'Lion King' plays 7,000th performance Wednesday

This photo released by the Disney Theatrical Group shows from,... — This photo released by the Disney Theatrical Group shows from, left to right, Nathaniel Stampley (Mufasa), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), and Jean Michelle Grier (Sarabi) in Disney's "The Lion King. Credit: AP / Joan Marcus

By DANIEL BUBBEOdaniel.bubbeo@newsday.comAugust 30, 2014

"The Lion King" has been a roaring success since it premiered on Broadway in 1997. On Wednesday night, the Disney musical, currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, will achieve a new crowning achievement when it plays its 7,000th performance. The only other shows to hit that milestone are "Phantom of the Opera," "Cats" and the current revival of "Chicago." In addition to being the highest-grossing Broadway show of 2013, "The Lion King" won six Tony Awards in 1998, including best musical.