Mark Mancina News

Broadway's landmark musical event THE LION KING, the fifth longest-running show in Broadway history, welcomes JEFFREY KUHN, in the role of Zazu, and TSHIDI MANYE, who rejoins the production as Rafiki.

Casting has been announced for the Dallas engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. Dallas' most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Music Hall at Fair Park stage from Wednesday, October 2 to Sunday, October 20. The press opening night is Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. The show's previous two engagement in 2002 and 2007 played sold-out runs at the Music Hall.

Broadway's landmark musical event THE LION KING, the fifth longest-running show in Broadway history, is pleased to welcome AARON NELSON as Simba, beginning performances on Tuesday, August 27, 2013.

The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment, is pleased to announce that the producer, cast, and management of Disney's THE LION KING have added a special performance to benefit The Fund today, August 22 at 1:00pm at The Belk Theater in Charlotte, NC. The Acting Company will donate their time and talent for this performance that will directly benefit The Actors Fund.

THE LION KING is the sixth longest-running musical in Broadway history. Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed in 15 different countries on five continents and continues to create new avenues around the world. Continuing to reign as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world, The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, on tour in Japan, and in Tokyo, London's West End, Hamburg, Madrid and in the UK. Last night, musician Darius Rucker (formerly Hootie of Hootie and the Blowfish) visited the Broadway show and you can check out photos of him backstage with the cast below!

The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment, is pleased to announce that the producer, cast, and management of Disney's THE LION KING have added a special performance to benefit The Fund on Thursday, August 22 at 1:00pm at The Belk Theater in Charlotte, NC. The acting company will donate their time and talent for this performance that will directly benefit The Actors Fund.

The Associated Press reports that Disney Theatrical Group's North American tour of THE LION KING has hit $1 billion in grosses since its launch in 2002.

Disney's award-winning musical THE LION KING received its official premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday, 4th July. The performance was greeted by an enthusiastic standing ovation from the capacity audience. THE LION KING will continue its season at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 28th September, before transferring to the Edinburgh Playhouse for its Scottish Premiere. Scroll down for photos of the cast in action!

Broadway's landmark musical event THE LION KING, the fifth longest-running show in Broadway history, is pleased to welcome GARETH SAXE back to Broadway as the sardonic and deviously cunning Scar, beginning performances on Tuesday, July 2, 2013.

The Tulsa return of Disney's THE LION KING opens tonight, Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for a limited engagement of five weeks through Sunday, July 7. In Tulsa, THE LION KING will play Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday* evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m., Sunday matinees at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. with additional performances on Monday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, July 5 at 1:00 p.m. *There will be no performances on Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. "Thus far sales have been strong, but there are still great seats available" said Ed Payton, Chief Executive Officer, Celebrity Attractions. The show's six-week premiere engagement in 2006 played a sold-out run at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Disney's THE LION KING celebrated its second sold-out engagement in Nashville, which concluded on Sunday, June 2 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The triumphant four-week return grossed over $5.3 million at the box office and entertained more than 73,000 patrons during 32 performances. The show's six-week premiere engagement in 2006 played a sold-out run at TPAC.

Walt Disney Studios has just released a new video "Disney's PLANES Takes Flight," featuring music by the film's composer, Mark Mancina. Check it out below!

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced that the Broadway musical The Lion King is returning to Honolulu, Hawaii in 2014. Watch below!

Disney's THE LION KING makes its South American premiere in São Paulo, Brazil. Presented by T4F (Time For Fun), the production opens tonight, March 26th, 2013 at the Teatro Renault. THE LION KING in São Paulo marks two firsts: the largest stage musical ever presented in Brazil and the first time the show has been performed in Portuguese. With this Brazilian production, THE LION KING will mark its 21st production worldwide, having played on six continents.

The Omaha return of Disney's THE LION KING opens tonight, Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, April 7. In Omaha, THE LION KING plays Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Matinee performances are Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. There will also be a special matinee at 2:00 pm. on Thursday, April 4. "Omahans are welcoming back this wonderful show in a big way," Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts said. "Thus far sales have exceeded our expectations but there are still good seats available," she added. "We have seats throughout the run of the show but especially in the later weeks, so check with our box office for best available seating."

Casting has been announced for the Detroit engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. DETROIT's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Detroit Opera House stage from tonight, February 13 to Sunday, March 10, 2013. The press opening night is Friday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Disney Theatrical Productions will be hosting open auditions, seeking possible future replacements for the Broadway and Touring companies of The Lion King. Auditions for the adult roles of Simba and Nala will be held in Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. Auditions for the roles of Young Simba and Young Nala will take place in New York City at the Apollo Theater.