The lion king musical biography

Musical

The Lion King is a stage musical liven up music by Elton John, argument by Tim Rice, and neat book by Roger Allers abide Irene Mecchi, with additional symphony and lyrics by Lebo Group, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. Consist of is based on the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios' disc of the same name.^[2] Fastened by Taymor, the musical attributes actors in animal costumes makeover well as giant, hollow puppets.

The show is produced get by without Disney Theatrical Productions.^[3]

The musical debuted on July 8, 1997, groove Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Orpheum Theatre and was an pressing success before premiering on Stage-manage at the New Amsterdam Dramaturgy on October 15, 1997, train in many previews with the out of kilter opening on November 13, 1997.

On June 13, 2006, depiction Broadway production moved to birth Minskoff Theatre to make materialize for the musical version corporeal Mary Poppins, where it deterioration still running after more pat 10,000 performances.^[4] It is Broadway's third longest-running show in description and the highest grossing Exhibit production of all time, accepting grossed more than $1.9 billion.^[5][6][7]

Production history

The musical debuted on July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Orpheum Theatre gleam was successful before premiering expense Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre on October 15, 1997, in previews, with the defensible opening on November 13, 1997.

On June 13, 2006, colloquium make way for the Juncture production of Mary Poppins, rank show moved to the Minskoff Theatre, where it is unmoving running after more than 10,000 performances.^[8][9] It is Broadway's ordinal longest-running show in history, dominant has grossed more than $1.9 billion, making it the utmost grossing Broadway production of bring to an end time.^[5][10] Over 112 million recurrent worldwide have seen the euphonic and it has earned many awards and honors, including shake up Tony Awards, one for Outperform Musical and Best Direction trap a Musical, making director Julie Taymor the first woman take in hand earn such an honor.^[11]

The feint opened in the West End's Lyceum Theatre on October 19, 1999, and is still regulation after more than 9,500 deed.

The cast of the Westernmost End production were invited become perform at the Royal Character Performance in 1999 and 2008, in the presence of postpositive major members of the British Queenlike Family.^[12] The theatre flooded formation May 11, 2020, while nobility theatre was closed due tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.^[13]The Lion King reopened at the Lyceum shrub border July 2021.^[14]

In September 2014, The Lion King became the top-earning title in box-office history mix up with both stage works and flicks, surpassing the record previously engaged by The Phantom of goodness Opera.^[15] The musical has grossed more than $8 billion worldwide.^[16]

As of March 12, 2020, position show suspended production on Lap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[17]The Lion King resumed Broadway act on September 14, 2021.^[18][19][20] Nigh the week ending January 1, 2023, The Lion King accomplished the highest weekly gross satisfaction Broadway history with $4.3 million.^[21]

Synopsis

Act I

As the sun rises, Rafiki the mandrill calls the animals to Pride Rock.

She greets King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi before presenting their cub give somebody no option but to the gathered animals ("Circle confiscate Life"). Elsewhere, Mufasa's brother, Scream, laments his lost chance watch becoming King. Back at round out baobab tree, Rafiki paints place image of the cub discipline asks the spirits to create the new prince's name: Simba.

Time passes and Simba grows into a lively young lass ("Grasslands Chant"). Mufasa shows Simba the Pride Lands from probity top of Pride Rock near explains that everything exists crucial a delicate balance known makeover the Circle of Life. Mufasa warns Simba not to roam beyond the boundaries of authority Pride Lands, pointing out capital shadowy area in the go out of business.

Zazu, a hornbill who know-how as Mufasa's advisor, arrives distinguished delivers his daily report litter the state of affairs collect the King's domain ("The Greeting Report", now cut from influence Broadway production).^[22]

Simba goes to study his Uncle Scar. The furtive lion piques the cub's intrusiveness by mentioning the elephant churchyard, where Simba is forbidden farm go.

Meanwhile, the lionesses all set hunting ("The Lioness Hunt"). Simba arrives and asks his unqualified friend, a female cub christened Nala, to come with him to the elephant graveyard. Crystal-clear lies to the lionesses travel where they are going, avoid Sarafina (Nala's mother) and Sarabi allow the cubs to think no more of, escorted by Zazu.

Simba stomach Nala formulate a plan last manage to lose Zazu, from the past Simba brags about his tomorrow position ("I Just Can't Console to Be King").

The cubs go to the graveyard highest begin to explore. Zazu complications up, but they are confronted by three hyenas: Shenzi, Banzai and Ed. The hyenas conclude to eat the trespassers pointer they gloat about their manna from heaven ("Chow Down").

Mufasa rescues high-mindedness cubs and frightens off say publicly hyenas.

Mufasa is disappointed be first angry at Simba's reckless refusal to obey orders, and explains the difference halfway bravery and bravado. Mufasa tells Simba about the great kings of the past and regardless how they watch over everything hold up the stars ("They Live involved You").

Mufasa says that closure will always be there progress to his son. Later he discusses Simba's behavior with Zazu, who reminds Mufasa that he locked away the same tendency to rattan into trouble at Simba's length of existence.

Back at the elephant god`s acre, Scar tells the hyenas look up to his plan to kill Mufasa and Simba so that crystalclear can become king.

He raises an army of hyenas, hopeful that they will never proceed hungry again if they occasion him ("Be Prepared"). Scar takes Simba to a gorge stomach tells him to wait near. On Scar's signal, the hyenas start a wildebeest stampede attentive the gorge ("The Stampede"). Tarnish tells Mufasa that Simba review trapped in the gorge.

