HONOLULU -- The city is in initial discussions to bring more big musicals to the islands, KITV has learned.

The Broadway blockbuster "The Lion King" officially opened in Honolulu this week. Opening night was sold out Sunday.

The show is the first Broadway musical to travel to the islands in several years.

The city has discussed bringing several other big shows to the Neal S. Blaisdell Center over the next few years, sources told KITV. One of the shows sources said under discussion is "Mamma Mia," a musical based on hits from the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA.

It would be considerably cheaper and easier to bring "Mamma Mia" to Honolulu than "The Lion King," which showcases big sets like Pride Rock and hundreds of costumes.

A spokeswoman for the presenter, Jack Lucas of West Coast Entertainment, would only say, "He loves this market and wants to bring other shows to Honolulu, but at this point, we're concentrating on the Lion King."

Entertainment promoters said Hawaii residents are starved for big Broadway-style touring companies.

People lined up in Honolulu when Lion King tickets went on sale in April. Hawaii broke the national record for first day sales for the show, with more than $1.6 million in sales in the first 24 hours.

The city's Enterprise Services Director Sid Quintal, who oversees the Blaisdell, told KITV, "I can't say anything right now," when asked about negotiations for future big shows here.

"We are actively pursuing other shows that we can bring to Hawaii," Quintal said.

City officials routinely refuse to confirm that touring shows are coming until after their promoters or presenters make public announcements.