Broadway Show Ticket The Lion King
This captivating production debuted in October of 1997 where it is still mesmerizing audiences at the Minskoff Theater. It is based on the 1994 Walt Disney animated film, The Lion King, and features actors performing in life-like animal costumes as well as the use of puppets. A strong African presence can be felt throughout the performance that adds to the theme of the production. The characters, the costumes, the set design and the score all help drive the storyline and create a realistic atmosphere. The musical tells the story of a young lion named Simba who must learn to accept his place in the “circle of life” and eventually become king. The story is set in the Pridelands of Africa. The young cub struggles to come to terms with his impending responsibilities of adulthood, and when his father, Mufasa, is killed he flees his home. He cannot however escape his destiny to become king and returns to take his rightful place. Through the course of the story Simba realizes that there are certain things in life that he must do; and the decisions he makes will not only affect him, but those who are depending on him as well. While watching the production the audience actually feels like they are in Africa. The musical score is supplemented with traditional African music, and the set design includes colorful backdrops with images of flying birds and giraffes, actors on stilts, walking across the stage. Some of the costumes are very unique to Broadway. Two of the principal characters costumes, Mufasa and Scar, have mechanical headpieces that can be raised or lowered to create the movements of a cat. The actors who portray the Hyenas, Timon and Pumbaa are in life-sized puppets. Many of the other characters, including the dancers, wear elaborate headpieces. The Broadway production was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and took home six including the 1998 Best Musical Award and Best Costume Design. Most of the music was written by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice. Well-known songs from the hit movie were also featured in the musical including “Circle of Life” and the Academy Award winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Several new scenes were incorporated into the show as well as a few new songs such as Zazu’s informative “Morning Report” and the powerful “Shadowland.” The music sets the tone for the production from the very beginning and keeps the audience intrigued until the final note is played. The Lion King is a successful attempt at taking a children’s movie and turning it into an uplifting, spiritual and entertaining production. It is funny, dramatic and at times can be very realistic especially when Simba is faced with his duties and obligations. From the moment the show begins the audience is taken to the Pridelands and they don’t return until the curtain call.
Derek Smith MUSIC Elton John LYRICS Tim Rice BOOK Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi DIRECTOR Julie Taymor CHOREOGRAPHER Garth Fagan SETS Richard Hudson LIGHTING Donald Holder COSTUMES Julie Taymor ADDITIONAL SONGS Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, & Jay Rifkin PUPPETS & MASKS Julie Taymor & Michael Curry Wed & Sat at 2pm Sun at 1pm, 6:30pm
The Lion King is playing at the Minskoff Theatre in the Theater district located on the Southwest corner of West 45th Street & 7th Avenue. The lobby is in an alleyway between West 44th & 45th Streets.
The address for the theatre is 200 West 45th Street New York, NY 10036
Take the 1, 2, 3, trains to 42nd Street. Head north on Broadway to 45th Street, then go west to the theater entrance.
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