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Disney’s The Lion King 30th Anniversary: A Live-to-Film Concert Event

Billy eichner bradley gibson ernie sabella jason weaver jeremy irons nathan lane special guest jennifer hudson, fri / may 24, 2024 - 8:00pm.

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LIVE NATION | HEWITT SILVA

About this Performance

Brought to the stage from the Producers of Disney’s Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl and Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium , Disney Concerts, Fulwell 73 Productions, AMP Worldwide and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva. Disney celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the animated “The Lion King” with an immersive live-to-film concert event featuring the original 1994 film roaring from the Bowl screens, live orchestra, fireworks, showstopping vocal performances of award-winning songs from the film, special celebrity guests, including cast members from both the classic 1994 animated and 2019 films: Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, plus special guest Jennifer Hudson…and more to be announced! And for the first time ever at the Hollywood Bowl, select performances from the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical!

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‘Lion King’ Live-to-Film Hollywood Bowl Concert to Feature Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Eichner and More (EXCLUSIVE)

By Chris Willman

Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

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The 30th anniversary of the original animated film version of “ The Lion King ” will be celebrated at the Hollywood Bowl next month with a live-to-film concert/screening that will include cast members from both the movie and theatrical versions — and beyond — including Jeremy Irons , Nathan Lane , Billy Eichner, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver and Bradley GIbson.

The shows will take place at the Bowl May 24-25 and be produced by Disney Concerts, Fulwell 73 Productions, AMP Worldwide and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva.

The general on-sale begins Friday at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster, with an American Express cardholder presale starting Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Popular on Variety

Coming to the stage from the 1994 version will be Irons (who originated the sinister role of Scar), Lane (who played the comical Timon), Ernie Sabella (the first Pumbaa) and Jason Weaver (who played Young Simba). Gibson will represent the Broadway incarnation (he played Simba on stage), and Eichner will bring memories of the 2019 remake (he voiced Timon on screen).

Hudson has not previously been associated with the various incarnations of “The Lion King,.” But even though any voice cast will be mostly male, the opening number calls for a strong female voice, so it’s not difficult to begin the guessing game of where she might fit in.

It’s especially easy to make some educated guesses about what she’ll do knowing that Hudson sang “The Circle of Life” when she came to fame competing on “American Idol” during season 3.

The event precedes the release set for this coming Dec. 20 of a prequel from Walt Disney Studios, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which like the 2019 version is being described as “live-action” (which, in this case, means a particularly photorealistic brand of animation — not actual singing lions). Eichner is reprising his role as Timon from the five-year-old remake in the forthcoming prequel; Barry Jenkins is directing. The trailer was described as going over well last week at CinemaCon.

Disney and Fulwell 73 previously teamed for “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” a livestreamed concert on Disney+ that went on to win an Emmy, and “Disney’s Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl,” a 2022 concert at the venue that was also turned into a Disney+ special. It would seem likely similar plans might be in the offing for May’s “Lion King” anniversary concerts, although no filming intentions have been announced.

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Disney’s The Lion King

Opera House

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King , and now you can, too, when Washington, D.C.’s best-loved musical returns to the Kennedy Center! Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, this landmark musical features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music crafted by Tony-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion King .

NOTE:  If a performance is sold out, check back or call the Instant Charge Office at 202-467-4600 for availability. A limited number of seats could become available closer to performance time.

Note: The front section of each performance is VIP Package seating, and is available for sale. The VIP Ticket Package includes the best seats in the theater, a Souvenir Program, and an exclusive cinch bag.

Jun. 22 - Jul. 29, 2023

Upcoming Dates

Price Range

$39.00 – $195.00

2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King , and now you can, too, when Washington, D.C.’s best-loved musical returns to the Kennedy Center. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals . The Lion King also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion King .

Recommended for ages 6 and up. Every person regardless of age must have a ticket.

