Photo Flash: THE LION KING Visits the White House

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President George W. Bush and President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana joined cast members from Disney's Tony Award-winning Broadway production of THE LION KING on stage in the Rose Garden at the White House Monday evening, Sept. 15, 2008, following their performance at the State Dinner in honor of President Kufour's visit to the United States.

The invitation to THE LION KING came personally from The First Lady, who saw the show during its recent sold-out Kennedy Center engagement.

11 members of the cast - headed by Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Dashaun Young (Simba) and Kissy Simmons (Nala) - performed six numbers from the Oscar-winning score in the White House's majestic Rose Garden: "One by One," "Shadowland," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Endless Night," "He Lives in You," and "Circle of Life" with "Nants' Ingonyama." Also on hand to perform were eight members of the ensemble, including six South African cast members.

Disney's THE LION KING continues to reign as one of the most popular shows on Broadway and around the world. Now in its 11th year, the global phenomenon is the winner of more than 70 major awards worldwide, including the 1998 Tony Award and NY Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. The show has been seen by over 45 million people in 11 different countries, including cities such as Sydney, Osaka, Shanghai, Taipei, Johannesburg and Seoul. In addition to the Broadway and a domestic national tour, THE LION KING can also currently be seen in London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka.

(PHOTO by Scott Suchman - copyright Disney, 2008.)