Disney's THE LION KING Plays PPAC 2/1-20

Casting has been announced for the Providence engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. Providence's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the PPAC stage from Tuesday, February 1 to Sunday, February 20. The press opening night is Thursday, February 3 at 7:30 PM.

On stage, Director Julie Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. The sardonic and deviously cunning "Scar" is played by J. Anthony Crane. Dionne Randolph is "Mufasa," the great warrior and ruler of the Pridelands. Brenda Mhlongo is the wise baboon shaman "Rafiki." Tony Freeman portrays the prim and proper horn-billed bird "Zazu." Ben Lipitz is the carefree warthog "Pumbaa" and Nick Cordileone is the wisecracking meerkat "Timon." Mufasa's son, "Simba," the lion prince born to be king, is played by Adam Jacobs and Syndee Winters is the loyal lioness "Nala."

The three evil hyenas are played by Omari Tau ("Banzai"), Monica L. Patton ("Shenzi") and Ben Roseberry ("Ed"). The role of "Young Simba" is alternated between Dusan Brown and Jerome Stephens, Jr. and the role of "Young Nala" is alternated between Monique Lee and Madai Monica Williams.

The performance times for THE LION KING are Tuesdays at 7 PM; Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM; Fridays at 8 PM; Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM; and Sundays at 1 PM and 6:30 PM.

Ticket prices start at $28; please note that all ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge and are subject to change without notice. Premium Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Tickets are available at the PPAC Box Office, located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence; online at www.ppacri.org or by calling (401) 421 - ARTS (2787). Regular Box Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM; and through curtain time(s) on performance days.

Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling Group Sales Representative Paul Hiatt at (401) 574 - 3162, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Please send production photography and interview requests to Marketing Projects Coordinator Caitlyn DiPompo via email: cdipompo@ppacri.org or by calling (401) 574 - 3112 and to New Media Coordinator Matt Pacific via email: mpacific@ppacri.org or by calling (401) 574 - 3121.

The North American touring production of THE LION KING has been seen by over 12.7 million theatergoers and grossed over $834 million to date. Having already played more than 60 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its triumphant return to the Providence Performing Arts Center. Visit www.LionKingonTour.com or www.ppacri.org for more information about THE LION KING.

ABOUT THE LION KING
As it begins its 14th year THE LION KING remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its 1997 Broadway premiere, 17 global productions have been seen by more than 54 million people, and grossed over $4.2 billion to date. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the eighth longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only five productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more, both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into five different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch), the show has been performed in 13 different countries on five continents. THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway (its flagship production), on stages across North America, and in Las Vegas, London's West End, Hamburg and Tokyo. In March of 2011, an all-new production will bow in Singapore.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

On stage, Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. Taymor, along with designer Michael Curry, has created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), and Clement Ishmael (music supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" to the haunting ballad "Shadowland."

Visit www.TheLionKing.com for more information worldwide.

The Providence engagement of Disney's THE LION KING is presented by the Providence Performing Arts Center and is a part of the 2010/2011 Broadway Series.

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