'The Lion King' Comes to Mandalay Bay Theatre in Las Vegas 5/2/09

Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay have announced the award-winning Broadway phenomenon THE LION KING coming to the Mandalay Bay Theatre May 2, 2009 with preview performances beginning April 20, 2009. This sit-down production will join the six other highly successful companies of THE LION KING around the world in New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka.

Mandalay Bay’s production of THE LION KING will be virtually identical to the other companies seen around the globe and will be staged with all of the same spectacular music, sets, and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon.

Ticket prices, on-sale dates and performance schedules will be announced at a later date.

“We’re incredibly pleased to bring THE LION KING to the audiences of Las Vegas,” said Thomas Schumacher, producer of THE LION KING and president of Disney Theatrical Group. “Mandalay Bay has seen great success with other shows thanks to its extraordinary commitment to producing theatre of the highest caliber. When we decided to bring THE LION KING to Las Vegas, we knew that this was the right show at the right venue at the right time.”

Bill Hornbuckle, president and chief operating officer of Mandalay Bay, said, “We are known for offering our guests exciting and spectacular entertainment options. The addition of THE LION KING, one of the most successful production shows in history, will continue this tradition. We are certain THE LION KING’s international appeal will be embraced by Las Vegas locals and visitors alike.”

Richard Sturm, president of sports and entertainment of MGM MIRAGE, the parent company of Mandalay Bay, stated, “It’s a honor to have Disney Theatrical Productions bring THE LION KING to Mandalay Bay. The show has a tremendous reputation throughout the entertainment industry and we anticipate a strong demand for THE LION KING in Las Vegas. We are looking forward to a successful partnership.”

 ABOUT THE LION KING
Disney’s THE LION KING continues to reign as one of the most popular shows around the world. The global phenomenon is the winner of more than 70 major awards worldwide including the Tony Award® and NY Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album and the Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. The show has been seen by more than 45 million people in 11 countries, including cities such as Sydney, Osaka, Shanghai, Taipei, Toronto, Melbourne, Amsterdam, Mexico City, Johannesburg and Seoul.

ABOUT MANDALAY BAY RESORT AND CASINO

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning destination resort set on 60 lush acres and offers 3,635 newly remodeled rooms and suites, including 424 accommodations managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Mandalay Bay Beach, an 11-acre tropical pool environment, features real California sand, a wave pool and the only climate-controlled, poolside gaming in the city. The property also features the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay Events Center, award-winning restaurants, Shark Reef Aquarium and the 1.5-million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center – the largest convention center on the Las Vegas Strip.  Mandalay Bay’s brands include THEhotel, an all-suite hotel featuring 1,117 luxurious one-bedroom suites, the BATHHOUSE Spa, and Mandalay Place, a collection of unique boutiques and restaurants. Mandalay Bay is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM MIRAGE™ (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit the web site at www.mandalaybay.com, or call toll free at (877) 632-7000.