Yesterday (November 13), The Lion King celebrated an extraordinary milestone, marking 27 years on Broadway. It joins the elite ranks of The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago as one of only three shows to ever achieve this remarkable feat.

Directed by the visionary Julie Taymor, The Lion King made its Broadway debut in 1998, bringing to life the beloved Disney story of Simba, King Mufasa, and Queen Sarabi. Often dubbed 'Hamlet with Fur' this iconic musical features the unforgettable music of Elton John and Tim Rice, with classics like "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata" resonating with audiences worldwide.

Having now surpassed 10,600 performances on Broadway, The Lion King stands proudly alongside The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago as one of Broadway's longest-running shows. This beloved adaptation entertains approximately 90,000 people each week globally, with performances in cities like Tokyo, London, Paris, Toronto, Hamburg, and Madrid.

The show has garnered numerous accolades since its opening in 1998, including six Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography, and Best Direction of a Musical.

Remarkably, after 27 years, many original cast and crew members remain part of the production. Lindiwe Dlamini has been with the show since its pre-Broadway origins, along with musicians Tom Brett, Avril Brown, George Flynn, Eliana Mendoza, Rolando Morales-Matos, Horace "Junior" Wedderburn, and David Weiss. Additionally, original members such as Cynthia Boardman (wardrobe), Elizabeth Cohen (make-up), Hilda Garcia-Suli (wardrobe), Doug Graf (spot operator), Anne Salt (puppet technician), and Sean Strohmeyer (Varilites electrics) continue to contribute to the magic.

The Lion King's enduring success is a testament to its timeless story, spectacular performances, and the dedicated team that keeps this show roaring on Broadway.