I’ve seen Disney’s “The Lion King” Musical twice and the second time was even better!
This Broadway play is an instant fan favorite and connects with audiences of all ages.
It’s hard to pick my favorites parts from The Lion King because the Broadway play takes your imagination to a whole new level.
Depending on how old you are, you might remember the original cartoon movie as a point of reference for the storyline. Younger audiences will have the newer film as a point of reference.
No matter what your age, the story, and the visual effects will make an impact.
The costumes, puppetry, and set capture your attention from beginning to end. During the performance watch the aisles to get a closer glimpse of the costumes during the show.
The vocals are moving and powerful, bringing several audience members to tears. You truly feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself as you share the experience of witnessing this incredible play together with the audience.
If you want to introduce a family member to Broadway, THIS is the play!
But a warning, the bar will be set HIGH for them moving forward.
Younger kids will love all of the animals and relate to the younger version of Simba and Nola. If your kids are comfortable with the movie, they should be fine with play. The recommended age is 8.
The Lion King Overview
A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands.
Born into the royal family, precocious cub Simba spends his days exploring the sprawling savanna grasslands and idolizing his kingly father, Mufasa, while youthfully shirking the responsibility his position in life requires.
When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind.
Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king.
A vibrant and exciting tale from the great creatives at Disney, The Lion King is a story of love and redemption that nobody should miss.
The Lion King Awards
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)
- Best Direction of a Musical
The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including:
- NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical 1998
- Grammy®for Best Musical Show Album 1999
- Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year 1999
- Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design 1999
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 continues to supervise new productions of the show around the world.
The Lion King is the Most Popular Stage Musical in the World
After 21 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 more than 100 million people.
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 15 or more years and three others running 20 or more years.
Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages
(English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese),
Productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on:
- Broadway
- London’s West End
- Hamburg
- Tokyo
- Madrid
- on tour across North America
- Japan
- The U.K.& Ireland, with a separate production touring internationally
There are a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe.
Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or another entertainment title in box office history.
How long is the performance?
Disney’s The Lion King is 2hrs, 30mins with 1 intermission. You’ll find candy, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase before and during intermission.
What Ages are Recommended for Disney’s The Lion King?
The Lion King show is recommended for ages 8+ and the performance is not intended for children under 4.
Disney’s The Lion King Upcoming Performances
Jan 8 – Feb 2, 2020
How to Purchase Tickets for The Lion King
Call the Ticket Office at (513) 621-ARTS [2787] or purchase tickets at Cincinnati Arts.org
Where to Watch The Lion King
You can watch The Lion King in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center located at 650 Walnut St.
Learn More about The Lion King and Other Upcoming Shows
Visit the Broadway in Cincinnati website to learn more.
Disclosure: I was provided tickets for media tickets for review purposes.
