THE LION KING Wins Brazilian Audience

THE LION KING premiered in Brazil on March 28th and has already become a huge success. So far, the company performed for 40 times with all sessions practically sold out. The musical is such a hit that has already surpassed, in this beggining of the season, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the largest musical performed in Brazil until now.

Based on the 1994 film, Disney's LION KING tells the story of Simba, a lion that lives in the african savannah and has to face the jungle's dangers after his father's death.

Playing at 'Teatro Renault', in São Paulo, the musical is produced by T4F (Time For Fun) and presents Tiago Barbosa as Simba, César Mello as Mufasa, Josi Lopes as Nala and Osvaldo Mil as Scar. The role of Rafiki is played by the South African Phindile Mkhize, who has performed in several LION KING productions around the world.
The Brazilian version of the songs were made by Gilberto Gil, a famous Brazilian musician. At the musical's press conference, on March 25th, Tim Rice, the original lyricist, talked about the portuguese version: 'Here we have Gilberto Gil which is fantastic. It's a great honor for us to have such a great distinguished writer working on THE LION KING'.

With an estimated production of 50 million reais (25 million dolars), the musical has attracted people from all parts of Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro and the country side of São Paulo.

THE LION KING performs in São Paulo until the end of 2013 and can be extended through 2014.

Below you can see videos of the LION KING'S Brazilian cast.

For information in portuguese about musicals in Brazil you can access www.cenamusical.com.br