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Julie Taymor’s costume designfuses flesh and spirit. Additionally, one of the main characters, Rafiki, is a female character, whereas the character was male in the film.
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As Simba grows, this piece underscores his transition from infancy to childhood.
The Lion King didn’t just succeed—it roared its way into the canon of theater classics. "It's our problem-free philosophy!"
"Hakuna matata" is a Swahili phrase that literally translates to "no trouble."
The opening song of Act 2 is best experienced live. Yet, he wonders why no one respects him as a ruler.
The musical is now the third-longest-running Broadway show of all time.
Julie Taymor directs The Lion King on Broadway. Donald Holder’s lighting designbathes scenes in emotional color. "The Madness of King Scar" shows him rapidly shift between arrogance that he'll save the kingdom and paranoia that he'll lose everything.
When Simba left the Pride Lands, he left Nala alone, but she never stopped fighting for her friend.
The song is also a bittersweet one for Timon and Pumbaa, as they realize Simba must leave them and their carefree lifestyle to return where he belongs.
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is famous as a pop song in its own right, charting in both the U.K. and U.S. In 1995, the tune won an Oscar for Best Original Song, and John won the Grammy for Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
It’s in the eyes of the child seeing their first elephant walk down the aisle. Zazu’s feathers twitch. He tells Simba that all the kings of the past are watching over him from the stars to provide guidance and strength.
During this song, Mufasa takes off the mask he's wearing and lays down his weapons to emphasize that he's not acting as a king in that moment, but as a father giving heartfelt advice to his son.
(Photos by Joan Marcus and Matthew Murphy)
Based on the animated Disney classic, The Lion King features hit Elton John songs like "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Witness the story of a lion cub following in his father's royal footsteps, brought to life with awe-inspiring puppetry evocative of the African savannah.
Every beat, from the first Zulu chant to the final triumphant reprise, vibrates with African life. Performers wear animals—not as disguises, but as extensions of themselves. It’s in the hush before “He Lives in You”swells. This song's title parallels that of a later song with a similar theme, "He Lives in You."
"Be Prepared" is one of the most beloved Disney villain songs in history, so naturally, it becomes a major number in the musical.
He feels lost, alone, and abandoned by his father, who once told him he'd always be watching from the stars. She didn't adapt a Disney film. As the famous opening number of the musical goes, that's the circle of life.
The Lion King's music — penned by Elton John, Tim Rice, and more — has proven especially timeless.
She won two Tony Awards for her work, which included designing the show's unique puppets.
The Lion King musical is mostly the same as the movie. The Zulu lyrics foreshadow his future role as king, with phrases translating to "rule with love, rule the Earth."
Nala decides to leave the desolate Pride Lands in search of help, singing a poignant ballad about hope and determination.
Seen by more than 100 million people worldwide, it spans five continents and nine languages. 1 intermission.
The recommended age for The Lion King is Ages 6+..
Book tickets for The Lion King on New York Theatre Guide.
The Lion King features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice.
Learn more about all the songs in The Lion King, including fun facts about the fan-favorite tunes and the meanings behind the African lyrics.
Get The Lion King tickets now.
This opening number is recognizable from its first notes.