Disney's THE LION KING Will Debut in the Middle East This November

Marking its 25-year anniversary, the world-famous, award-winning musical is set for a historical 4-week run in the UAE capital from November 16 to December 10 at Yas Island's Etihad Arena.

Get ready to roar. Marking 25 years since its Broadway premiere, Disney's THE LION KING will make its Middle East debut in Abu Dhabi this November, providing theatre fans from across the region with an unprecedented, unmissable opportunity to enjoy the world-famous, award-winning production in the UAE capital.

The musical has entertained nearly 110 million people worldwide since its 1997 debut and will begin its 4-week run in Abu Dhabi, with previews on November 16 & 17 and opening night on November 18 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. The show will run until December 10.

THE LION KING continues to garner huge acclaim worldwide with permanent residences in New York, London, Madrid and Tokyo, and has enjoyed further international touring success recently in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and more. The show in Abu Dhabi represents a historic stop for the highest-grossing Broadway production of all-time.

"Director Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team first brought THE LION KING to the stage in a stunning production 25 years ago, and this production brings that vision to thrilling life at every performance." said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions. "It's a joy to bring THE LION KING to the Middle East for the first time in the show's history. We cannot wait for you to join us in Abu Dhabi."

Chafic Najia - Senior Vice President, The Walt Disney Company Middle East and North Africa said: "We're so excited to finally share Disney's award-winning musical THE LION KING with our fans in the UAE. Brought to us by visionary director Julie Taymor, and following the story of Disney's beloved film, the musical offers an amazing experience, stunning effects, and, of course, unforgettable music. There's something for everyone in the family and we can't wait to share it with you."

Michael Cassel, Producer and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cassel Group said: "To be able to share the joy of Julie Taymor's vision and bring THE LION KING to Abu Dhabi for the first time is thrilling. This world-class production features an international company representing nineteen nationalities. I am excited that Abu Dhabi audiences will be able to enjoy this truly authentic Broadway experience, acclaimed all over the world, for the very first time in this spectacular venue."

Brought to the UAE by Proactiv in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral - Abu Dhabi's leading creator of destinations and experiences, the long-running adaptation of Disney's popular 1994 animated film is a coming-of age tale of a young lion prince forced to mature quickly when his father dies and an avaricious uncle attempts to claim the young prince's birth-right.

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi said: "Abu Dhabi is further elevating its exciting calendar of events this year by attracting a Broadway show of this magnitude to the destination. Disney's THE LION KING has a remarkable reputation for captivating audiences with the talents of its ensemble cast, beloved musical numbers and phenomenal costumes and set designs. We look forward to welcoming Disney fans and families from across the region to witness these unmissable, riveting performances at the Etihad Arena."

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said: "This truly is an exciting event, and we can't wait to host the wonderful and award-winning THE LION KING here on Yas Island for the first time in the region. The musical will not only move the audience with its emotional story, but it will also boost the ever-evolving entertainment offering available at Yas Island and will reinforce its position as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure."

Winner of more than 70 global theatrical awards - including six Tony Awards, a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, and Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Costume Design - the show will run on weekdays and weekends with two performances per day on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Etihad Arena will be specially configured into an intimate setting to ensure a theatre-like experience. Ticket prices start from Dh200 and will be sold exclusively through Platinum List and etihadarena.ae. Royal and VIP tickets will be available on the floor offering the best view and most intimate experience.

Nicolas Renna, Managing Director at Proactiv Entertainment, a leading producer, and promoter of large-scale events, said: "It doesn't get any bigger in the world of theatre than THE LION KING, a global hit that transcends audiences and demographics. So, to be able to bring it to Middle East for the first time, here in Abu Dhabi, is extremely exciting. Fans are in for a real treat."

For news and updates, fans can visit TheLionKing.ae, as well as following The Lion King Abu Dhabi on Instagram and Facebook. WATCH ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO VIEW PRODUCTION IMAGES Website: thelionking.ae
Facebook: @TheLionKingAE
Instagram: @TheLionKingAE MEDIA ENQUIRIES Kelly Geater
Production Publicist
M: +61 452 289 930
kelly.geater@michaelcassel.com Remy Chancerel
Director, Publicity
M: +61 403 996 433
remy.chancerel@michaelcassel.com NOTES FOR EDITORS
ABOUT PROACTIV ENTERTAINMENT
Proactiv is the leading promoter in Spain in the production and organisation of large-scale shows, national and international exhibitions and music concerts. Headquartered in Barcelona, with offices in Madrid and Abu Dhabi, this independent company has more than thirty-five years of experience in the entertainment sector.

Its 3 solid lines of business are the production and creation of Live Events, Exhibitions and music concerts. Its projects include shows with major brands, recognised nationally and internationally, such as Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Star Wars in Concert, Marvel Universe Live, Peppa Pig, Harlem Globetrotters, WWE, Monster Jam, Walking Among Dinosaurs, Cartoon Network and successful exhibitions such as Meet Vincent van Gogh, The Art of the Brick, Barça the Exhibition and Ferrari Behind The Dream. In music, it not only produces concerts by major artists, but also offers booking and management services to other promoters and record labels.

Internationally, it has replicated the successful model implemented in Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Latin America and Europe, where it also organises and produces original shows for all audiences.

ABOUT THE LION KING
Approaching 25 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 nearly 110 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King has made theatrical history with two productions worldwide running 15 or more years and four others running 20 or more years. In the history of Broadway, only two productions have run longer.

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), there are currently 10 productions of The Lion King around the world; Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Tokyo, Madrid, on tour across North America, Japan and the U.K. & Ireland, with a separate production touring internationally. The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 21 countries on every continent except Antarctica; its 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 supervises new productions of the show around the world, to this day.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice's songs 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 Lebo M's rich choral numbers.

Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King 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), Anthony Lyn (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, Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT Michael Cassel Group
Michael Cassel Group is a leading live entertainment company formed to produce and create the world's greatest musical and theatrical productions and live entertainment. Productions include the first international tour of the world's #1 musical, The Lion King, the Australian premieres of the award-winning productions Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and & Juliet, and new productions of Mary Poppins and The Picture of Dorian Gray. Current Broadway and West End credits include co-lead producer of Almost Famous and co-producer of MJ: The Musical, Into The Woods, Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical and Pretty Woman.

Previous productions include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Les Misérables, Kinky Boots, Singin' In The Rain and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Concert tours and major events include The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Celeste Barber, Tina Arena, Darren Criss and Lea Salonga, along with the opening celebration of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 which was televised internationally. In addition to the group's expanding theatrical interests, the company represents former Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, journalist and broadcaster Liz Hayes, former Olympian and global sporting administrator Lord Sebastian Coe CH, KBE, Strictly You by Sonia Kruger & Better Homes and Gardens personality Charlie Albone. TixTrack Australasia, a partnership between TixTrack Inc and Michael Cassel Group, provides ticketing for live entertainment and cultural organisations in Australia and New Zealand including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Michael Cassel Group is headquartered in Sydney, with offices in New York, Singapore, and Melbourne. Copyright © 2022 Michael Cassel Group Pty Limited.
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