Winner of Six Tony® Awards
Currently in its ninth sold-out year in New York at the New Amsterdam Theatre, The Lion King is the winner of six Tony® Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album.The Story
The Lion King is the story of Simba, the son of the Lion King, Mufasa. Simba's birth angers his uncle, the king's brother Scar, who had been next in line to be king. Scar immediately begins to plot Simba and Mufasa's deaths so that he can sieze the throne. Scar's plot unfolds and Mufasa is killed by a herd of wildebeest. Simba is led to believe that he is responsible for his father's death. He flees the pridelands, contrary to his dead father's warnings never to leave their homeland.Years pass and under Scar's rule, the pridelands become dry and lifeless where hyenas now roam the territory terrorizing the lionesses. Simba's childhood friend, the lioness Nala, also flees looking for a new land where lionesses can live in peace. A chance encounter reunites Simba and Nala who start to realize the depth of their feelings for each other. Together with Simba's new friends Timon, a wisecracking meerkat, and Pumbaa, a big-hearted warthog. Simba and Nala return to the pridelands to reclaim Simba's throne.
In a final battle at Pride Rock, Simba kills his uncle after forcing his uncle to admit to his treachery. The victorious Simba climbs to the top of Pride Rock and lets loose with a mighty roar. Herds of animals come in answer to his call, rejoicing in his victory. Nala joins him. The wise old counselor Rafiki holds up their newborn cub for all to see as the animals dance and rejoice as the Circle of Life continues.
The Production
Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical. Along with Michael Curry, Taynor created hundreds of masks and puppets for The Lion King. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for THE LION KING.The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.