Hodges & Hodges Set the Stage for THE LION KING at Broadway San Jose, 9/4-10/4

When was the last time you sang like a bird or laughed like a hyena? Well, it's time to leap into your wild side with Disney's The Lion King! This show is Broadway's fourth longest running show and the Tony Award winner for Best Musical in 1998. The Lion King will have you squawking, neighing, and roaring with excitement!

This heartwarming tale is pure Disney magic at its best. The Lion King is a show-stopping extravaganza that features actors in animal costumes and giant, hollow puppets; and with music by the fabulous Elton John to lift your spirits and sing-along classics by Tim Rice on top of all that, you can't get any better than this. Taking a triumphant turn at Broadway San Jose, Disney's The Lion King will run September 9 - October 4, 2015.

About the show: Winner of 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical, this classic Disney tale tells the story of Simba the lion cub Prince of the Pridelands who is taught by his father Mufasa that one day he will become king. After his father's sudden death, Simba must learn how to overcome obstacles with the help of friends and family and eventually defeat his evil uncle Scar to take his rightful place on the throne.

Hodges & Hodges invite you to join sold-out audiences who have watched in awe as this amazing theatrical journey unfolds on stage in the circle of life.

"Wild" things to do in San Jose to get ready for the show - even before the stampede of audience members enter the theater.

Get down with your wild side -Take a nice car ride and visit the Oakland Zoo. Filled to the brim with fascinating and exotic animals the Oakland Zoo features a wide variety of amphibians, birds, reptiles, and of course mammals. They have African elephants, giraffes, and even some animals that were used for characters in the movie like meerkats, warthogs and the majestic lions. But if you're looking for a place a little closer to home visit the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose which hosts family rides, playgrounds, an educational center, and plenty of animals to see. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a great place for young children to play and learn about wildlife.

The Circle of Life - Simba's father Mufasa talks about the circle of life, the interconnecting link that connects all of us - including plants and animals. Visit ourcityforest.org to learn how you can plant trees in your own neighborhood to enhance the beauty and nature of your own home. Help give back to the environment by planting trees and helping to complete the circle of life.

African Eats and Drinks - Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant proudly brings the real taste of this traditional Ethiopian food to the Bay Area. With exotic imported spices and even vegetarian options, Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant has affordable prices and generous portions. Mellcome Magib! (Good Food!) Juba East African Restaurant is a family owned Somalian eatery known for their goat platters and samosas. Dig in!

Top 10 Cocktails With an African Twist - Visit africastyledaily.com to entice your taste buds with African style drinks like The Dawa (inspired from Kenya) or the Sengali Sunrise (inspired from Senegal). You're in for a true delight with these drinks with an African Twist!

What to watch for from Linda: There is simply no way to describe that majesty that is The Lion King. Most likely you've seen the animated version and you may have watched the stage version on YouTube. But nothing compares to the live stage production. If you are one for bucket lists, then The Lion King is something you have to see before you die. Seriously. Watch for a change in the opening number; San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts doesn't have a center aisle. That's all I'll say.

What to watch for from Nick: I have never seen Lion King and I am so excited I can't even stand it! I worked a semester at Walt Disney World so I know that Disney is both meticulous and magical. So I have high expectations. I will expect nothing less than to be completely transported away with beautiful colors, extravagant costumes, beautiful artistry, and of course a superb story. A lot of expectations, but Disney's used to it by now. I can't wait.

Hodges & Hodges hope to see you there! And if you happen to spot us in amongst the herd, give us a little roar!

The Lion King
September 9th - October 4th
Broadway San Jose
www.broadwaysanjose.com
Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi
Music and lyrics by Elton John, Tim Rice
Additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Hans Zimmer, Julie Taymor
Directed by Julie Taymor
Photos courtesy of Joan Marcus

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