The musical debuted in 1997 in Minnesota before opening on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1997. It moved to the Minskoff Theatre in June 2006 and has been seen by more than 100 million people across the world. The show won six Tony awards, including Best Musical, along with eight Drama Desk Awards. It has been particularly lauded for its spectacular costume design and the way that animals are conveyed both through costumes and large hollow wooden puppets, including giraffes that are eighteen feet tall and created by actors on stilts. Other actors wear spectacular headdresses to convey the animals they are playing. The Lion King is a perfect show for anybody who wants to see one of the ultimate Broadway productions: it’s full of heart and has a classic story that any family member can enjoy, and it’s also a real spectacle that will hold your attention the entire way through. Explore Broadway shows in NYC. Enjoy exclusive deals and access to tickets for unforgettable theatre performances.
There are maybe some shows on Broadway with more singalong songs than The Lion King, but few with as many certified favorites. The Disney animated film is a beloved classic to many, and the show recaptures those feelings while introducing new songs, dance routines, and costumes that will amaze audiences of all ages. At the start of the show, the entire house erupts with animals filing into the theatre and moving towards the stage, a beautiful and magical moment. Mafusa’s death scene is played out in a way that will have audiences stunned and grief-stricken all at once, but nothing can prepare you for the finale of the show and the reprise of Circle of Life.
Act 1
Act 1 begins with the lion king Mufasa and queen Sarabi giving birth to their son Simba and covers notable songs such as Circle of Life, I Just Can’t-Wait To Be King, Be Prepared, and Hakuna Matata as the audience grows up with Simba while his uncle Scar’s jealousy of Mufasa boils until Scar ultimately kills Mufasa and tricks Simba into thinking that he was responsible. Simba then flees the kingdom.
Act 2
When the second act starts, Simba is an adult, Scar governs Pride Rock and the other animals that surround him are suffering. In songs such as He Lives In You and Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Simba finds love with his childhood friend Nala, and he must defeat his uncle to become King of Pride Rock.