"The Lion King" Trailer

Chicago Tribune

“An entrancing thing of beauty…It has proven, to date, impossible to replicate.” Chicago Tribune

THE LION KING. ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus

THE LION KING. Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus

THE LION KING. Gugwana Dlamini as Rafiki ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus

THE LION KING. Kayla Cyphersl as Nala and Buyi Zama as Rafiki ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus

THE LION KING. Spencer Plachy as Scar ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus

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Theater Review: THE LION KING (National Tour)

by Tony Frankel on February 2, 2024

in Theater-International , Theater-Regional , Tours

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHETHER IT’S THE KING OF MUSICALS OR NOT; IT’S THE KING OF EXPERIENCES

Endearing heroes and villains. Shakespeare and ancient myth. Coherent storytelling. Anthropomorphic jungle animals. Gorgeous African chanting. Transfixing puppet pageantry on a pythonic, prodigious level. A celebration of theatrical ingenuity. Forty-nine cast members –six of whom are South African. Over 700 lighting instruments. Actresses with the grace of gazelles. Actors with pecs the size of boulders. There are reasons why Disney’s The Lion King — the tour of which opened last night at Segerstrom Hall — keeps packing them in.

And then there’s that opening: Giraffes appear as performers manipulate stilts on all fours. A life-size cheetah prowls as its puppeteer moves its limbs. A herd of gazelles glide across the stage as dancers twirl wooden replicas on their arms and heads. An elephant and a rhinoceros stroll up the theatre aisles. Birds soar over the heads of guests from long extended wires. All of this in front of a deep red/orange sky ( Donald Holder , lights) and the rising sun ( Richard Hudson , sets). Within the first fifteen minutes of this show, we are transported to a magical African savannah. In fact, it is the greatest opening in musical theater history, and the main reason we overlook the musical’s shortcomings.

Important themes of family devotion and the ecological balance in nature are forefront in Irene Mecchi and Roger Allers ‘ book. It speaks, of course, about the “Circle of Life”, the idea that we don’t die but merely take an eternal place among all creatures. The story is a tragedy about a lion cub losing his father and having to make a decision about growing up and taking on his responsibilities as the king. Simba (an enchanting Mason Lawson ) wants to become the king like his magisterial kind-hearted father Mufasa (a resonant Gerald Ramsey ), who is later murdered by his uncle Scar ( Peter Hargrave ) and Scar’s henchman hyenas. When Scar, who wants to be king himself, blames the cub for the death of his dad, Simba runs away, only to be raised by his new buddies, meerkat Timon ( Nick Cordileone ) and warthog Pumbaa ( John E. Brady ), who teach him to forget about the past. When the now-grown Simba ( Darian Sanders ) reunites with his betrothed, Nala ( Khalifa White ; Jaxyn Damasco is young Nala), the lioness can’t talk sense into him, even as they feel the love tonight. Simba meets the same crazy shaman baboon ( Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki) who hoisted him in the air when he was born, coaxing Simba to return home by manifesting his father’s ghost in the sky.

It’s Hamlet meets Bambi meets Kimba the White Lion .

At 26 years old, The Lion King has been seen by more than 110 million people and played every continent but Antarctica (give it time — it may be grassland soon). The musical has placed in the top five grossing Broadway shows nearly every week of its run — over 1,300 weeks and counting. Currently, 90,000 people see the show every week (it’s been touring for 20 years). There have been 29 productions seen by 115 million people. The worldwide gross of The Lion King  musical exceeds that of any film, Broadway show, or other entertainment title in box-office history. So it surprises that it has significantly less emotional weight than the 1994 film.

While the current tour, which fits the Segerstrom stage magnificently, is less lavish than earlier versions, it’s still the breathtaking designs that steal the show. It’s a triumph of presentation over the material. The thanks goes to director, costume designer, and mask co-designer (with Michael Curry ), Julie Taymor , the first woman to win a Tony for Best Director of a Musical, who to this day remains actively involved in the show, launching new productions and maintaining the flagship Broadway production. It’s nigh impossible to recreate the Broadway staging (the demise of Mufasa doesn’t really kill like it should), but it’s astounding for a tour.

Taymor’s   extensive and brilliant wardrobe changes seem to require each ensemble member to wear a dozen different outfits. The unique costumes include beautiful colorful tunics and pantaloons which adorn villagers. Grass is represented by turf headdresses and wicker skirts and later with single blades on nude leotards. Whether it’s that simulated wildebeest stampede or a pack of sassy hyenas, Taymor’s whimsical direction and vibrant designs suspend belief. With the aid of Michael Ward ‘s hair and makeup, Taymor blurs the lines between real and imagined, puppet and animal.

