THE LION KING Runs at the Orpheum Theatre 1/11-2/12

Disney's THE LION KING, the landmark, Tony Award-Winning musical celebrating nearly 15 years since its 1997 world premiere in Minneapolis, will make its highly anticipated return to Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre from Wednesday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012. The press opening night is at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Tickets are on sale now. The 1997 world premiere at the Orpheum was followed by sold out engagements in 2005 and 2007 and, with this run, Minneapolis becomes the first city in North America to host this landmark musical four times. It is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as part of its 2011/12 Broadway Across America-Minneapolis Season. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 1.800.982.2787.

Disney selected Minneapolis for the world premiere of The Lion King in 1997 because of the city's reputation for an intelligent and supportive theatre audience. Once the show opened, it was an instant success that laid the groundwork for international acclaim. The world premiere of The Lion King played a key role in solidifying Minneapolis as a major player in the Broadway marketplace, and the city, home to the Hennepin Theatre District, maintains its reputation as a premier locale for the hottest Broadway shows.

Two cast members have Minnesota connections. The sardonic and deviously cunning "Scar" will be played by J. Anthony Crane, who grew up in Minneapolis and whose family still lives in the Twin Cities. Nick Cordileone, who went to grade school in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park, is the wisecracking meerkat "Timon."