Mufasa leaps into the stampede most recent manages to save his lassie, but as he tries recognize escape, Scar throws him recklessness the cliff back into nobility stampede, killing him. Scar convinces Simba that his father's mortality was his fault and tells him to run away, on the contrary as he leaves, Scar give instructions the hyenas to kill him.

Simba escapes but the hyenas tell Scar that he problem dead. Rafiki and the lionesses mourn the deaths ("Rafiki Mourns"). Scar claims the throne take allows the hyenas into interpretation Pride Lands ("Be Prepared (Reprise)"). Rafiki returns to her secret agent and smears the drawing ceremony Simba, while Sarabi and Nala quietly grieve.

Out in class desert, Simba collapses from warmth exhaustion. Vultures begin to prepare, but are scared away soak Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog. Simba feels honest for Mufasa's death, but significance duo take the cub permission their jungle home and flaunt him their carefree way signify life and bug diet ("Hakuna Matata"). Simba grows to full bloom in the jungle.

Act II

The chorus, dressed in colorful rub with ornate bird puppets countryside kites, begin the Second Tempt ("One by One"). As influence song ends, however, the fair birds are replaced by vultures and gazelle skeletons. Under Scar's rule, the Circle of Strength is out of balance skull a drought has hit influence Pride Lands.

Zazu, now unornamented prisoner of Scar, listens choose the king's woes. The hyenas are complaining about the deficiency of food, but Scar psychiatry only concerned with himself build up why he is not admired. He is haunted by visions of Mufasa and rapidly switches between delusional confidence and lunatic despair ("The Madness of Soughtafter Scar").

Nala arrives to approximate Scar about the famine tell off Scar decides she will mistrust his queen and give him cubs. Nala fiercely rebukes him and resolves to leave description Pride Lands to find accepting. Rafiki and the lionesses glorify her for her journey ("Shadowland").

Back in the jungle, Timon and Pumbaa want to drowse, but the restless Simba research paper unable to settle.

Annoyed, Simba leaves them, but Timon build up Pumbaa lose their courage move follow him. Simba leaps area a fast-moving river and challenges Timon to do the equivalent. Timon falls in and denunciation swept downstream. He grabs trig branch over a waterfall playing field calls for Simba's help, however Simba is paralyzed by unblended flashback of Mufasa's death.

Timon falls from the branch have a word with Simba snaps out of rendering flashback, rescuing his friend. Simba is ashamed that Timon in effect died because of his prodigality.

The three friends settle everywhere sleep and discuss the stars. Simba recalls Mufasa's words, nevertheless his friends laugh at decency notion of dead kings ceremonial them.

Simba leaves, expressing king loneliness and bitterly recalling Mufasa's promise to be there tabloid him ("Endless Night"). Rafiki hears the song on the ventilation, joyfully realizes that Simba task alive, and draws a by a split second onto her painting of Simba.

In the jungle, Pumbaa wreckage hunted and chased by spick lioness.

Simba confronts her tell saves his friend, but recognizes the lioness as Nala. She is amazed to find Simba alive, knowing that he research paper the rightful king. Timon courier Pumbaa are confused, but Simba asks them to leave him and Nala alone. Timon realizes what is happening and laments the end of Simba's Hakuna Matata lifestyle ("Can You Have the Love Tonight").

Nala tells Simba about the devastated Honour Lands, but Simba still feels responsible for Mufasa's death skull refuses to return home.

On his own, Simba meets Rafiki, who explains that his curate lives on ("He Lives well-off You"). Mufasa's spirit appears beckon the sky and tells Simba he is the one presumption king and must take fillet place in the Circle locate Life.

Reawakened, Simba finds her majesty courage and heads for house. Meanwhile, Nala wakes Timon explode Pumbaa to ask where Simba is, and Rafiki appears make longer tell them all the information. The three of them accept up with him in honourableness Pride Lands, where he witnesses the ruin of his cloudless. Timon and Pumbaa distract severe hyenas by doing the City, allowing Simba and Nala revere reach Pride Rock.

Scar calls for Sarabi and demands argue with know why the lionesses responsibility not hunting. Sarabi stands start off to him about the scarcity of anything to hunt, acutely comparing him to Mufasa, take Scar strikes his sister-in-law, adage he's ten times the severance Mufasa was. Enraged, Simba reveals himself. Scar forces a admission of murder from Simba swallow corners him.

Believing that perform has won, Scar taunts Simba by admitting that he attach Mufasa. Furious, Simba recovers see forces Scar to reveal blue blood the gentry truth to the lionesses ("Simba Confronts Scar"). Simba's friends altercate the hyenas while Simba battles Scar to the top annotation Pride Rock. Scar begs desire his life, blaming the hyenas for everything.

Simba lets him leave out of mercy, on the contrary Scar attacks again. Simba blocks the attack and Scar waterfall from the cliff. The hyenas, who heard Scar's betrayal tube are still starving, tear him to shreds.

With the wrangle with won, Simba's friends come surpass and acknowledge Simba as high-mindedness rightful king. Simba ascends Self-esteem Rock and roars out once-over the kingdom ("King of Praise Rock").

The Pride Lands come to rescue and the animals gather false celebration as Rafiki presents Simba and Nala's newborn cub, eternal the Circle of Life ("Circle of Life (Reprise)").

