Oct 11

Fri, 1:00 pm1:00 pm

The Lion King is a vivid retelling of the beloved Disney film, brought to life with stunning costumes and innovative stagecraft. Set in the heart of the African savannah, the story follows Simba, a young lion prince, as he embarks on an epic journey. The narrative delves into themes of bravery, responsibility, and self-discovery and features a backdrop of powerful family dynamics. The audience is invited to witness Simba’s growth from a carefree cub to a wise leader, navigating challenges and embracing his destiny.

Significant Lion King Connections

The Lion King is a monumental production that has set records as the top-earning title in box-office history. The musical's path from screen to stage has been made possible through a multitude of connections across Broadway, cinema, and the arts, contributing to its lasting legacy:

The Lion King debuted at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1997, where fans have seen other film-to-stage adaptations like Aladdin and Mary Poppins. It has been performed in nine different languages at venues across the globe, including the Théâtre Mogador in Paris, the Lope de Vega Theater in Madrid, the Ariake Shiki Theatre in Tokyo, and the Lyceum Theatre in London.
Music and lyrics for classics like "Circle of Life,” "I Just Can't Wait to Be King,” "Be Prepared,” "Hakuna Matata,” and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" were composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, renowned for their work in both musical theater and the music industry as a whole. Their creative contributions have helped make The Lion King's soundtrack iconic.
German composer Hans Zimmer’s music for the movie won the Oscar for Best Original Score in 1995. He also contributed heavily to the musical, but one of his earliest claims to fame was his appearance in the first video ever to air on MTV, The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” which ushered in a new format for music on television and helped to define a generation.
The show won multiple Tony Awards in 1998, including Best Choreography (Garth Fagan), Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), and the coveted trophy for Best Musical. Julie Taymor not only won Best Costume Design but was also the first woman to win Best Direction of a Musical. Her directorial credits also include Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
Samuel E. Wright, who originated the role of Mufasa on Broadway, might have sounded familiar to avid fans of Disney films. He voiced Sebastian in the movie version of The Little Mermaid. The actor received Tony Award nominations for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for The Lion King and The Tap Dance Kid, which played at the Broadhurst Theatre in 1984.
Tsidi Le Loka was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her work as Rafiki in the original Broadway cast. She was also part of the creative team, credited with adding Rafiki's chants to the story and writing the mourning song. Le Loka went on to collaborate on and perform in Riverdance - On Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre.

Preparing for the Show

As you prepare to be swept away by this breathtaking musical, a bit of preparation can greatly enhance your enjoyment of The Lion King. These tips will help you make the most of your time at the theater:

Dive into the digital realm of The Lion King by checking any websites or apps related to the production and the venue.
Follow the social media associated with the show so you’re privy to the latest news, find out about exclusive offers, and get a peek at what goes on behind the scenes.
Look for interactive activities or special events scheduled in the area so you can turn your theater trip into a full day or evening of fun.
Inquire about the possibility of backstage tours. Exploring behind the curtains often offers fascinating insights into the world of theatrical production.
See if it’s possible to meet cast members. Many actors meet with fans after the curtain call, and autographs are the perfect personalized souvenirs.
Check the theater’s guidelines for details on recommended arrival times, acceptable attire, allowable devices, and other audience expectations.
Stay informed of updates, especially those pertaining to cast changes expected at your scheduled performance.

Theater Etiquette

When you see a musical, adhering to proper theater etiquette is key. Doing so will ensure that you and your fellow audience members walk away with nothing but positive memories:

An early arrival ensures you'll have ample time to settle in and get acquainted with the show’s setting and storyline.
Theaters usually dim the lights to signal that ticket holders should be in their seats. Be sure to heed this warning.
Most theaters have strict rules about late seating to prevent disruptions, so it’s best to be early or, at the very least, on time.
Remember the "fourth wall," which separates the audience from the cast. It's important to maintain this boundary.
Being considerate of others is crucial. Avoid making noise or causing distractions that could detrimentally impact their experience.
If you’re sitting far from the stage, rather than moving around in your seat, struggling to see, consider the use of binoculars.
The audience typically offers a round of applause after musical numbers and at the end of the production to show appreciation for the efforts of the cast and crew.
Standing ovations are a personal choice but should be given if you feel the performance was exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Lion King

When did the musical The Lion King first open?

The Lion King first opened on Broadway on November 13, 1997. The musical, based on the 1994 Disney animated film, features songs by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice.

Where can I see The Lion King?

The Lion King can be seen on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre. Additionally, the musical pops up at venues across the globe and is performed by touring companies, making it accessible to millions.

Where can I buy tickets for The Lion King?

Whether you want to see it on Broadway or catch it in a city near you, tickets for The Lion King are available at GoTickets.com. Every sale is protected with a 100% buyer guarantee.

How long is The Lion King musical?

The Lion King on Broadway usually runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Touring productions should be about the same length. Expect an intermission of 10–20 minutes halfway through the performance.

What should I wear to see The Lion King?

There's no strict dress code to see The Lion King, but you can check with the theater for specific guidelines. Generally, classy but casual attire is recommended. Wear something you’ll be comfortable in.

How much does it cost to see The Lion King?

The Lion King ticket prices vary by date, venue, and overall demand. Check current options at GoTickets.com, where every sale is secure and backed by a buyer guarantee.

Can I bring food and drinks into the theater when I see The Lion King?

Most theaters prohibit outside food and drink but offer refreshments for sale within the venue. Once the lights go down, opening anything with noisy wrappers is very distracting and strongly discouraged.

Is there an age requirement for the musical version of The Lion King?

At most theaters, every audience member, regardless of age, is required to have a ticket. The Lion King on Broadway is recommended for children 6 and up. Other venues may have different requirements.

How can I get cheap tickets to see The Lion King?

The cost of tickets to see The Lion King varies. Weekday matinee performances are generally less expensive than evening shows. Weekends often cost the most. Check GoTickets.com for pricing options.

Are there live animals in The Lion King on Broadway?

You won’t find any lions, monkeys, or other jungle animals in The Lion King. Instead, the Disney musical uses humans and more than 230 rod, shadow, and full-size puppets to bring the characters to life.

Are strobe lights or similar visual effects used in The Lion King?

The Lion King uses various visual special effects, including strobe lights, to create the right atmosphere and set the scene in the African savannah.