Your complete guide to The Lion King in New York

Step into the savanna and let the magic of The Lion King transport you to the Circle of Life! This award-winning Broadway sensation is a visual and emotional feast that has captivated millions around the world. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to hear there ain't no worries, here’s everything you need to know to make your Lion King experience unforgettable.

What is Lion King about?

Right from the very first scene at Pride Rock through the scenery of the savanna, The Lion King is a story of love, sorrow, and destiny. Naïve lion cub Simba faces treachery, friendship, and self-discovery on his way to becoming king. With the help of his humorous and wise companions Timon and Pumbaa, as well as his father's spirit, Simba must summon the bravery to assert his rightful reign over Pride Rock. Lessons about courage, family, and being yourself abound in this epic and moving tale.

Where is Lion King playing?

Audiences can enjoy The Lion King on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City's Theater District.

How long is The Lion King?

The musical runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.

What days is Lion King playing?

Aladdin typically runs eight shows per week, with performances scheduled every day except Monday. Shows are typically in the evening, with matinee performances on weekends.

When did Lion King premiere?

The Broadway production of The Lion King premiered on November 13, 1997, at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. Directed by Julie Taymor, this groundbreaking adaptation of Disney’s 1994 animated film combined innovative puppetry, stunning visuals, and a powerful score by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Lebo M..

Who created The Lion King?

Visionary Julie Taymor not only directs the show but also creates the masks and costumes that embody the African savanna. Lebo M.'s African rhythms enhance the legendary music of Elton John and Tim Rice, while choreography by Garth Fagan expertly combines Broadway and African dance techniques.​

Who is in the cast of The Lion King?

The Broadway cast of The Lion King includes Pearl Khwezi as Nala, L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, and Vincent Jamal Hooper as Simba. Tshidi Manye plays the knowledgeable Rafiki, Ben Jeffrey the charming Pumbaa, and Fred Berman plays Timon, while Stephen Carlile plays the villain Scar.

What songs are in The Lion King?

• Get shivers down your spine every time you listen to Elton John and Tim Rice's outstanding tunes, such as the legendary opening "Circle of Life" that you can't help but sing along to.
• Love songs like "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" are sure to have an emotional impact.
• "Hakuna Matata" is a fantastic, carefree hymn that will be stuck in your head for days.
• Lebo M's percussion-heavy, lyrically rich African rhythms add another layer of intensity to the performance.

What awards has The Lion King won?

The Lion King is still going strong after all these years on Broadway, having earned six Tony Awards (including Best Musical). The show itself has won over 70 prestigious accolades throughout the world.

Fun facts about Lion King

• Every continent in the world (except Antarctica!) have hosted performances of The Lion King, a musical by Disney. Not only is it playing on Broadway and in North America, but it is also the most successful musical in more than one country, with performances in Brazil, Spain, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK.
• As a March 31st, 2019 April Fool's joke, Disney said that their production will debut in Antarctica on April 1st, making history as the first to visit all seven continents.
• The performance makes use of more than two hundred avian, aquatic, and insect species as puppets make an appearance in the show. To bring these puppets and actors to life for an unforgettable theatrical experience, almost fifty people are required.
• The height of the creatures onstage varies from eighteen feet to five inches.
  The tallest puppets in "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" are an impressive 18 feet tall and play the role of exotic giraffes.
• Throughout the concert, you'll hear and sing six different indigenous African languages.
  The iconic songs and spoken words of Disney's The Lion King use Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Congolese to reflect the African culture that is weaved throughout the classic narrative. Fans of the 1994 film will recognize the Zulu lyrics in the famous "Circle of Life" that starts the production.
  

There ain't no worries for the rest of your days with The Lion King on Broadway at the Minskoff Theater, an experience filled with wonder, laughter, and timeless Hakuna Matata magic.