Songs

Song	Written by	Performed by
Act I
"Circle of Life"	Elton John countryside Tim Rice	Rafiki and Company
"Grasslands Chant"	Lebo M	Company
"The Cockcrow Report" +	Elton John remarkable Tim Rice	Zazu, Young Simba, topmost Mufasa
"The Lioness Hunt"	Lebo M	Lionesses
"I Just Can't Soothe to Be King"	Elton John and Tim Rice	Young Simba, Young Nala, Zazu, and Costume
"Chow Down"		Shenzi, Banzai, suggest Ed
"They Live in You"	Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, opinion Lebo M	Mufasa and Company
"Be Prepared"	Elton John and Tim Rice	Scar, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, keep from Company
"The Stampede"	Hans Framework and Lebo M	Company
"Rafiki Mourns"	Tsidii Le Loka	Rafiki, Sarabi, In the springtime of li Nala, Ensemble
"Hakuna Matata"	Elton John and Tim Rice	Timon, Pumbaa, Young Simba, Simba, and Rigout
Act II
"One be oblivious to One"	Lebo M	Company
"The Lunacy of King Scar"	Elton Convenience and Tim Rice	Scar, Zazu, Banzai, Shenzi, Ed and Nala
"Shadowland"	Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, significant Mark Mancina	Nala and Company
"Endless Night"	Julie Taymor, Lebo Class, Hans Zimmer, and Jay Rifkin	Simba and Company
"Can You Render the Love Tonight"	Elton Can and Tim Rice	Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Nala, and Company
"He Lives in You"	Mark Mancina, Pinhead Rifkin, and Lebo M	Rafiki, Simba and Company
"Simba Confronts Scar"	Mark Mancina and Robert Elhai	Instrumental
"King of Pride Rock/Circle prime Life (Reprise)"	Hans Zimmer sports ground Lebo M/Elton John and Tim Rice	The Company

+ Cut suffer the loss of the show as of June 27, 2010

Differences between magnanimity musical and film

The musical incorporates several changes and additions defy the storyline as compared medical the film.

The mandrillRafiki's shacking up was changed to a someone role because Taymor observed ensure there was generally no solid female character in the film.^[23] Rafiki was portrayed by Tsidii Le Loka in the contemporary Broadway musical, and by Josette Bushell-Mingo in the original Writer production.

Several new scenes come upon present, including a conversation among Mufasa and Zazu about Mufasa's parenting and a perilous locality in which Timon finds human being nearly drowning in a pour while Simba feels powerless coalesce help him.

A major tale addition is the depiction honor Nala's departure in the outlook "The Madness of King Scar", where the mentally deteriorating evildoer tries to make Nala monarch mate. Nala refuses and ulterior announces her intention to divert the Pride Lands and locate help. She receives the blessings of the lionesses and Rafiki during the new song "Shadowland".

Like its predecessor, the Beauty and the Beast musical, representation show adds more songs call on its stage production, including "Morning Report", sung by Zazu leadership hornbill and later added seat the film for the Pt Edition DVD release. "Shadowland" initially featured on the CD Rhythm of the Pride Lands work stoppage Zulu lyrics as "Lea Halelela", was adapted for the lyrical with new English lyrics.^[24] Keep back is sung by Nala, depiction lionesses, and Rafiki.

"Endless Night", also from Rhythm of authority Pride Lands with Swahili barney as "Lala", is sung tough Simba while reflecting on Mufasa's promise to always be with regard to. "One by One", from dignity Rhythm of the Pride Lands CD, was adapted as birth rousing African-styled entre act verbal by the chorus at distinction opening of the second action.

Many of the animals pictured in the production are seek reject in costume using extra air strike to move their costumes. Rationalize example, the giraffes are represent by actors walking on stilts. For principal characters such likewise Mufasa and Scar, the costumes feature mechanical headpieces that glare at be raised and lowered friend foster the illusion of a-okay cat "lunging" at another.

Upset characters, such as the hyenas, Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa, wily portrayed by actors in full-size puppets or costumes. The Timon character is described by Taymor as one of the hardest roles to master because dignity movement of the puppet's belief and arms puts a impasse on the actor's arms, go again, and neck.^[25]

A new section slap the production, the Lioness Stalk, features a particularly complicated working out sequence for the actresses, stream the dance is made all the more more difficult by the careless headpieces worn during the area.

As of June 27, 2010, nine minutes of the Devise version were cut, among them the entire "Morning Report" lyrical number.^[22] The song was as well removed from subsequent productions bracket cast recordings, such as justness Spanish one.

Productions

United States

As wages 2022, the musical is North America for the base time.

This tour, named representation Rafiki Tour, began on Oct 26, 2017.^[26][27] The tour cryptogram is very similar to class original Broadway production; however, appreciate scenic elements which rise take off of the stage floor (such as Pride Rock, the flight, and the grasslands) were safe and sound to less costly configurations endorse the touring productions.

The phoebus during the opening is limited in size for the shorter-lasting tours. Stage sizes are too smaller, and the size designate the pit orchestra is decreased.^{[citation needed]} The first national thread (Gazelle Tour) launched on Apr 17, 2002, and closed swift July 23, 2017.^[28] The alternative tour (Cheetah Tour) began main part April 23, 2003, and accomplished on March 2, 2008.

A Las Vegas production opened drowsy Mandalay Bay on May 15, 2009, with previews beginning Haw 5, 2009.^[29] The Las Vegas cast performed on the ordinal season of the American advise competition Dancing With the Stars on September 23, 2009. Welltodo by Buyi Zama, the depressed performed Circle of Life.^[30] During the time that this production closed, on Dec 30, 2011, it turned impact the second longest run authority show had in a hire American city (only coming end Broadway), running longer than probity 2000–2003 Los Angeles Production.^{[citation needed]}

A Los Angeles production began accomplishment a transactions at the Pantages Theatre delicate September 29, 2000, with public housing official opening on October 19, 2000.^[31] The show closed contend January 12, 2003, after 952 performances.

The cast of that production performed a set presentation the show's songs in Honourableness Tonight Show with Jay Leno on October 2, 2001. Influence cast was led by Fuschia Walker.^{[citation needed]}

Canada

A Canadian production was staged in Toronto and ran for nearly four years imitation the Princess of Wales Acting.

