The stage musical version of this 1994 classic Disney animated feature opened on July 8 1997 in Minneapolis, to rave reviews.
The Broadway version opened officially on November 13 1997 (previews ran from October 15 1997) at the New Amsterdam Theatre. It closed here on June 4 2006, and immediately transferred to the Minskoff Theatre, where it opened on 13 June 2006 and continues to this day.
The London version started previews in the Lyceum Theatre on 24th September 1999, and opened officially on 19 October 1999. Performances were paused in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and resumed 29 July 2021.
From 9-18 September 2024, the show took a break for refurbishments of automation, lighting, set and front of house areas.
Director: Julie Taymor Music: Elton John Lyrics: Tim Rice Additional Music & Lyrics: Lebo M, Mark Mancina Book: Irene Mecchi, Roger Allers Lighting Design: Donald Holder Set Design: Richard Hudson Costume Design: Julie Taymor Mask / Puppet Design: Julie Taymor & Michael Curry Choreography: Garth Fagan Hair & Makeup Design: Michael Ward Sound Design: Tony Meola / Steve Canyon Kennedy Producer: Disney Theatrical Productions
The Circle of Life 360 – Smartphone or Tablet?
If you’re reading this page on a smartphone or on a tablet, you may be able to experience The Lion King 360 Experience – The Circle of Life Start the video playing then move your device to look around the stage
The Making of The Lion King (ABC News, November 2012)
The opening of the show is an unforgettable blend of scenic automation, puppetry, choreography, lighting design and simple theatrical devices.
Pride Rock
Taking pride of place is the amazing Pride Rock scenic piece which rotates as it rises up through the stage floor, through electric and hydraulic motors, all computer-controlled. To frame it, the rear of the stage rakes up to form a horizon line on the cyclorama.
On tour, Pride Rock doesn’t rise through the floor, but is a ‘train’ of automated pieces which track onstage. The rhythm of the show is still the same; it’s just not practically possible to achieve the full effect on tour.