The score features Elton John and Tim Rice ’s songs from  The Lion King animated film, along with three new songs by the pair — although the best new song, “Morning Report”, was cut years ago, along with some other nips and tweaks to reduce the running time. More striking than the songs (iconic for a generation, only a few hold up) are the augmentations and original numbers by Lebo M , Mark Mancina ,  Jay Rifkin, Taymor, and Hans Zimmer, who wrote the film score. As usual with a touring production, the orchestra, diligently handled by Karl Shymanovitz , can overpower the actors — you will lose some lyrics. At one point, I couldn’t tell if performers were singing in English, Sotho, Zulu, Tswana, Xhosa, or Swahili (where the phrase “Hakuna Matata” comes from). I suppose that even though you may not understand the words, you sense them.

As with Phantom of the Opera , which closed this year on Broadway, brilliant staging overcomes all odds. With a fairly weak score, Lion King may not be the king of musicals, but given the fluid ensemble dancers executing Garth Fagan ‘s choreography, the dramatic heft of the performances, and the stunning visuals, it is the king of experiences.

photos by Matthew Murphy

The Lion King national tour reviewed at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa on Feb 1, 2024 ends at SCFTA February 25, 2024; for tickets call 714.556.2787 or visit  SCFTA tour continues; for dates and cities, visit Lion King

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Review Roundup: THE LION KING Tour Roars Back to the Stage; What Are The Critics Saying?

The National Tour of The Lion King returned to the stage earlier this month at the Playhouse Square KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland, OH. 

The National Tour of The Lion King returned to the stage earlier this month at the Playhouse Square KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland, OH.

The cast includes Spencer Plachy as "Scar," Gerald Ramsey as "Mufasa," Gugwana Dlamini as "Rafiki," Nick Cordileone as "Timon," Jürgen Hooper as "Zazu," Ben Lipitz as "Pumbaa," Darian Sanders as "Simba," Kayla Cyphers as "Nala," Keith Bennett as "Banzai," Martina Sykes as "Shenzi" and Robbie Swift as "Ed." Jaylen Lyndon Hunter alternates the role of "Young Simba", along with Charlie Kahler .

Giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap - the entire Serengeti comes to life. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly rises from the stage. This is The Lion King . A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney's much-loved film transports you to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colors, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba, and his epic journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Read the reviews so far below!

Playhouse Square KeyBank State Theatre - Cleveland, OH

Roy Berko, BroadwayWorld : South African, Gugwana Diamini, who has appeared in both stage and film versions of The Lion King , shines as the storytelling Rafiki. Ben Lipitz (Pumbaa, the warthog) and Nick Cordileone (Timon, the meerkat) delight. Their "Hakuna Matata" is a show highlight. Darian Sanders (Adult Simba) and Kayla Cyphers (Adult Nala) have fine singing voices, but develop shallow characterizations. Their "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," was lovely.

Mark Meszoros, News-Herald : "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" - with Young Simba, Young Nala , Zazu and the ensemble - is as infectious as ever, as is the aforementioned celebration of possessing no worries, "Hakuna Matata." Disappointedly, though, when it comes to the performance of the late all-important "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," it is, in fact, hard to feel the love. That said, "The Lion King" continues to pack its usual visual punch, letting you get lost in its vibrant colors - the burnt orange, the sky blue - of its scenic design ( Richard Hudson ) and be wowed yet again by its impactful lighting design ( Donald Holder ), never more evident than during the sudden reveal of the enormous skeleton in the elephant graveyard.

Howard Gollop, The Chronicle : As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder, but there may be more to the enjoyability of this "The Lion King" than a slogan: The cast and crew of 2021's "The Lion King" seem to try harder - and the audience seems to clap harder as well.

Kerry Clawson, Akron Beacon Journal : I was also struck by both the martial arts-evoking, warrior movements that actress Kayla Cyphers executed as Nala steeled herself to find help for the dying Pridelands in "Shadowland," contrasted later with the beautiful way she curved and nestled her head in her loving movements with Darian Sanders ' Simba. Sanders, brand new to the Simba role, is likable with his bright persona and brilliant smile. But his vocals were too quiet and tearful for us to hear him for the first part of Simba's heartbreaking number "Endless Night," with the actor taking too long to open up with his singing. Sanders showed off his powerful pipes later, in the inspiring "He Lives in You," where Simba rediscovers his kingly self.