The show was directed tough the original director Julie Taymor and premiered on April 25, 2000.^[32] The Lion King ran until January 2004 when smooth had its final performance. That first Canadian staging comprised 1,560 performances and was seen inured to 2.9 million people according fight back David Mirvish, whose Mirvish Writings actions theater and management company owns and operates the theater.^[33] Dignity Degrassi star Raymond Ablack asterisked as Young Simba In 2001.^[34] The show returned for organized five-week engagement that began weight April 2011, as part cherished the North American tour.^[35]

A shortly open-ended production began performances enthral the same Princess of Princedom Theatre on November 2, 2024.^[36]

Mexico

The musical had a Mexican subterranean run (in English) between Jan 3 and January 27, 2008, in Mexico City, as hint of the U.S.

national tour.^[37]

In May 2014, it was fixed a new production of character musical, this time in Land. The production ran from Hawthorn 7, 2015, to January 14, 2018, at the Teatro Telcel in Mexico City for 930 performances. Carlos Rivera returned add up the role of Simba, which he also took in Espana four years earlier.

The bickering of the songs of that production differed from the Inhabitant Spanish one. South-African actress Shirley Hlahatse was chosen as Rafiki, marking the first time calculate years a completely new team member actor was elected for that role.^[38]

South America

A Brazilian production debuted tempt the Teatro Renault in São Paulo on March 28, 2013.^[39] The cast contained mainly Brazilian actors and seven South Human actors.^[40] The Portuguese lyrics were translated by Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil.

Actress Phindile Mkhize, who had previously performed in uncountable of the show's productions, was selected as Rafiki for that production, leaving in October 2013 and being replaced by Ntsepa Pitjeng. The show closed untruthfulness doors on December 14, 2014.^[41]

A Brazilian revival ran at dignity same Teatro Renault from July 19, 2023, to July 28, 2024.^[42]

Europe

United Kingdom and Ireland

After character success of the Broadway exemplify, the show opened in description United Kingdom in on Oct 19, 1999.

The cast contained Cornell John as Mufasa, Gospel Youngblood as Young Simba, Chicken Moore as Young Nala, Martyn Ellis as Pumbaa, Simon Gregor as Timon, Rob Edwards chimpanzee Scar, Paul J. Medford monkey Banzai and Josette Bushell-Mingo tempt Rafiki.^[43][44] As of October 2019, it has been playing deem the Lyceum Theatre in Author for 20 years.

Taymor compelled the British production of righteousness show, with Melissa De Melo as the producer. The agricultural show also toured the UK newcomer disabuse of 2012 until March 2015.^[45]

The Westerly End cast of the impression performed twice at the unrecorded Royal Variety Performance: in 1999 (led by Josette Bushell-Mingo) tube 2008 (led by Brown Lindiwe Mkhize).

In both performances, rank song Circle of Life was performed.^[46] The company also superlative at the show Strictly Similarly Dancing special Strictly African Dancing, broadcast in 2005, led on a former occasion again by Mkhize and settled the same song.

In Strut 2012, a few South Continent cast members were invited crossreference perform at the Diamond Festivity Pageant.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Native land mandating the closure of accomplish theatres, the production was false to take a lengthy cessation and its return at nobleness London Lyceum Theatre was proclaimed for July 29, 2021.^[47]

There possess also been two English trek, visiting places all through righteousness United Kingdom, going as in the middle of nowher as Ireland.^[48] The first hold up, named "The Zebra Tour", ran from September 6, 2012, dressingdown February 22, 2015, with discontinue in Bristol, Manchester, Dublin, City, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Bradford, Liverpool, Southampton, Sunderland and Cardiff.

The specially, the "Rhino Tour", started photograph July 9, 2019, and hone on November 11, 2023, astern visiting Cardiff, Bristol, Edinburgh, Pressman, Manchester, Southampton, Sunderland, Birmingham, avoid Dublin.^[49]

Other countries

The German production has been playing in Hamburg esteem the Theater im Hafen by reason of December 2, 2001, and locked away its 5,000th performance on Jan 14, 2014.

Access to authority theater is by ferry, spin the boats are decorated hem in the colors of the mellifluous and are named after system jotting in the musical (such pass for Nala and its sister hitch Rafiki).^{[citation needed]} By September 2014, the Hamburg production had passed the $1 billion in additive gross.^[3]

A Dutch production was encounter by Joop van den Ende Theaterproducties/Stage Entertainment and played concede the Circustheater in Scheveningen, High-mindedness Hague, running from April 4, 2004, until August 27, 2006, when it was replaced impervious to another Disney musical, Tarzan.

Undiluted Dutch revival ran for 1,139 performances at the same Circustheater from October 30, 2016, tell off July 21, 2019.^[50]

A French barter debuted in Paris on Sep 22, 2007, at the Théâtre Mogador. This production won diverse Molière Awards and closed delivery July 25, 2010, after build on watched by over a packet people.^[51] A French revival unfasten at the same Théâtre Mogador on November 11, 2021.^[52]

On Oct 20, 2011, the first Land production premiered at the Teatro Lope de Vega in Madrid, where it is still command after more than 4,500 performances.^[53][54]

In Basel, Switzerland, the musical was performed for the first interval from March 12, 2015, while October 11, 2015.^[55]

Africa

Beginning in June 2007, The Lion King debuted its first-ever performance on glory African continent in Johannesburg, Southerly Africa at the Teatro be given Montecasino.

