The Lion King
The most exciting, most inventice, most moving theater that has ever come to Broadway
Newsweek
Why see The Lion King?
The Highest-Grossing Broadway Show Of All Time
As seen on Macy's Days Thanksgiving Parade 2022!
Lose yourself in the epic adventure that is The Lion King on Broadway! Based on the beloved Disney movie, this Broadway blockbuster transports you to the African Serengeti, where you'll meet the tenacious young lion prince Simba, who must battle to reclaim his throne in the face of tragedy.
A visually stunning affair, The Lion King on Broadway was brought to life by visionary director Julie Taymor. Not content with directing a run-of-the-mill adaptation, she rebuilt the story from the ground up, employing sumptuous costumes alongside intricate puppetry to bring all of the animals to life before your eyes. That's not to mention the music of course - all of Elton John and Tim Rice's songs from the movie remain ('Circle of Life', 'Hakuna Matata'), alongside some new original numbers. Since opening in 1997, The Lion King has remained one of New York's must-see attractions, and now stands as Broadway's third longest-running show of all time!
What Is The Lion King About?
Described as "Hamlet with fur", we open to the dawn rejoicing of all the animals of the savanna, as a new lion prince is born to the benevolent King Mufasa and his queen Sarabi. The cub, Simba, grows up into a lively and feckless youngster who gets into trouble with his childhood friend Nala, Together the two cubs play and discover their homeland in a series of adventures until one day King Mufasa is tragically murdered by his brother Scar. Simba is usurped by his evil uncle and retreats to the jungle to grow up with the sharp-witted meerkat Timon and his big-hearted wildebeest buddy Pumba.
Flash forward to years later, and this trio have become firm friends, spending their time roaming the land and getting into all sorts of hi-jinks. Yet Simba knows that one day he must face up to his destiny, and when he learns of the terrible havoc wreaked by Scar, he sets out to reclaim his throne and restore peace to the animal kingdom!
Did You Know?
The stage version of The Lion King has earned over 70 major theatre awards across the world!
Key Information
Audience
All guests require a ticket, regardless of age. We recommend that children be at least six years old to attend.
Run Time
Two hours 30 minutes with one intermission.
Dates
Open Run
Upcoming Performances
Cast
- Vincent Jamal Hooper as Simba
- Stephen Carlile as Scar
- L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa
- Cameron Pow as Zazu
- Ben Jeffrey as Pumbaa
- Fred Berman as Timon
- Pearl Khwezi as Nala
- James Brown-Orleans as Banzai
- Bonita J. Hamilton as Shenzi
- Robb Sapp as Ed
- Annika Franklin and Nia Thompson alternating as Young Nala
- Ezekiel Kekuna and Albert Rhodes Jr. alternating as Young Simba
- Pitjeng-Molebatsi as Rafiki
Further cast
Cameron Amandus, Ezekiel Andrew, Andrew Arrington, Lindiwe Dlamini, Ntomb'khona Dlamini, Gilbert Domally, Zinhle Dube, Bongi Duma, Angelica Edwards, Jim Ferris, Rosie Lani Feidelman, Shawn Alynda Fisher, Paige Fraser-Hoffman, Daniel Harder, Michael Alexander Henry, Marquise Hitchcock, Antwaun Holley, Michael Hollick, Lindsey Jackson, Mduduzi Madela, Jaysin McCollum, Ray Mercer, S'bu Ngema, Nhlanhla Ngobeni, Nteliseng Nkhela, Isio-Maya Nuwere, Antonia Raye, Jacqueline Rene, Kaylin Seckel, Derrick Spear, Kevin Ricardo Tate, Natalie Turner, Donna Michelle Vaughn, James Vessell, Marcus Williams and Sidney Nicole Wilson
Creative
- Julie Taymor
- Garth Fagan
- Richard Hudson
- Michael Curry
- Donald Holder
- Julie Taymor
- Elton John
- Tim Rice
- Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi
Awards
1998 Theatre World Awards
- Max Casella
1998 Drama Desk Awards
- Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Tsidii Le Loka)
- Outstanding Choreography (Garth Fagan)
- Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Julie Taymor)
- Outstanding Set Design of a Musical (Richard Hudson)
- Outstanding Costume Design (Julie Taymor)
- Outstanding Lighting Design (Donald Holder)
- Outstanding Sound Design (Tony Meola)
- Outstanding Puppet Design (Julie Taymor, Michael Curry)
Nominations
- Outstanding New Musical
- Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Max Casella, Geoff Hoyle)
- Outstanding Orchestrations (Robert Elhai, David Metzger, and Bruce Fowle)
1998 Tony Awards
- Best Musical
- Best Choreography (Garth Fagan)
- Best Direction of a Musical (Julie Taymor)
- Best Costume Design for a Musical (Julie Taymor)
- Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Donald Holder)
- Best Scenic Design for a Musical (Richard Hudson)
Nominations
- Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Samuel E. Wright)
- Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical (Tsidii Le Loka)
- Best Book of a Musical (Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi)
- Best Orchestrations (Robert Elhai, David Metzger and Bruce Fowler)
- Best Original Score (Elton John, Tim Rice, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, Hans Zimmer)
Reviews
Customer reviews
72 reviews, average rating: (4.8 Stars)
Gabriel DeMaria
A LIFE LONG MEMORY!!!!
From the opening curtain to the final call,
emotional, riveting!!! Truly a show for the ages!!! ... Read more
Luke S.
One of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life
First off, I would give this 100/5 stars if I could. I was so moved by this musical. Everything about the show is absolutely amazing, but the music is why I wish I could see it again. The songs "Circle of Life" and "They/He Lives in You" will bring out some of the strongest emotions you will ever experience. I was fighting back tears of sheer amazment and joy for the entire performance. This is a show for all ages and all people EVERYWHERE. If I ever am in NYC again, or anywhere else where this is playing I would not hesitate for 1 second to buy a ticket and go again. The show was just amazing. I cannot say enough good things about it. I bought the soundtrack after the show because I enjoyed the music so much. The songs mentioned before, especially "Return to Pride Rock/Circle of life (refrain)" will bring you to tears if you just sit and soak in the beauty of the music. Also, the chorus of singers dressed in traditional African clothing, were breathtaking. See it! Then see it again! ... Read more
Anonymous
Amazing Show!!
I saw this show 4 years ago with my family, and we
were all just blown away. I thought it was the
best Broadway show I'd ever seen (out of a dozen
or more). Now I'm bringing a favorite cousin to
New York. She has never seen a Broadway show, and
this is the one I picked to bring her to see!! I
loved it and can't wait to see it again. Yes, I
would take children to see it...my grandchildren
were 6 and 10 when we saw it, and they loved it.
... Read more
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