Majestic Theatre - San Antonio, TX

Bryan Stanton, BroadwayWorld : Young Simba and Young Nala played by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Nia Mulder were a dynamic duo that kept the audience on their toes as only two young cubs can. We laughed, we were scared for them, we rejoiced when they were free from danger, and we mourned with Hunter. These young actors connected, I'm sure, with many parents in the audience who could see a tiny bit of their own children on the stage.

John Hanlon, 930 AM The Answer : In terms of the production itself, the look of the feature is magnificent. The computer animation helps bring the settings to life but the characters and dialogue never feel as genuine as it once did. Even though the images are more realistic, everything else feels less so. This is a reboot that can't escape from the shadow of its far superior predecessor. While other recently remakes (including Aladdin, Cinderella and the underrated Pete's Dragon) richly added new layers to their well-known stories, this version of The Lion King sadly never does.

Orpheum Theatre - Memphis, TN

AniKatrina Fageol, BroadwayWorld : The show's opener, The Circle of Life, immediately captivates the audience and pulls them right into the scene as we all gather at Pride Rock to honor the future King of the Pride lands. Adults immediately become children and children gasp with wonder as giant puppets and beautifully costumed actors come from the audience and set the scene at Pride Rock. Gugwana Dlamini 's first notes as Rafiki add to the magic, transporting us all back to our childhoods when we first saw that sunrise on our televisions. The audience cheered every time a new character made an entrance and native Memphian Jaylen Lyndon Hunter received an enormous Memphis welcome as he made his entrance as Young Simba.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts - Denver, CO

Alex Miller, On Stage Colorado : There's not much I can say about this show that most don't already know, but as a first-timer, I can confirm that this one lives up to the hype surrounding the No. 1 musical of all time (it surpassed $8 billion in revenue in 2017, per Wikipedia). Somehow, though, despite being a super high-end production and an earnings juggernaut, the production now in Denver still came across as warm, authentic and presented by a cast that truly enjoyed doing it (this despite some of the cast having done literally thousands of shows).

Detroit Opera House - Detroit, MI

Stefani Chudnow, BroadwayWorld : Starting from the opening number, you're immediately immersed in the universe of the Pride Lands. The Lion King isn't just a "Disney show" - it's an experience from beginning to end. This extends beyond the costumes and the choreography - the score and the singing is sure to give you chills. Some of these songs include the aforementioned "Circle of Life," as well as "They Live in You," the Oscar-winning tune "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Shadowland," "Endless Night" and "He Lives in You (Reprise)." On the other side of the spectrum, there are also songs that are there simply to make you smile, such as "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" and "Hakuna Matata," two songs that were made famous by the original film.

Gary Graff, The Oakland Press : From the minute the house lights go down and the puppet animals - elephants, rhinos, etc. - parade down the center aisles, it feels like the return of old friends and we're transported directly to the African savanna as the blockbuster Disney film comes to theatrical life in characteristically awe-inspiring fashion. With its inventive staging, costuming, special effects and dancing (choreographed by onetime Detroiter Gawain Garth Fagan), "The Lion King" (running through Feb. 20 at the Detroit Opera House) has not aged at all in the 25 years since its debut, and its tale as old as time is welcome and comforting - a two-and-a-half-hour spirit of "Hakuna Matata."

Bass Concert Hall - Austin, TX

Richard Whittaker, The Austin Chronicle : First staged only three years after the release of the 1994 animated classic, The Lion King will always be seen as original director Julie Taymor's production. It's driven by her melding of the film's Broadway-friendly tunes and family-friendly plot with her fascination with the extreme potential of the stage, her experience with and research into differing global puppetry styles, and culturally respectful approach (since inception, The Lion King has always had a predominantly Black cast). Yet the book by the film's director Roger Allers and cowriter Irene Mecchi also plays a significant role in why the musical can run almost double the animated originator's length. The inherent themes are amplified, most especially Mustafa's frustrations with young Simba, and Simba's guilt at his father's loss.

Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City, OK

Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman : Happily, "The Lion King" never fails to move audiences, even after multiple viewings. This was at least my third time to see the musical, and I was still captivated when the mandrill Rafiki (the spirited Gugwana Diamini) called out "Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba (roughly translated from Zulu as "There comes a lion") to start the "Circle of Life" rolling.

ASU Gammage - Tempe, AZ

Timothy Shawver, BroadwayWorld : It's the innovative, collaborative visuals Taymor has assembled from Richard Hudson 's scenic design, the lighting design by Donald Holder , hair and make up by Michael Ward , costumes by Taymor, and masks and puppets by Taymor and Michael Curry , that are responsible for that success. Their designs, rooted in traditional African and Asian storytelling like shadow puppetry and Bunraku, achieve visuals astonishing for their lack of modern tech. They're impressive for their simplicity; we can see the puppeteers inside the elephants. Ms. Taymor believes the best tech of all is in the viewer's imagination.

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

Linda Hodges, BroadwayWorld : The Lion King is rich with themes of good versus evil, the delicate balance of nature and of course the circle of life of which we are all a part. The story stands alone, but it doesn't hurt to have music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice . Their work is complimented beautifully with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina , Jay Rifkin , Hans Zimmer and the clearly multi-talented Julie Taymor . With a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi , the theatrical version of Disney's The Lion King garnered 11 Tony nominations and 6 wins and ranks as the highest grossing musical of all time. Add it to your bucket list then go online and get your tickets now!

Civic Theatre - San Diego, CA

San Diego Union-Tribune

Centennial Hall at the University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

Madi Lynn Kingsbury, The Daily Wildcat : The cast did amazing. The audience could feel the emotional connection between young Simba, played by Jordan Pendleton, and Mufasa, played by Gerald Ramsey. Their father-son relationship is playful, yet Mufasa is very protective over Simba. Zazu, played by Jürgen Hooper, Timon and Pumbaa, played by Tony Freeman and John E. Brady, respectively, drew lots of laughter from the crowd. Their playful banter with the other actors was simply hilarious. Rafiki, played by Gugwana Dlamini, added the comedic relief as well as the heartfelt messages throughout the show.

George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theatre - Salt Lake City, Ut

Tyler Hinton, BroadwayWorld : Enough cannot be said about the unique, mesmerizing experience that unfolds due to the scenic design by Richard Hudson , costume design by Julie Taymor , lighting design by Donald Holder , mask and puppet design by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry , hair and makeup design by Michael Ward , and choreography by Garth Fagan .

Nancy Van Valkenburg, Gephardt Daily : The musical is renowned not only for its music, but for its vividly colored and innovative costumes, masks, and clever puppetry. Julie Taymor is the talent behind the original production and served as the director, costume designer and, with Michael Curry, as mask and puppet designer.

Scott Renshaw, Salt Lake City Weekly : Julie Taymor's stage adaptation of the 1994 Disney animated hit is itself 25 years old by now, so the particulars of how she visualizes the narrative-still a loose interpretation of Hamlet, with the young lion Simba (played as a youth during this performance by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, and as an adult by Darian Sanders) dealing with the death of his father Mufasa (Gerald Ramsey) and the usurpation of the throne by his uncle Scar (Spencer Plachy)-might already be familiar in theory to theater-goers. From elaborate headdresses to puppets, from shadow-play to birds spun overhead on wires, animal characters are brought to life in every conceivable way. And nearly every one of those ways contributes a sense of mystery, majesty and emotion distinct from the playfulness of the source-material, while still remaining family-friendly.

Saenger Theatre - New Orleans, LA

Brad Rhines, NOLA.com

Cadillac Palace Theatre - Chicago, IL

Chicago Tribune

Sheri Flanders, Chicago Sun-Times : Like the 1994 animated Disney masterpiece, the play opens with the song "The Circle of Life/Nants' Ingonyama," which won a Grammy for best arrangement, instrumentals and vocals. The music alone (sung exceptionally by Gugwana Dlamini as Rafiki) is enough to bring tears to your eyes, but when paired with puppets by Julie Taymor and director Michael Curry that mimic animals crossing the plains; giraffes, elephants, antelope, birds .... it's breathtaking. The audience gasped audibly multiple times, amazed at the sheer artistry on display.

