The Lion King Begins Rehearsals in South Africa

March 16 in Johannesburg, South Africa is the first day of rehearsals for the official 10th anniversary production of Disney's The Lion King, produced by Thomas Schumacher, President, Disney Theatrical Productions, along with South African licensees Lebo M, international recording artist and co-composer of The Lion King, and Pieter Toerien, veteran theatre producer.  It is supported by principal sponsor South Africa Telkom (SA) Telkom and media sponsor SABC.  Disney's award-winning musical will officially open on June 6th 2007 in Johannesburg.

The new production will feature a local South African cast, many of whom have been in other productions of The Lion King around the world and are now coming home to perform in their native country. To date, the musical has employed almost 100 native South Africans in its productions worldwide. After rehearsals wrap at the Pretoria State Theatre, the show will officially open in the Montecasino Theatre in northern Johannesburg, which has been built for this production.

"This is a day we've looked forward to for a very long time, the day The Lion King comes home to South Africa," said Mr. Schumacher. "We couldn't be more thrilled to bring our team and partners together with this talented group of local performers, and to introduce a wide variety of South African audiences to the wonders of this extraordinary production which comes from the heart of Africa."

Since opening on Broadway in 1997, the musical is the winner of over 70 major awards worldwide and has become a global phenomenon seen by over 35 million people. In addition to New York City, where the record-breaking show is currently in its tenth triumphant year, The Lion King can also be seen in London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Seoul and two touring companies throughout the United States.  A new production will open later this year in Paris, France.

The musical follows the adventures of lion cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of manhood and his future role as king.  It is the winner of six 1998 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 of 1998.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for the show. 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. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, and additional musical material by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.

Visit www.disneyonbroadway.com for more information.

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