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Irene Mecchi

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BIO

Irene Mecci began her association with Disney in March 1992, when she wrote Recycle Rex, an animated short, which won the 1994 Environmental Media Award. Irene is a co-writer of Disney’s animated features The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules. Along with co-author Roger Allers, she received a 1998 Tony® nomination for writing the book for The Lion King. Irene wrote the teleplay for “Annie,” which aired on ABC. Irene is developing an animated film at Pixar, a television adaptation of Broadway’s classic musical, Peter Pan and has a production company which is acquiring literary material written for young adults in order to produce a slate of

Photos

Productions

 
[Motion Picture, 2014]
Author (Teleplay)
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Bookwriter

Writing

Source Material
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical

Irene Mecchi, The Lion King

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Book of a Musical

Irene Mecchi, The Lion King

Videos

News


Disney's THE LION KING Returns To Chicago
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025

By popular demand, Disney's The Lion King will return to Chicago for the first time since 2023, where the production played a sold-out run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje Joins THE LION KING in London as Simba
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will return as the King of Pride Rock in Disney's THE LION KING as he takes over the role of Simba in the London production of The Lion King. Learn more here!
Video: HERCULES Muses Perform 'Zero to Hero'
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

The upcoming West End production of Hercules has released a new video, featuring the Muses performing Zero to Hero, ahead of this summer's opening. Check out the video here!
Video: Disney Drops HERCULES Music Video For 'Zero to Hero' With London's Muses
by Michael Major - Mar 6, 2025

Watch the muses from the West End production of Disney's Hercules belt out 'Zero to Hero' in a brand new music video! The Muses for the new production include Candace Furbert, Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, Malinda Parris, and Robin Rose-Li. 
THE LION KING to Open in Sydney in 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025

Disney’s The Lion King will return to Australia, premiering in Sydney in April 2026. The Lion King has been seen by more than 120 million worldwide, cementing its status as one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Learn more.
DISNEY'S THE LION KING Pop-Up Comes to Battersea Power Station
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

In celebration of two major milestones in the West End next month, Disney's THE LION KING has announced a free, pop-up exhibition at the iconic Battersea Power Station.
Broadway Across Canada Announces Ticket Info For Disney's THE LION KING In Calgary
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Disney Theatrical Group and Broadway Across Canada announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney's The Lion King will go on sale to the public on February 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (MST).
Full Cast Set For Disney's HERCULES at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
by Stephi Wild - Jan 24, 2025

Disney Theatrical Group has announced the full casting for Hercules which opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this June. Learn more about the production and cast here!
Submissions Open For The Blank Theatre's 33rd Annual Young Playwrights Festival
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2024

The Blank Theatre is now seeking submissions from playwrights 19 years of age and younger for its 33rd Annual Young Playwrights Festival (YPF). Learn more about how to apply here!
THE LION KING Will Return to Anchorage in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024

Disney’s The Lion King will make its return to  Anchorage at the Atwood Concert Hall during the 25/26 season. Performance dates and times for the Fall 2025 engagement will be announced at a later time.
Tickets to THE LION KING in Dallas to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024

Tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney's The Lion King will go on sale to the public in December. Learn more about the national tour and see how to purchase tickets!
Toronto Production of Disney's THE LION KING Extends Through August 30, 2025
by Stephi Wild - Dec 2, 2024

The new Toronto production of Disney’s The Lion King will extend performances through August 30, 2025. The new block of tickets, for performances from April 29 to August 30, 2025, will go on sale at 10AM on Saturday December 7, 2024.
THE LION KING in Kansas City Tickets Go on Sale This Week
by Stephi Wild - Nov 18, 2024

Tickets for the return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King in Kansas Citywill go on sale to the public this week. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
Video: Inside THE LION KINGOpening Night in Toronto
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2024

The Lion King has opened in Toronto.  On opening night, the Princess of Wales Theatre hosted celebrities and returning cast members from the 2000 engagement of the show. Check out the video here!
THE LION KING on Broadway Will Its Celebrate 27th Anniversary Tomorrow
by Stephi Wild - Nov 12, 2024

The Lion King will celebrate its 27th anniversary on Broadway on Wednesday, November 13th. Learn more about the show and its history, as well as the historic milestone, here!
Video: HERCULES UK Star Luke Brady Sings 'Go the Distance'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2024

Luke Brady will play the title role in Hercules which begins next year in London's West End. Get a first look at the music video for 'Go the Distance' featuring Brady here! 
HERCULES Finds Its West End Star, Luke Brady
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 4, 2024

Luke Brady will star in the title role in Disney's HERCULES, opening at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June 2025. The production features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, and a brand-new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah. Learn how to purchase tickets.
La exposición del 30 aniversaro de EL REY LE�"N abre en Madrid
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Nov 4, 2024

A partir de hoy 1 de noviembre el Espacio Cultural Serrería Belga de Madrid acoge la exposición del 30 aniversario de EL REY LEÓN, que recoge los principales hitos del universo de la franquicia desde el clásico animado hasta el próximo estreno de MUFASA.
Disney's THE LION KING Returns To The Bushnell In November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 25, 2024

Disney's THE LION KING returns to The Bushnell on November 13.
Photos: DISNEY'S THE LION KING Celebrates 25 Years In The West End With A Special Third Act
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 20, 2024

Disney’s THE LION KING celebrated 25 triumphant years in the West End’s Lyceum Theatre on the afternoon of Sunday, 20 October with a special gala performance attended by the original creatives of the show including Julie Taymor, Lebo M, Richard Hudson, Irene Mecchi, Roger Allers and Donald Holder. Check out photos from the event here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Irene Mecchi written?

Irene Mecchi has written 1 shows including The Lion King (Source Material).

What awards has Irene Mecchi been nominated for?

Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King and Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King.

What awards has Irene Mecchi won?

Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for The Lion King.

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