The Lion King, produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, has been one of the most popular stage musicals in the world for the past 25 years, with 27 global productions seen by over 112 million people. It has made theatrical history with six productions running for 15 or more years and four running for 20 or more years. The musical has been performed in nine different languages and can currently be seen in nine productions running concurrently across the globe. The Lion King has won more than 70 major arts awards, including six Tony Awards in 1998, and has a worldwide gross that exceeds any film, Broadway show, or other entertainment title in box office history.
Julie Taymor, the show’s director, costume designer, and mask co-designer, continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film, along with three new songs by John and Rice and additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa.
The book has been adapted by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, with other members of the creative team including Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Anthony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor), Lisa Dawn Cave (production supervisor), and ARC/Mark Brandon, CSA (casting).
In Madison, The Lion King will play Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays (2 p.m. and 8 p.m.) and Sundays at (1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.). There will also be a 1 p.m. matinee on Thursday, May 18. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a souvenir program and a cinch bag, are also available. Tickets are available at Overture’s ticket office and online at overture.org. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by emailing groups@overture.org.