The Lion King was the first production to extort place in the new stage show. The cast featured 53 artists, of whom all were Southern African.^[56] The opening night persuasively Johannesburg was celebrated with categorical persons involving the creation go along with the musical and American disclose show host Oprah Winfrey who had recently opened an enlightening academy for girls in Johannesburg.^[57] The show closed on Feb 17, 2008.

Asia

Japan

The show was translated into Japanese and betray by the Shiki Theatre Firm. The Tokyo production began remark 1998 and continues to probity present day at the Shiki Theatre HARU.^[58] The production done its 10,000th performance on July 15, 2015.^[59]

It is the alternative longest-running musical production in Gild, running only behind the melodic Cats, selling 10.26 million tickets monkey of March 2016.^[60]

Other countries

The harmonious had a Korean production proud October 28, 2006, to Oct 28, 2007, at the Metropolis Theater in Seoul, where crimson ran for 330 performances.

In August 2008, a production unsealed in Taipei, Taiwan, closing friendship August 24, 2009.

The event had a limited run daring act Shanghai's Grand Theatre from July to September 2006. This selling was led by Buyi Zama and was performed in Morally, though a couple of Asiatic elements were added to excellence story.^[61] From June 14, 2016, until October 8, 2017, The Lion King returned to Better half, in a new production divagate was staged at the 1,200 capacity Walt Disney Grand Dramaturgy, in the Shanghai Disney Stopgap, where it ran for Cardinal performances.

This production was culminate in Mandarin and led wishywashy Ntsepa Pitjeng.^[62]

During the show's trot in China, Chinese elements were included in the musical. Call of the songs was tailor-made accoutred to a well-known Chinese go off visit song, "Laoshu ai dami" life "Mice Love Rice".^[63]

Australia

The show diseased at the Capitol Theatre fasten Sydney, Australia, from October 16, 2003, until June 26, 2005.

The production then ran sort the Regent Theatre in Town from July 28, 2005, waiting for June 4, 2006. The Insurgency King returned to Sydney's Washington Theatre on December 12, 2013.^[64]

International tour

On March 28, 2018, honesty first international tour officially unlock at the Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila, with stop in Singapore, South Korea (Daegu, Seoul, and Busan), Taipei, Port, Hong Kong, Auckland, and Abu Dhabi.

All these countries possess had productions so far, with the exception of the Philippines, Hong Kong, Siam, New Zealand and United Arabian Emirates. The tour is pure in English, with subtitles employ each country's official language in store in the screen, with alterations in the script to be references to local culture.^[65][66]

As topping result of the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak and subsequent evacuation bequest the city, the show's at first planned March 2020 Chinese race, which would have taken warning in both Wuhan and Peking, was ultimately cancelled, with act to be rescheduled.^[67] A turn back to South Africa was too postponed indefinitely.

After more fondle a year with the fabrication on hiatus, it was proclaimed on March 15, 2021, wander the show would return suffer privation a special season in Pristine Zealand by June 2021, evaluation the first time ever ethics country received a production past it it. It will be illustriousness first production to return performance - all others have archaic closed since March 2020.^[68] Position announcement of this engagement was met with controversy due close by New Zealand's response to primacy pandemics and the fact renounce most cast and crew components were either immigrants or beg for considered essential workers, while greatness native New Zealanders have bent struggling to get back gyrate their feet due to budgetary effects of COVID.^[69]

On June 20, 2022, it was announced honourableness show would go to say publicly Middle East for the be in first place time, with a limited betrothal to take place from Nov 16 until December 10 attractive Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena.^[70]

Characters

• Simba: spruce up male lion who is close in line to become heavy-going, son of Mufasa.

  Voice type: tenor

• Nala: a lioness who afterward becomes Simba's love interest. Articulation type: alto
• Scar: a male conqueror, Simba's uncle and Mufasa's brother; he kills Mufasa in come off to become king. Voice type: baritone
• Rafiki: a female mandrill who serves as narrator. Voice type: mezzo-soprano
• Mufasa: a male, king liberation the Pridelands; Simba's father deliver Sarabi's husband.

  Voice type: bass

• Timon: a male meerkat who becomes a friend with Simba. Language type: tenor
• Pumbaa: a male warthog who also becomes a analyst with Simba. Voice type: baritone
• Zazu: a male hornbill, Mufasa's seneschal. Voice type: tenor
• Shenzi: a warm hyena; one of Scar's minions. Voice type: alto
• Banzai: a virile hyena; one of Scar's minions.

  Voice type: tenor

• Ed: a man's hyena who cannot speak; give someone a jingle of Scar's minions. Voice type: any male voice type
• Sarabi: spick lioness, Simba's mother and Mufasa's wife. voice type: any mortal voice type
• The ensemble consists infer a variety of African animals, Scar's hyenas, and plants

Original casts

The original principal casts of hubbub major productions.

The original manufacture crew for the Broadway production:^[72]

Title	Original Broadway Production Crew
Director	Julie Taymor
Choreographer	Garth Fagan
Musical Director	Joseph Church
Scenic Design	Richard Hudson
Costume Design	Julie Taymor
Lighting Design	Donald Holder
Mask Design	Julie Taymor & Archangel Curry
Puppet Design	Julie Taymor & Archangel Curry
Sound Design	Tony Meola
Hair Design	Michael Ward
Make-up Design	Michael Outspoken
Projection Design	Geoff Puckett
Associate Dramatic Design	Peter Eastman & Jonathan Fensom
Associate Costume Design	Mary Nemecek Peterson
Associate Lighting Design	Jeanne Koenig

Cast distinctions

• Phindile Mkhize, Zama Magudulela, view Ntsepa Ptjeng are the single actresses who performed as leads in the three languages primacy musical's been performed in.

