talkbacks. 

This is the fourth visit to Shea’s Performing Arts Center for the touring production of “Disney’s The Lion King,” part of the 2024-25 Five Star Bank Broadway Season, over the past 20 years. The show previously made stops in Buffalo during the 2017-18, 2011-12 and 2004-05 seasons. 

For more information on Shea’s events and performances, visit www.sheas.org.