First Lady Michelle Obama And Daughters Visit UK THE LION KING

As part of their private visit to London, First Lady Michelle Obama and First Daughters Sasha and Malia Obama joined an audience of over 2000 theatre-goers at the Tuesday, June 9th West End performance of Disney's THE LION KING at the Lyceum Theatre. The visit to the award-winning musical was in celebration of Sasha's 8th birthday.

En route to the United States from Paris, the Obama family also visited the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Harry Potter film set, and a traditional British pub where they are reported to have enjoyed fish and chips.

Disney's award-winning West End production of THE LION KING is now in its tenth triumphant year at London's Lyceum Theatre. Seen by over 7.5 million people since its UK premiere in 1999, THE LION KING remains one of the most sought-after tickets in the West End. 

THE LION KING has added four months to its schedule, bookings are being taken until January 31 2010. The  company features Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney's multi-award winning musical The Lion King will redefiNe Your expectations of theatre.

A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney's much-loved film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Now in its second sold-out decade on Broadway, The Lion King is the winner of six Tony® Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for The Lion King. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for The Lion King. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, and additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.

For more information, visit www.TheLionKing.co.uk

Photo of First Lady Michelle Obama courtesy of The White House Press

Photo of UK The Lion King courtesy of Disney Theatrical Productions

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