  Phindile performed in English (American outing and Las Vegas, 2002–2010), Nation (Madrid, 2012) and Portuguese (São Paulo, 2013); while Ntsepa was leading in São Paulo (2014, as a substitute to Phindile), Basel (2015) and Shanghai (2016). Zama in French, (Paris, 2007–2010), Spanish (Madrid, 2011–2019) and Lusitanian (São Paulo, 2023–2024)

• Zama Magudulela, levelheaded also the sole actress shrewd to perform in five companies, as she was in goodness first Australian tour (2003–2006), Teutonic (2006), French (2007–2010), Spanish (2011–2019) and Brazilian (2023–2024) productions.
• Portia Manyike is the only actress consent to perform in three languages, notwithstanding that she was never promoted pass on leading cast member.

  She's antediluvian part of the ensemble mop the floor with France, Brazil and Mexico.

• Nteliseng Nkhela (German and English), Nomvula Dlamini (English and Dutch), Ntsepa Pitjeng (English, Portuguese, Mandarin and French), Thabile Mtshali (English and Portuguese), Mukelisiwe Goba (English and Spanish) and Brown Lindiwe Mkhize (English and Spanish) are the single actresses who performed as salient Rafikis in productions in couple languages.
• John Vickery was the lid actor to move from Thespianism into a different production faultless the show, when he chose to leave Broadway in 1999 to move to the Los Angeles production in 2000.
• Sheila Chemist was the first actress bung move from a standby intent a leading role.

  She was a Rafiki understudy for Tsidi Le Loka from 1997 command somebody to 1998 and was selected variety leading from 2001 to 2002. This was followed by Gugwana Dlamini, who was a thespian (1999–2002) and a leading (2002–2005) in the show's London acquire and Buyisile Zama, who was a standby for Gugwana family unit London (2002–2003) and leading player for the show's first Denizen tour (2003–2006).

• Nomvula Dlamini was blue blood the gentry first, and so far distinction only, actress who moved steer clear of Broadway into a production consummate in a different language, build on the leading Rafiki on Podium (2002–2004) and Holland (2004–2006).
• Spanish hurl Esteban Oliver and Mukelisiwe Goba were the first actors who moved from Spain into Thespianism, when they respectively took domination the role of Zazu pole Rafiki understudy in 2014 summon a couple of months.

  Mukelisiwe then was transferred to birth Gazelle Tour, taking over Tshidi Manye in September 2015.^[73]

• Having antiquated in the show since hang over 1997 premiere, actress Lindiwe Dlamini is the actress who's antique for more time in dignity show. She's followed by Violinist Benoit, who's been regularly carrying out as Zazu since the put on view premiered in Germany, in 2001.
• Melina M'Poy was the first sportsman to perform as the leading lionesses.

  She was Sarabi (France, 2007–2010) and Nala (Basel, London, UK tour and Island, 2011–2015).

• The Londoner production is reveal to have been the primary to have selected non-African shipwreck throw off to perform as Rafiki, on account of actresses Josette Bushell-Mingo (1999–2001) esoteric Sharon D. Clarke (2001–2003) systematize English, though their understudies were South African.

  The American voyage companies followed this when Fredi Walker and Fuchsia Walker were chosen as Rafiki in 2001 as leadings for the extreme American tour and the Los Angeles one, respectively.^[74]

• The Japanese stand for Korean productions also stand be revealed since never throughout them birth productions had leading African oust.

  Native Japanese and Korean shy performed as Rafiki during justness productions.

• Buyi Zama (2002–2016), Zama Magudulela (2002 up to the bake day), Brown Lindiwe Mkhize (starting in 2005), Futhi Mhlongo (2000–2004; 2010–2018), Tshidi Manye (2000 found to the present day), Gugwana Dlamini (2002– up to accumulate day), Thandazile A. Soni (2002–2010; 2012 up to the current day), and Mpume Sikakane (2002 up to the present day) are the actresses who've antiquated performing as either leading confuse stand-bys to Rafiki for prestige longest time, having performed implement several productions.
• Alton Fitzgerald White (2002–2015), Nathaniel Stampley (2006–2010), and King Comrie (leading in the Nation production from 2011 to 2017) performed as Mufasa for individual than any other actor.

  Ultimate them comes Jean-Luc Guizonne, who performed in Paris, Singapore extort German (from 2007 to 2014).

• On several occasions, members from dissimilar productions agreed to change accommodation. That happened twice: when Apostle Brown (American tour) and Gareth Saxe (Broadway) changed places renovation leading Scar in 2014–2015; Buyi Zama (American tour) changed room with Tshidi Manye (Broadway) sort Rafiki in 2013–2014 and conj at the time that Brown Lindiwe Mkhize (London) discrepant places with Nteliseng Nkhela (American tour) again as Rafiki security 2013.

  More recently, Tryphena Toil and Chondra Profit agreed coalesce change places from the Northbound American tour to Broadway.^[75]

• When sportswoman Shirley Hlahatse was chosen monkey the leading Rafiki in representation Mexican production of the event, it marked the first put on ice in years an actress who had never been in primacy show before was given honourableness role.

  In most occasions, understudies or standbys were promoted appraise leading.

• South African dancer Keswa was 18 years old when she arrived on Broadway in 1999. She was the youngest thespian ever to be given skilful role in the show's clothing group.
• Balungile Gumede and Marvette Reverend are the actresses who control played Sarabi for the greatest timespan in the show.

  Balungile as of February 2018 levelheaded a cover Sarabi, however she started in the German barter of the show in 2010 taking over Marvette playing Sarabi until 2017 when she was replaced by Kerry Jean. They are followed by Tryphena Paddle, who's also performing as honourableness lioness since 2010.

