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The Lion King Broadway

The Lion King - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Ages: 6+
Opened: November 13, 1997

Broadway Schedule:

Tuesdays at 7pm
Wednesdays at 7pm
Thursdays at 7pm
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm
Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm

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The Lion King Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More


The circle of life continues on! In one of the most thrilling visual experiences to ever hit Broadway, giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap - the entire Serengeti comes to life. This adaptation of Disney's iconic film transports you to a dazzling world that explodes with colors, stunning effects and enchanting music. Step into the Pride Lands and be swept away!

Based on Disney’s iconic film, The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of life, loss, and leadership on his journey to become king. Featuring unforgettable songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Hakuna Matata,” the musical also adds stunning new compositions by South African composer Lebo M. to enhance its African-inspired rhythms and spirit.

Directed by​ Julie Taymor, The Lion King revolutionized Broadway with its breathtaking fusion of puppetry, mask work, and stagecraft. Taymor became the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical, one of six Tonys the production won, including Best Musical. The creative team also features Michael Curry’s intricate puppets, Richard Hudson’s vivid scenic design, and Donald Holder’s evocative lighting—each element contributing to an unforgettable spectacle.

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), there are currently seven productions of The Lion King around the world: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, and on tour across North America. The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica; its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

Blending timeless storytelling, innovative design, and a deeply resonant score, The Lion King continues to inspire audiences, not just as a retelling of a beloved story, but as a work of art that pushes the boundaries of what is possible on stage.​ Join Simba on his journey and experience the magic of the Circle of Life.


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PREVIEW The Lion King - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Lion King

'King' of the Hill
9 / 10

Yes, The Lion King's pacing drags a bit in the first act, and the show's venue, Disney's opulently refurbished New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street, has a few kinks (you'll miss a lot of the show if you're seated too far to the side). But Taymor's amazing vision overrides any quibbles. The Lion King can make you fall in love with theater no matter what theater it's in.

The Lion King
10 / 10

A new generation of cats just took over Broadway. Simply said, Julie Taymor's staging of Disney's 'The Lion King' is a marvel, a theatrical achievement unrivaled in its beauty, brains and ingenuity. Leaping far beyond its celluloid inspiration, the stage version improves upon nearly every aspect of the hit 1994 animated film, from visual artistry and storytelling to Lebo M's score and the newly African-ized pop songs of Elton John and Tim Rice. With this production, the Walt Disney Co. stages itself as a serious and ambitious contender on the legit scene, all but demanding that its first theatrical foray, 1994's too-literally adapted 'Beauty and the Beast,' was little more than a warm-up.

Interview: Meet THE LION KING's New Simba, Vincent Jamal Hooper
by Nicole Rosky - September 27, 2023


incent Jamal Hooper took his very first bow in The Lion King as “Simba”. The show marks Hooper’s Broadway and Lion King debut. Below, he's checking in with BroadwayWorld to talk all about the role and his first night on Broadway! 

Vincent Jamal Hooper Joins THE LION KING as 'Simba' This Month
by Stephi Wild - September 7, 2023


The Lion King will welcome Vincent Jamal Hooper as Simba beginning Tuesday, September 26. This marks his Broadway debut. Learn more about Hooper and The Lion King here!

THE LION KING Teams Up With The New York Liberty For Special Evening At Barclays Center
by Stephi Wild - August 24, 2023


The Lion King is teaming up with the New York Liberty to bring the Pridelands to Barclays Center, as New York City's favorite team takes on the Los Angeles Sparks at 7:00pm ET. The one-night only event will feature a halftime show inspired by the landmark musical, special appearances by members of the Broadway company, door giveaways and unique in-concourse opportunities to experience The Lion King.

THE LION KING on Broadway- A Complete Guide
by Sidney Paterra - August 11, 2023


Looking for all the latest info on one of Broadway's hottest shows? BroadwayWorld has the full scoop on everything that you need to know about The Lion King on Broadway. Check out all the details below!

