The Lion King celebrates 14 years on Broadway

The Lion King celebrates 14 years on Broadway Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King is now 14 years old. The musical opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 13 Nov 1997, following previews from 15 Oct. On the 13 Jun 2006 the musical moved to the Minskoff Theatre, where the musical is currently selling tickets through to 1 Jul 2011. As it enters its 15th year, The Lion King continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on 13 Nov 1997, 19 global productions have been seen by more than 63 million people, and grossed over $4.7 billion to date. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is the seventh longest show on Broadway and one of only six productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed in 14 different countries on five continents. The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, and in Las Vegas, Tokyo, London's West End, Hamburg and Madrid. The musical tells the story of the epic adventures of a young lion cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role as king. The Lion King has book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, music by Elton John, with additional music by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin, and lyrics by Tim Rice. Directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan, The Lion King features Gareth Saxe (Scar), Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Jeff Binder (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), Adam Jacobs (Simba), Chauntee Schuler (Nala), James Brown-Orleans (Banzai), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi), Enrique Segura (Ed) and, Alphonso Romero Jones II and Judah Bellamy (Young Simba) and, Khail Toi Bryant and Shaylin Becton (Young Nala). Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical. The creative team for The Lion King features Richard Hudson (sets), Michael Curry (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) and Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound).