The Lion King (musical) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Lion King |
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New Amsterdam Theatre in 2003
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| Music | Elton John |
| Lyrics | Tim Rice |
| Basis | The Lion King, 1994 Disney animated movie |
| Productions | Broadway (1997) West End (1998) |
| Awards | Molière Award (Best Musical) Tony Award (Best Musical) |
The Lion King is a super popular musical that brings the magic of the 1994 Disney animated movie to life on stage! It's known for its amazing costumes, puppets, and music.
The songs for the musical were written by famous artists. Elton John created the music, and Tim Rice wrote the lyrics. The show was directed by Julie Taymor, who helped make it look so unique with its giant puppets and incredible designs.
This musical first opened on Broadway in New York City at the New Amsterdam Theater on November 13, 1997. Later, it also opened in London's West End at the Lyceum Theatre on October 19, 1999. Since then, it has become one of the longest-running and most successful musicals ever! It has won many important awards, like Tony Awards and Molière Awards.
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About The Lion King Musical
The Lion King musical tells the same exciting story as the Disney movie. It's about a young lion cub named Simba. He is meant to become king of the Pride Lands. But his evil uncle, Scar, tricks him. Simba runs away, thinking he caused his father Mufasa's death.
Simba's Journey
Simba grows up far away with his friends Timon and Pumbaa. They teach him to live a carefree life. But later, his childhood friend Nala finds him. She tells him that the Pride Lands are suffering under Scar's rule. Simba must decide if he will return home to take his rightful place as king.
Amazing Puppets and Costumes
One of the most special things about The Lion King musical is how it uses puppets and costumes. The director, Julie Taymor, wanted the audience to see both the actors and the animal characters at the same time.
For example, actors wear lion masks on top of their heads. This lets you see their faces and the animal's face. There are also huge puppets, like the giant elephant that walks down the aisle. The costumes are very colorful and detailed. They help bring the African savanna to life on stage.
Where the Show Opened
The Lion King musical has been performed all over the world. Its first show was in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in July 1997. Then, it moved to Broadway in New York City.
The Broadway show opened on November 13, 1997, at the New Amsterdam Theater. It later moved to the Minskoff Theatre in 2006. In London, the show opened in the West End at the Lyceum Theatre on October 19, 1999. Both of these productions are still running today!
Awards and Success
The Lion King musical has won many important awards. On Broadway, it won six Tony Awards in 1998. These included Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical for Julie Taymor. It also won Drama Desk Awards.
In London, it won two Laurence Olivier Awards in 1999. These included Best New Musical. The show has also won a Molière Award in France. Its success means it has been seen by millions of people around the globe.
Images for kids
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Geoff Hoyle as Zazu
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The Lion King in the West End
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Hamburg, Germany: Theater im Hafen (since 2001), accessible by boat
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The Lion King: Original Broadway Cast Recording album cover art
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First Lady Michelle Obama joins the cast of the U.S. touring company onstage after their performance at the Kids' State Dinner in the East Room of the White House
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See also
In Spanish: El rey león (musical) para niños