Get Your Tickets Now for THE LION KING at Popejoy Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 7, 2023


Don't miss your chance to witness the magic of THE LION KING at Popejoy Hall. Get your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable Broadway experience in your city.

THE LION KING to Welcome New Young Simbas Beginning in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 23, 2023


The Lion King will welcome Donovan Louis Bazemore and Davis Matthews alternating as “Young Simba” beginning Tuesday, June 6. Learn how to purchase tickets to The Lion King!

THE LION KING to Play 10,000th Performance on Broadway This Saturday
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 4, 2023


The Lion King will play its 10,000th performance on Broadway this Saturday evening, May 6th.

Video: James Corden and Tom Cruise Join the Cast of THE LION KING
by Stephi Wild - April 28, 2023


Disney’s The Lion King was featured in “The Last Last Late Late Show with James Corden Carpool Karaoke Special,” a primetime special celebrating the final night of James Corden’s late-night series. Corden reunited with global superstar Tom Cruise for an epic musical performance in the international award-winning phenomenon.

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

Photos: Bobby Cannavale Pays A Visit To THE LION KING On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - March 29, 2023


Acclaimed actor Bobby Cannavale attended The Lion King on Broadway Wednesday, March 29, 2023. See a photo from his visit as he checks in with stars L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa) and Tshidi Manye (Rafiki).

Photo: Chance The Rapper Visits THE LION KING on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 9, 2023


See a photo of Chance The Rapper at The Lion King on Broadway!

James Corden Will Join THE LION KING For THE LAST LAST LATE LATE SHOW Special
by Michael Major - February 24, 2023


Global superstar Tom Cruise is reuniting with James Corden for one final, over-the-top sketch to celebrate the conclusion of James Corden's THE LATE LATE SHOW tenure. Now the tables are turned as Corden has Cruise take part in an epic musical performance during “The Lion King” at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

Photo: Queen Latifah Visits THE LION KING on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 21, 2023


Check out a photo of Queen Latifah visiting THE LION KING! See how to purchase tickets to The Lion King.

Disney's THE LION KING To Return To Tulsa in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 13, 2023


Tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney's THE LION KING will go on sale to the public on Monday, February 13th at 10:30am. Tulsa's most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Tulsa PAC stage on Thursday, June 1st for a limited engagement of three weeks through Saturday, June 17th.

THE LION KING Sets New Record For Highest-Grossing Week in Broadway History
by Stephi Wild - January 4, 2023


The Lion King has set a new record for the highest-grossing week in Broadway history with his holiday week gross of $4,315,264. The production played to 99% capacity in the week ending on January 1, 2023.

Video: THE LION KING Celebrates 25 Years With Spanish-Language Performance of 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight?'
by A.A. Cristi - December 19, 2022


The Lion King's 25th Anniversary on Broadway continues its celebration, globally with this all-new video of 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' performed in Spanish, featuring Pearl Khwezi, who stars as Nala in the Broadway production, and Agustín Argüello, who stars as Simba in the Madrid production. 

VIDEO: THE LION KING Fans Get Special Broadway Surprise on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - December 6, 2022


Three generations of one family sat down to discuss the influence that the Lion King has had on them in a new Good Morning America segment. After they discussed their mutual love of the show, they were greeted by Broadway's Mufasa, L. Steven Taylor, who surprised them tickets to the show that night. Watch the new video now!

Video: THE LION KING Celebrates 25 Years on Broadway at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
by Nicole Rosky - November 24, 2022


Earlier this month, the company of The Lion King celebrated the show's epic 25th Anniversary and the celebration continued at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch below as the cast performs 'Circle of Life'.

Photos & Video: THE LION KING Composer Lebo M Honored by The Consulate General of South Africa
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 17, 2022


See photos and video of the Consulate General of South Africa honoring The Lion King’s South African composer, Lebo M.

