The World's #1 Musical Disney's THE LION KING Makes Final Stop In Korea

THE LION KING will open tonight in Busan at the Dream Theatre following record-breaking seasons in Seoul and Daegu. The excitement has been building for audiences from Busan and the surrounding cities for the landmark musical's arrival. For the very first time in this region of Korea, people can see a production of this scale and ticket sales have been unprecedented. The Busan season has already been extended to accommodate the huge demand, now closing on 26th May, which will be the final chance for Koreans to see the original Broadway production on home soil.

THE LION KING is a worldwide phenomenon that redefines the expectations of theatre. Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries, over 95 million people have experienced it, making it an unrivalled success in the industry. The acclaimed director, Julie Taymor, has brought together a spectacular show for Korean audiences with a truly global cast and crew representing 19 nationalities.

"Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team have brought The Lion King to thrilling theatrical life," said Felipe Gamba, Director, International Strategy and Production at Disney Theatrical Productions. "It's a joy to bring this show to the new Dream Theatre in Busan - we cannot wait for new audiences to join us here."

Michael Cassel, Producer & Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cassel Group said, "It's a dream come true to be touring Disney's THE LION KING and receive the extraordinary response the show has to date in Korea. To open the show in Busan's brand new Dream Theatre is a monumental landmark in the tour journey and we cannot wait to share this magical production with Busan audiences"

THE LION KING will continue to roar in Busan with performances from April 11th until May 26th at Busan Dream Theatre. For more information, please visit THE LION KING website (www.thelionking.co.kr).

After 21 landmark years on Broadway, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 95 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the only show in history to generate six productions worldwide running 15 or more years. Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway; London's West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Scheveningen, Holland; South Korea and on tour across North America and Japan, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING's worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

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. 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. The show's director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show's ongoing success. The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

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."

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: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com

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