The Lion King celebrates 9th anniversary

Walt Disney's The Lion King celebrates its 9th anniversary on Broadway on 13 Nov 2006.

The Broadway production of The Lion King is now the 10th longest running musical in Broadway history. The musical began previews at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 15 Oct 1997 and officially opened on 13 Nov 1997, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical; eight Drama Desk Awards; six Outer Critics Circle Awards; the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Musical; a 1998 Theatre World Award; the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography; and a Drama League Award.

The musical moved from the New Amsterdam Theatre (last performance 4 Jun 2006) and re-opened at the Minskoff Theatre on 13 Jun 2006, in order to make way for the musical Mary Poppins, currently in previews at the New Amsterdam.

The Lion King has book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, has music by Elton John, with additional music by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin and lyrics by Lyrics by Tim Rice.

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 show currently stars Josh Tower (Simba) and Kissy Simmons (Nala), and also features Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Jean Michelle Grier (Sarabi), Jeff Binder (Zazu), Derek Smith (Scar), Jarrell J. Singleton & Aaron D. Conley (Young Simba), Kailani M. Coba & Zipporah G. Gatling (Young Nala), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi), Benjamin Sterling Cannon (Benzai), Enrique Segura (Ed), Danny Rutigliano (Timon), Tom Alan Robbins (Pumbaa), Josh Tower (Simba) and Kissy Simmons (Nala).

The Lion King is directed by Julie Taymor and has choreography by Garth Fagan, production design by Richard Hudson, lighting by Donald Holder and costumes by Michael Curry.