VIDEO: Julie Taymor Brings THE LION KING to THE VIEW
by Michael Major - November 16, 2022


Julie Taymor appeared on The View to celebrate 25 years of The Lion King on Broadway. Taymor brought along performers from the Broadway production who demonstrated the puppets used in the show that she desgined, including The Lioness, The Bird Man, and The Cheetah. Watch Taymor discuss the puppets' designs and functions in the video now!

Video: Elton John Reflects on THE LION KING's Lasting Impact
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 15, 2022


Watch Sir Elton John reflect on the enduring magic of THE LION KING in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

VIDEO: Heather Headley Sings 'Shadowland' in Honor of THE LION KING's 25th Anniversary
by Team BWW - November 14, 2022


Heather Headley took to Instagram to share a video of her singing 'Shadowland' in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Lion King. Heather Headley originated the role of Nala in The Lion King, which celebrated their anniversary last night at the Minskoff Theatre.

Photos: On the Red Carpet at THE LION KING 25th Anniversary Celebration
by Bruce Glikas - November 14, 2022


The Lion King celebrated its 25th anniversary last night, Sunday, November 13th and BroadwayWorld was there! Check out photos of the stars arriving on the red carpet here!

The Lion King FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does The Lion King on Broadway have a daily lottery?

Price: $35.00
Where: https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/show/the-lion-king/
When: Lottery entries for each performance will be accepted starting 9AM the day prior to the performance until 3PM the day prior to the performance. At that time, the lottery for that performance will be closed. If you are selected as a winner, you have 60 minutes to pay for your tickets.
Limit: 2 per customer
Information: Seats are assigned at the discretion of the Box Office and cannot be transferred to other people or performances. PLEASE NOTE: Lottery seats may be partial view.

How long has The Lion King been running on Broadway?
The Lion King opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre (Broadway) on Thursday Nov 13, 1997 and has now been running for 26 years.
What are the songs in The Lion King and what's the order?
Circle of Life
Grasslands Chant
The Morning Report
The Lioness Hunt
I Just Can't Wait to Be King
Chow Down
They Live in You
Be Prepared
The Stampede
Rafiki Mourns
Hakuna Matata
One by One
The Madness of King Scar
Shadowland
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Endless Night
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Simba Confronts Scar
King of Pride Rock
There are no gunshots in The Lion King.

The Lion King History

Other Productions of The Lion King

1997   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2002   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2003   Chicago Chicago Production
Chicago
2021   West End London Production
West End

The Lion King Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Irene Mecchi
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Roger Allers
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Tim Rice
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Elton John
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Broadway Musical 0
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Choreography Garth Fagan
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Costume Design Julie Taymor
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Director - Musical Julie Taymor
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Featured Actress - Musical Tsidii Le Loka
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Lighting Design Donald Holder
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Set Design Richard Hudson -
1998 The Hewes Awards Costume Design Julie Taymor
1998 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Donald Holder
1998 The Hewes Awards Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design Julie Taymor
1998 Theatre World Awards Performance Max Casella
1998 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Irene Mecchi
1998 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Roger Allers
1998 Tony Awards Best Choreography Garth Fagan
1998 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Julie Taymor
1998 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Julie Taymor
1998 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Donald Holder
1998 Tony Awards Best Musical Disney Theatrical Productions
1998 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Bruce Fowler
1998 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations David Metzger
1998 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Robert Elhai
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Julie Taymor
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Hans Zimmer
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Jay Rifkin
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Mark Mancina
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Lebo M
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Tim Rice
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Elton John
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Samuel E. Wright
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Tsidii Le Loka
1998 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Richard Hudson
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Garth Fagan
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Julie Taymor
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Julie Taymor
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Geoff Hoyle
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Max Cassella
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical Tsidii Le Loka
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Donald Holder
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical The Lion King
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Bruce Fowler
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations David Metzger
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Robert Elhai
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Puppet Design Julie Taymor
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Puppet Design Michael Curry
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival-Play Richard Hudson
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design Tony Meola

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