Ben Lipitz

Wake Up With BWW 4/20: First Look at PETER PAN GOES WRONG and GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR; Plus a Message From Jonathan Groff!
by - Apr 20, 2023

Top stories: Get a first look at Peter Pan Goes Wrong and Good Night, Oscar; plus watch an exclusive video message from Jonathan Groff in honor of BroadwayWorld's 20th anniversary!

Actor Ben Lipitz, Long-Running Star of THE LION KING, Dies At Age 58
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 19, 2023

Broadway actor Ben Lipitz has died at the age of 58. Lipitz was part of The Lion King family for well over a decade, performing the role of Pumbaa in over 6,000 performances both on Broadway and as part of the national tour.

THE LION KING is Coming to the Detroit Opera House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2021

The Lion King, Detroit's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Detroit Opera House stage from January 27 - February 20, 2022.

Photos: See Darian Sanders & Kayla Cyphers in New Images From THE LION KING Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2021

Disney’s The Lion King North American tour released two new production photos today of Darian Sanders (Simba) and Kayla Cyphers (Nala). 

BWW Review: THE LION KING STAMPEDES INTO THE MAJESTIC at Majestic Theatre
by Bryan Stanton - Oct 27, 2021

The Lion King, a family favorite, performing at the Majestic is just that....Majestic.

Review Roundup: THE LION KING Tour Roars Back to the Stage; What Are The Critics Saying?
by Stephi Wild - Oct 26, 2021

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.

THE LION KING Returns To The Orpheum Theatre Memphis
by AniKatrina Fageol - Oct 25, 2021

The Lion King returns to the Orpheum Memphis Theatre this November and Memphis is celebrating some new young talent!

BWW Review: THE LION KING at Key Bank State Theatre/Playouse Square
by Roy Berko - Oct 7, 2021

THE LION KING, whose North American touring company, which recently opened in CLE's Playhouse Square's Key Bank State Theatre, has an enviable record. It is the third longest running show in Broadway history, clocking a little over 9,300 curtain raisers. Only THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (12,370) and the revival of CHICAGO (9,692) have had longer Great White way runs.

THE LION KING to Resume Performances This October in Cleveland at Playhouse Square
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 13, 2021

The Lion King North American touring company reunited in Cleveland on September 7, for the first time since the shutdown, to begin rehearsals for the tour’s relaunch. The tour is resuming performances at the KeyBank State Theatre for a two-week return engagement beginning Friday, October 1 and playing through Friday, October 15, 2021. 

Photos & Video: See THE LION KING North American Tour's First Day Back After the Shutdown
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 10, 2021

The Lion King North American touring company reunited in Cleveland on September 7, for the first time since the shutdown, to begin rehearsals for the tour’s relaunch. The tour is resuming performances at the KeyBank State Theatre for a two-week return engagement beginning Friday, October 1 and playing through Friday, October 15, 2021

Cast Announced for THE LION KING National Tour Coming to Playhouse Square This Fall
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 10, 2021

Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, and Playhouse Square have announced casting for The Lion King North American tour, which will return to the road this fall and resume performances in Cleveland. The two-week return engagement at Playhouse Square will begin Friday, October 1, 2021.

Casting Announced For National Tours of FROZEN and THE LION KING
by Stephi Wild - Aug 10, 2021

Learn more about the casts of both productions and how to purchase tickets here!

THE LION KING North American Tour to Release Live Virtual Content to Commemorate 18th Anniversary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2020

Disney's The Lion King will offer a day of free live virtual content on the Disney on Broadway Instagram page (@DisneyOnBroadway) on Monday, April 27 to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the North American tour.

BWW Interview: Ben Lipitz of THE LION KING at Aronoff Center
by Anne Simendinger - Jan 31, 2020

Photo Flash: Take a Look at New Photos From Disney's THE LION KING North American Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2020

The North American Tour of Disney's The Lion King has released new production photos featuring the current cast. Currently at The Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, the tour heads to 14 other cities in 2020 including Milwaukee, South Bend, Toledo, Omaha, Denver, Tempe and Costa Mesa.

Casting Announced For Disney's THE LION KING In Milwaukee
by Stephi Wild - Jan 10, 2020

Casting for Disney's The Lion King has been announced for the long-awaited return engagement in Milwaukee. The Lion King will leap onto the Marcus Center stage on February 5 for a four-week engagement through March 1 as part of the Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center and Broadway Across America-Milwaukee series.

BWW Review: THE LION KING at Rochester Broadway Theatre League
by Colin Fleming-Stumpf - Dec 22, 2019

BWW Review: DISNEY'S THE LION KING at Broadway Grand Rapids Will Have You Feeling The Love, On The Path Unwinding In The Circle of Life!
by Brian Hilbrand - Nov 24, 2019

Disney's The Lion King, currently playing through Sunday, December 1st at DeVos Hall. Making its Grand Rapids debut, after playing Detroit, Kalamazoo, and East Lansing in the past, Disney's The Lion King finally comes to Grand Rapids! Taking 17 full semi trailers to travel into town, It's full of the Lion King classic musical numbers and characters you know and love from the movie, and some new Musical numbers as well. They include the opening musical number a?oeCircle of Life', a?oeJust Can't Wait to Be Kinga??, to the always funny and humorous 'Hakuna Matataa?? and the moving a?oeCan You Feel the Love Tonighta??. These songs will be sure to have you singing along, having some goosebumps, and possibly some tears.

Disney's THE LION KING is Coming to Rochester Broadway Theatre League's Auditorium Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 22, 2019

Casting for Disney's The Lion King has been announced for the long-awaited return engagement in Rochester. The Lion King will leap onto RBTL's Auditorium Theatre stage on Thursday, December 19 for a three-week engagement through Sunday, January 5.

Casting Has Been Announced For Disney's THE LION KING At North Charleston PAC
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2019

Casting has been announced for Disney's The Lion King at North Charleston Performing Arts Center's stage on Wednesday, December 4 for a two-week engagement through Sunday, December 15.