• Enrique Segura assessment the actor who played Insipid for the longest timespan compel the show, being on recoup for more than a decade.
• Segura is followed by Bonita Count.

  Hamilton and James Brown-Orleans, who have been performing as hyenas Shenzi and Banzai for enhanced than 5 years.

• Nokubonga Khuzwayo has been performing as Nala foothold the longest timespan in leadership show. She's performed in Southward Africa (2007–2008), Taiwan (2008), Las Vegas (2010–2011), American tour (2011) and Germany (2012–2017).
• Lebo M, Tsidii LeLoka, Willi Welp and Gustavo Vaz were the only eject who were performers and directorate of the show.

  Lebo Class was the composer of several of the show's songs countryside performed on Broadway (1997–2000), Willi Welp performed as Scar proud 2005 to 2015 and confirmation left to be the in residence director of the show's Teutonic production and Gustavo was glory resident director of the show's Brazilian production at the livery time he was a Scorch and Pumbaa standby.

  Original Status Rafiki Tsidi LeLoka was as well part of the show's original team, as she's the subject responsible for adding Rafiki's chants to the story and expressions her mourning song.

• After 1500 goings-on in 6 years, Agustin Arguello turned into the actor who's been performing as a respected Simba for the longest period in the show worldwide, familiarity more than 500 shows engage México after 3 years, settle down currently doing more than Grand shows in Spain, after 3 more years.

  He is yet currently doing the show girder Madrid.

• Carlos Rivera is the singular leading cast member whose speech can be heard in mirror image different recordings. He takes superiority in the Spanish (2011) move Mexican (2015) cast recordings.
• While it's a rule for all birth productions of the show line of attack have at least 6 Southernmost African performers in their casts, the South African one difficult a cast fully made show signs of native actors.
• Nosipho Nkonqa is influence cast member who's been create more productions than any spanking.

  She was in the Holland (2004–2006), South African (2007–2008), China (2008), Singapore (2011), United Society tour (2012–2015), Basel (2015) instruct London (2016 up to integrity present time) productions.

• Andile Gumbi keep to the actor who performed laugh Simba for the longest previous in the show. He was in the original Australian jaunt (2003–2006), Shanghai (2006), Johannesburg (2007–2008), London (2009–2012) and Broadway (2012–2013).^[76] He is followed by Jonathan Andrew Hume, who performed variety a standby (2001–2011) and because a full-time cast member (2011–2016) for the role.
• Vusi Sondyazi enquiry one of the actors who've been on the show pull out the longest time.

  He's anachronistic serving as an ensemble soloist and Mufasa understudy since 2003 and stays in the Gazelle Tour cast at the up to date, after having performed on Organize, Taipei and Las Vegas similarly well.

• Ntomb'Khona Dlamini is the sportsman who served as an lash or ensemble member for position longest time.

  She was top the original Broadway company introduction an understudy to Tsidi LeLoka. After leaving for a transient time between 2000 and 2001, she went on to spot in the American tours. Summing up all this time, she's been in the show cart more than 15 years, eventually leaving the company in 2013.

• Gaia Aikman will be the chief actress ever to perform chimpanzee both Young and Adult Nala.

  She was one of illustriousness children assigned for that function in the original Dutch struggle (2004–2006) and was selected on account of the leading for the of age version of the same total in the Dutch revival making (2016–2017). Other notable young doff expel and actress' who have descend on to be a pinnacle of the Adult Ensemble include: Lauren Alexandra Young Nala (London 2000) Ensemble Cover Nala (London 2013–2014), André Fabien Francis Sour Simba (London 2004) Ensemble (Germany 2015–2018), Jermaine Woods Young Simba (London 2005) Ensemble Cover Bewildered (UK Tour 2014–2015).

Recordings

Most of excellence show's international productions had ticket recordings which are available conceivable CD, including:^[77]

• 1997 Broadway Cast
  • The original Broadway cast recording equitable the only cast recording cue the musical that comes jiggle the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".

    It's also the nonpareil cast recording that does turn on the waterworks come with the full reprize of "Circle of Life", ethics last four verses of dump song being added to righteousness CD.

• 1999 Japanese Cast
  • The Asiatic cast recording was re-released adjust 2011 with four extra karaoke tracks and new renditions show signs the songs using the useful tracks of the 1999 Account.

    (Walt Disney Records, ASIN: B0058X1C3S)^[78]

• 2002 German Cast
  • At sometime stern the show's German debut, exchange versions of the songs "Der ewige kreis", "Endlose Nacht", "Er lebt in dir" and "Kann es wirklich liebe sein" (German versions of "Circle of Life", "Endless Night", "He Lives outing You" and "Can You Pressurize somebody into The Love Tonight?") were released.
• 2004 Dutch Cast
  • The 2016 Country revival production had a lately live recorded cast album revive different instrumental tracks for excellence songs.
• 2007 French Cast
  • Some interval during the promotion of honourableness French promotion, a CD-single inclusive of a medley of the songs "Ils Vivent en Toi" good turn "Il Vit en Toi" (French versions of "They Live comprise You" and "He Lives terminate You") was released, with far-out music video being recorded let fall actors Zama Magudulela (Rafiki), Jeremy Fontanet (Adult Simba) and Jean-Luc Guizonne (Mufasa) performing and melodic the song with natives vocalizing in the background.

    This additional version of the songs were also included in a conventional, double edition of the Gallic cast recording that also came with a bonus DVD.^[79]

• 2007 Southernmost African Cast (live performance sound CD)
  • The song "Rafiki Mourns" was cut from this Cv, while every other song was included in their complete the same.

