The Lion King celebrates 5000th performance

The Lion King celebrates 5000th performance Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King celebrates 5000 Broadway performances on 5 Nov at the Minskoff Theatre. Only eight other musicals have reached this milestone, including Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The Lion King is the ninth longest-running musical in Broadway history and the first American musical to welcome 50 million guests worldwide. Now entering its 13th year, The Lion King opened on 13 Nov 1997 at the New Amsterdam Theatre, following previews from 13 Oct 1997. The show transferred to its current home at the Minskoff Theatre on 13 Jun 2006. On Broadway to date, The Lion King has played to more than 8.5 million people, grossed $718 million, employed 223 adult actors (including 20 South African performers) and 66 children as young lions. Globally, The Lion King has grossed $3.8 billion with 17 productions (a new production will bow in Singapore in September 2010 - a first for Disney Theatrical Productions). The London company recently celebrated its 10th anniversary making The Lion King one of only five musicals in theatre history to play for ten years or more on both Broadway and the West End. 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. Directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan, The Lion King currently features Derek Smith (Scar), Nathaniel Stampley (Mufasa), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Cameron Pow (Zazu), Ben Lipitz (Pumbaa), Danny Rutigliano (Timon), Dashaun Young (Simba), Ta'Rea Campbell (Nala), James Brown-Orleans (Banzai), Jacquelyn Renae Hodges (Shenzi), Enrique Segura (Ed) and Alphonso Romero Jones II and Marquis Kofi Rodriguez (Young Simba), and Shereen Pimentel and Shannon Skye Tavarez (Young Nala). Director Julie Taymor (Who is to direct 'Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark') became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical. 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. The creative team for The Lion King features Richard Hudson (sets), Michael Curry (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) and Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound). The Lion King won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is the 9th longest-running musical on Broadway, surpassing the record previously held by 'Miss Saigon.'