Marni Pyke, Daily Herald : A strong Broadway in Chicago cast spins a sizzling Lion King from Ramsey's gravitas to the feistiness of Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, one of two actors playing young Simba. As the adult Simba, Darian Sanders grabs control of the narrative the minute he swings onto stage. He conveys the pain and self-doubt racking the character, but balances it with that sense of humor that makes Simba arguably Disney's best hero.

Civic Center Of Greater Des Moines - Des Moines, IA

DC Felton, BroadwayWorld : What makes "The Lion King" a continued success comes from one name, Julie Taymor . Her vision and fingerprints are seen in multiple places during the show, from directing to costumes and her work with Michael Curry on puppetry. Walking into the theatre, I always look forward to the show's opening, which alone is worth the ticket price. This time, I could focus on all the different puppetry styles throughout the show. Each one, from shadow puppet to rod puppet, hand puppet to full body puppet, comes together to tell the beautiful story we see onstage. When the puppetry, blocking, and Garth Fagan 's amazing choreography comes together, it's one of my favorite moments of theatre.

Overture Center - Madison, WI

Sydney Vasquez, The Cap Times : The costume and set designs are just as important to the story as the plot itself. Each animal that roams the stage is constructed and depicted differently. The birds are vaulted into the air as high-tech kites. Those who play giraffes are almost unrecognizable as people, as they're cradled within their costumes and vaulted by stilts. Gazelles are placed on the spokes of a rigged bicycle to mimic their frolic.

Kennedy Center - Washington, DC

Jake Bridges, BroadwayWorld : The most recent touring production of THE LION KING, now playing at The Kennedy Center until July 29th, somehow accomplishes both. The story, songs, and characters are well known, timeless, and familiar, of course. What I did not expect was that, after so many years, I would still be captivated by the exquisite puppetry, beautiful costumes, and towering scenery that are still arguably director Julie Taymor’s, and so many others, finest work. I knew what was coming, and I was still in awe of these impressive technical achievements on stage. Judging by the positive reactions of my fellow audience members, I was not alone in these sentiments. It’s a testament to just how groundbreaking the artistry of the show was and still is. The show premiered in 1997 and yet it still inspired the “oos” and “ahs” of nearly all the patrons in the Kennedy Center’s cavernous Opera House this past Friday. 

Susan Brall, MD Theatre Guide : “The Lion King” lives up to the hype, even after almost twenty-five years. You could see it on the faces of the children many of whom were barely past toddler age. They, like the rest of us, were totally enchanted. “The Lion King” remains a wonderful musical for children and for those of us who are still children at heart.

Proctor's Theatre - Schenectady, NY

Bill Kellert, Nippertown :  The lion king, Mufasa, was performed with great heart by Gerald Ramsey, his evil brother Scar was William John Austin, whose deep mellifluous tones filled the vast theater. Nick LaMedica hysterically played Zazu, the young Simba’s nanny and Mufasa’s council. Tony Freeman and Robbie Swift portrayed the thoroughly delightful Timon and Pumbaa, the meerkat, and the warthog. Darian Sanders took on the role of the adult Simba with youthful exuberance and another wonderfully powerful voice. The ensemble singers and dancers matched note for note and step for step, the excellent performances of the entire cast of characters.

Popejoy Hall - Albuquerque, NM

Adrian Gomez, Albuquerque Journal :  Twenty-six years since its debut, the tour is a well-oiled machine, with a cast and crew that is chock-full of talent. To be part of the tour equals excellence – as every note was hit and every stage cue met.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Costa Mesa, CA

Michael Quintos, BroadwayWorld : Even today, nearly three decades later, the show remains a remarkable achievement in the high-reaching possibilities of what live theater (with a robust corporate-funded budget) can do: combining gorgeous artistry and smart, creative design with popular, mass-appealing, well-executed elements (something Disney knows how to handle with their films and theme parks), all spearheaded by its chief creative mastermind  Julie Taymor , a director notable for her visual acumen in both the theatrical and cinematic mediums. Her ingenious efforts to transform a "kids' movie" into a genuinely artistic, culturally expansive stage show that all ages and demographics can appreciate helped score Tony Awards for herself as a Director and Costume Designer and the show itself for Best Musical.

Maverick Bohn, SoCal Thrills : The Lion King was able to deliver something fresh, fun, and surprising, yet something also familiar and timeless, paving a path to that very first viewing and bringing me right back to that seat all those years ago. Twenty years felt like twenty seconds, and without a doubt left me in awe to the very end.

Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis - Minneapolis, MN

Jared Fessler, BroadwayWorld : The cast's talent is nothing short of extraordinary.  Mukelisiwe Goba 's portrayal of Rafiki commands attention, particularly during the powerful opening of "Circle of Life."  Gerald Ramsey 's deep, resonant voice brings authority to the role of Mufasa, and his rendition of "He Lives In You" is simply stunning.  Aniya Simone  and Julian Villela shine as  Young Nala  and young Simba, respectively, infusing energy and charm into "I Just Can't Wait to Be King."  Peter Hargrave 's portrayal of Scar exudes villainy, showcasing both his vocal prowess and acting prowess.  Nick LaMedica 's Zazu adds a delightful touch of humor, while  Nick Cordileone  and William John Austin bring Timon and Pumbaa to life with infectious chemistry and liveliness.  Forest VanDyke ,  Martina Sykes , and  Robbie Swift  excel as the hyenas, their camaraderie evident in their performances.  Darian Sanders  and  Khalifa White  deliver captivating performances as Simba and Nala, their chemistry shining through in poignant moments such as "Shadowland" and "Endless Nights."

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About The Lion King on Broadway

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A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands. When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king.

Know Before You Go

Winner of six Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Disney's The Lion King showcases the talents of one of the most acclaimed creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor reimagines the popular story using some of the theater's most extraordinary stagecraft. The Lion King also features the exceptional work of Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and a glorious score crafted by the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Elton John and Tim Rice.

"The breathtakingly staged Broadway adaptation of Disney's king of the cartoon jungle is an instant theater classic." Entertainment Weekly Chris Willman

"Awe-inspiring! Broadway theater is alive again. [Julie] Taymor's imaginative ideas seem limitless. it's a gorgeous, gasp-inducing spectacle. Most important - against all odds - it has innocence. The show appeals to our primal, childlike excitement in the power of theater to make us see things afresh." Time Magazine Richard Zoglin

"Seen purely as a visual tapestry, there is simply nothing else like it. Suddenly, you're 4 years old again, and you've been taken to the circus for the first time. You can only marvel at the exotic procession of animals before you: the giraffes and the elephants and the hippopotamuses and all those birds in balletic flight. Such is the transporting magic wrought by the opening 10 minutes of The Lion King, [director Julie] Taymor has introduced a whole new vocabulary of images to the Broadway blockbuster." The New York Times Ben Brantley

"A jaw-dropping magnificent spectacle. The show and the playhouse are enchanting. The unprecedented production is worth every penny. If this is Disney's idea of a theme park, we are delighted to report that the theme is quality." Newsday Linda Winer

"Julie Taymor's staging of Disney's The Lion King is a marvel, a theatrical achievement unrivaled in its beauty, brains and ingenuity. Leaping far beyond its celluloid inspiration, the stage version improves upon nearly every aspect of the hit 1994 animated film, from visual artistry and storytelling to Lebo M's score and the newly African-ized pop songs of Elton John and Tim Rice." Variety Greg Evans

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lion King is a full-length Broadway musical running 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

The Lion King is intended for guests 6 and up. All guests require a ticket, regardless of age.

There is no dress code at the theatre. For all performances, attire should be comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. The Minskoff theatre is air conditioned throughout the year, so a sweater or light jacket is recommended in the summer.

While there is no direct interaction with audience members, The Lion King opens with performers in the balcony and a procession of characters down the aisles of the orchestra. 

Cast & Creative

Broadway debut! Vincent has performed around the world in multiple companies of  Hamilton  (including in Puerto Rico alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda), playing the roles of Hamilton, Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson, George Washington and King George III. Off-Broadway:  White Girl in Danger . Regional:  Passing Strange,   In the Heights,   The Great Society ,  Hairspray . TV/film: Chicago Med (NBC), Shots Fired (FOX) and American Crime (ABC)

L. Steven Taylor is excited to rejoin the Broadway Company of The Lion King after traveling with the National Tour, during which time he had the honor of performing at The White House. NYC/Regional credits include  Ataria, Cutman, G word, Miss Saigon, Songs For A New World, Godspell and A Chorus Line.  He's been seen on film and television in  The Electric Company (Leo Watson), Last of The Ninth (HBO Pilot), Made For Each Other , Expiration Date and  Game Over .

Tshidi toured Europe and Japan with M. Bongeni Ngema in the hit musical Sarafina . Other stage credits: Rafiki in the Broadway and Toronto productions of The Lion King , Daughter of Nebo by Hillary Bletcher, Mfowethu by Gibson Kente, The Stick by Aubrey Sekhabi. Honored to have performed with legendary artists such as Paul Simon, David Byrne, Hugh Masekela, Jabu Khanyile, Vusi Mahlasela. Album: Sisters of Joy.

Stephen Carlile makes his Broadway debut as Scar in The Lion King . He has West End credits include Trimmingham in  The Go-Between; The  Producers  original London cast;  Phantom of the Opera; Snoopy!  UK Regional: Freddy Eynsford-Hill in  My Fair Lady  (NT/Cameron Mackintosh) , Twelfth Night, By Jeeves, Don Giovanni, Over My Shoulder .   Europe: Magaldi in  Evita .   US Tour: Captain Hook in  Peter  Pan 360 .   Film:  Brideshead  Revisited, Bright Young Things .

Ben is pumped to be making his Broadway debut! Ben holds an MFA (Acting) from Rutgers University, where credits included  Antigone ,  Romeo and Juliet ,  In the Sawtooths  and more. His BFA (Acting/Musical Theatre) is from Abilene Christian University, where credits included  Jane Eyre  and  Seussical . TV: The Good Wife, Louie . Endless thanks to God, his incomparable wife and the family.

Broadway debut. Off-Broadway:  Bury the Dead, Room Service, Shockheaded Peter, The Normal Heart, The Vocal Lords.  Nat’l tour:  The Buddy Holly Story. Regional: North Shore Music Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, O’Neill Theater, Geva Theatre, Huntington Theatre, New Repertory, Cleveland Play House. Film:  Twelve Thirty, A Very Special Episode, Goin’ Down, Redirecting Eddie.  TV: Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Daily Pops, All My Children .  Award-winning narrator of more than 50 audio books. All my love to Kate, Benjamin and Isabella! For Mom and Dad.

Broadway Tour:  The Lion King, War Horse.  Off Broadway:  The Mint . Regional: Denver Center, The Rep St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, TheaterWorks Hartford, City Theatre Company, Barrington Stage Company, Two River Theater. NY: American Globe Theatre. Television: “Chicago Fire.” BFA: Marymount Manhattan College. All my love to Kate and my parents.

Robb is overjoyed to return to  The Lion King , having   previously appeared in the 1st National, North American and Las Vegas companies. Broadway:  Wicked  (Boq),  Shrek  (Pinocchio). Off-Broadway:  Happiness  (Lincoln Center),  Enter Laughing (cast recording), Disaster!, Zanna, Don’t! (cast recording), Johnny   Guitar (cast recording).  Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed, The MUNY, Music Theatre Wichita, Syracuse Stage, Barrington Stage Company, Bristol Riverside, ACT of CT, Ogunquit Playhouse. Other:  Saturday Night Fever  (1st National Tour). Robb holds a BFA from Syracuse University.

James Brown-Orleans originated the role of Banzai on  The Lion King  Gazelle Tour and is thrilled to be part of the Broadway company. James can be seen as Doc Motors in Disney’s  The Princess Diaries . He is also the founder of Protected by Imagination Inc. “media to inspire.” 

A native of Montgomery, AL. Bonita is a proud graduate of Alabama State University and Brandeis University (MFA). She is overjoyed and grateful to be a part of this talented cast. Credits: NYC/ Regional:  Mandela  the Musical  (staged reading),  The Color Purple  (workshop),  Guys  and Dolls ,  The Piano Lesson ,  The Old Settler  and  In the  Blood . TV: The Knick  (HBO). Bonita is a voiceover artist and can be heard on film, podcasts, commercials and animated series. Many Thanks to God, my family, Dr. Tommie (Tonea) Stewart, My husband Neil Caesar and our lovely children Nia and Noah.

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