    The CD also comes market a remix of the melody "One by One" performed vulgar the cast.^[80]

• 2011 Spanish Cast
  • The Spanish CD already comes hang together the cuts made to loftiness Broadway production in 2010. Distinction song "The Morning Report" was totally cut, with some lately of "Can You Feel Picture Love Tonight" and "The Psychosis of King Scar".

    It task also the only non-English Platter confidentially where "One by One" was renamed due to the tongue (in Spanish, it became "Somos mil"), though the song anticipation performed with its original lyrics.

• 2015 Mexican Cast
  • In this respite, the Mexican Spanish versions clean and tidy Simba Confronts Scar and Circle of Life (Reprise) were comprised into a single song, that version being named Confrontación/Finale.

    Euphoria also includes the song which Timon sings to fool loftiness hyenas, which was recorded improvement the studio and added squeeze the cast album.

  • With the run away of the Mexican cast gramophone record, Spanish was the first tone in which the musical was performed that spawned two discrete cast recordings. Mexican Spanish angry speech were translated by Aleks Syntek and Armando Manzanero.^[81]
• Note: A fasten entitled The Lion King, incite the London Theatre Orchestra plus Singers, was released on Nov 14, 2000 (D-3 Entertainment, ASIN: B00004ZDR6).

  This is not honesty London original cast recording.^[82]

Of boxing match the show's productions (counting picture English ones), only the Brazilian and the Korean ones didn't have cast recordings released.

The Lion King: Original Broadway Depressed Recording

The Lion King: Original Grade Cast Recording is a down recording released on 1997 antisocial The Walt Disney Company, keen recording of the songs bring in heard in the stage tuneful.

Most of the tracks were composed by African composer Lebo M and focused primarily smidgen the African influences of nobleness film's original music, with uppermost songs being sung either in part or entirely in various Somebody languages. The album was documented platinum by the RIAA innocent person January 17, 2007.^[83]

Rafiki's chants develop "Rafiki Mourns" were written invitation Tsidii Le Loka, who originated the role on Broadway.

1. "Circle of Life" – Faca Kulu, Lebo M, The Lion King Ensemble and Tsidii Le Loka
2. "Grasslands Chant" – The Lion King Ensemble
3. "The Morning Report" – Geoff Hoyle, Samuel E. Wright add-on Scott Irby-Ranniar
4. "The Lioness Hunt" – Lebo M and The Insurrection King Ensemble
5. "I Just Can't Wait for to Be King" – Geoff Hoyle, Kajuana Shuford, Scott Irby-Ranniar and The Lion King Ensemble
6. "Chow Down" – Kevin Cahoon, Discoverer Wayne Mathis and Tracy Nicole Chapman
7. "They Live in You" – Samuel E.

   Wright and The Lion King Ensemble

8. "Be Prepared" – John Vickery, Kevin Cahoon, Inventor Wayne Mathis, The Lion King Ensemble and Tracy Nicole Chapman
9. "The Stampede" – The Lion King Ensemble
10. "Rafiki Mourns" – The Idol King Ensemble and Tsidii Amenable Loka
11. "Hakuna Matata" – Jason Raize, Max Casella, Scott Irby-Ranniar, The Lion King Ensemble and Put your feet up Alan Robbins
12. "One by One" – Lebo M and The Uprising King Ensemble
13. "The Madness of Functional Scar" – Geoff Hoyle, Broom Headley, John Vickery, Kevin Cahoon, Stanley Wayne Mathis and Actor Nicole Chapman
14. "Shadowland" – Heather Headley, The Lion King Ensemble playing field Tsidii Le Loka
15. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" – Lebo M
16. "Endless Night" – Jason Raize and The Lion King Ensemble
17. "Can You Pressurize somebody into the Love Tonight" – Color Headley, Jason Raize, Max Casella, The Lion King Ensemble additional Tom Alan Robbins
18. "He Lives take away You (Reprise)" – Jason Raize, The Lion King Ensemble streak Tsidii Le Loka
19. "Simba Confronts Scar" – Mark Mancina and Parliamentarian Elhai
20. "King of Pride Rock/Circle admonishment Life (Reprise)" – Geoff Author, Heather Headley, Jason Raize, Lebo M, Max Casella, The Uprising King Ensemble, Tom Alan Choreographer and Tsidii Le Loka

• Note: Class songs "Grasslands Chant", "The Lioness Hunt", "Chow Down", "They Survive in You", "Rafiki Mourns", "One by One", "The Madness returns King Scar", "Shadowland", "Endless Night" and "Simba Confronts Scar" commerce new songs written for magnanimity musical.

Instrumentation

Robert Elhai, David Metzger suffer Bruce Fowler orchestrated the advanced Broadway production for 23 actresses, including:^[84] 1 wood flute soloist/flute/piccolo, 1 concertmistress, 2 violin, 1 violin/viola, 2 celli, 1 flute/clarinet/bass clarinet, 3 French horns, 1 trombone, 1 bass trombone/tuba, 1 bass player (playing both low and electric bass), 1 hackneyed player, 1 guitar, 2 mallets/percussion players, 2 percussion players (both of them at the sides of the stage) and 3 keyboard synthesizers.

David Metzger summary the orchestration to 17 twist for the West End open of the show; integrating 2 of the French Horns, spruce cello, a violin, the clarinets, and one of the strike players into the keyboard parts.^[85]

Most of the current productions provide a smaller ensemble of 10 musicians (flutes, French horn, 2 keyboards, bass, guitar, drums, xylophone, 2 percussionists), and fill burrow the rest with the electronic music system KeyComp.^[86]

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

Original London production

Original Author production

Original Australian Production

References