Gerald Ramsey News

Julie Taymor may not be a household name, but her magical staging and mesmerizing creativity is most likely the reason why THE LION KING has become a world wide phenomenon. The termed blockbuster is tossed about all too frequently but the Disney stage production of their 1994 animated musical has garnered such praise that even on repeat viewing, audiences still are captivated.

Only in the magical land of Broadway can you take a 1994 animated Disney movie thinly based on Shakespeare's HAMLET and possibly based on a 1960s Japanese anime series and transform it into a 6-Tony-Award-winning and highest grossing Broadway production in history. Yes, it's 'The Lion King,' which has reached more than 19 million theater goers in its North American tour, playing more than 70 cities across the continent, including Baltimore-'The Lion King' performs on Baltimore's Hippodrome stage now through Sunday, Dec. 10th.

As part of the 2017/2018 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Hippodrome Broadway Series, Disney's The Lion King opens tonight, Thursday, November 16, at the Hippodrome Theatre for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, December 10.

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE LION KING, SOMETHING ROTTEN and More!

The excitement in the air in Syracuse, New York has been going on for quite awhile since it was announced that the North American tour of The Lion King would be coming to the Landmark Theatre in late October. The time has finally arrived and the crowds are packed into the theatre, ecstatic to once again see the beloved hit musical's return.

In 1994 Disney's animated feature The Lion King was the cartoon movie that broke barriers and was popular with adults and children. With its textual references to William Shakespeare's HAMLET, this age old tale is one that no one needs to go in depth about. In July of 1997, Julie Taymor along with original cartoon creatives Elton John and Tim Rice debuted a Broadway bound music that was sure to revolutionize storytelling. Now 20 years on the boards this lavish musical continues to inspire, empower and entertain. With authentic and visceral musical arrangements by Lebo M, THE LION KING is a theatrical jewel that gleams brightly representing the essence of the Motherland- Africa.

The Lion King is a grand celebration of the magic of theatre and, yes, the circle of life.

Since the dawn of theater, even in it's most nascent forms, audiences have marveled at spectacular moments brought to life on stage. Throughout their history, plays and musicals have utilized the talents of theater artists and professionals to do what may have seemed impossible. Today, modern technology makes it possible to dig even deeper into our imaginations and bring to life what's found there. Few shows have excited and fulfilled our collective imagination the way The Lion King has and the touring production currently playing at the Civic Center remains as spectacular as ever.

Casting has been announced for the Greenville engagement of Disney's The Lion King. Greenville's most eagerly awaited return will leap onto the Peace Center stage from Wednesday, May 31, to Sunday, June 25. The show's four-week premiere engagement in 2012 played a sold-out run at the Peace Center.

The national tour of Disney's THE LION KING, currently playing at the new Eccles Theater, is filled with visual spectacle and larger-than-life wonder. THE LION KING is more than just a musical.  It is an experience that is not to be missed and unlikely to ever be forgotten.

The Salt Lake City return of Disney's The Lion King opens tomorrow, Saturday, March 25 at 8:00pm at the Eccles Theater for, a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, April 16.  In Salt Lake City,The Lion King will play Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, Sundays at 1:00pm and 6:30pm, along with weekday matinees on Thursday, March 30 and Friday, April 14 at 2:00pm.  "Thus far sales have exceeded our expectations, but patrons are encouraged to contact the box office for best availability," said John Ballard, MagicSpace Entertainment.

Casting has been announced for the St. Louis engagement of Disney's The Lion King. St. Louis' most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Fabulous Fox Theatre stage from April 19 to May 7. The press opening night isThursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The touring production of THE LION KING now playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center is absolutely exceptional. One would be hard-pressed to find a finer or stronger assembly of actors, singers, and dancers than this remarkable company.

Many throughout the world have seen the iconic story of The Lion King, the 1994 Disney musical animation that has captured the hearts of young and old alike, but to see it on stage is a whole other experience entirely.

Casting has been announced for the Providence engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. The six-time Tony Award winner triumphantly returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) for a limited three-week engagement, from Tuesday, February 28 to Sunday, March 19, 2017. 

Disney's The Lion King, in all its magic and majesty, roared into San Francisco's Orpheum Theater and will be here now through December 31. If you're one for keeping a bucket list of must-see things to do and see before you 'exit stage left,' then this show is surely one for the list. Directed and loved into being by Julie Taymor, who infuses her creation with rich multicultural beauty, soul-stirring African harmonies and life-sized almost living, breathing animal puppets, Lion King will capture your heart as it surrounds your senses with magic, wonder, awe and grace.

Disney's The Lion King, in all its magic and majesty, roared into San Francisco's Orpheum Theater and will be here now through December 31. If you're one for keeping a bucket list of must-see things to do and see before you 'exit stage left,' then this show is surely one for the list. Directed and loved into being by Julie Taymor, who infuses her creation with rich multicultural beauty, soul-stirring African harmonies and life-sized almost living, breathing animal puppets, Lion King will capture your heart as it surrounds your senses with magic, wonder, awe and grace.

THE LION KING comes to the San Diego Civic Theatre through October 2nd.

?Casting has been announced for the Dayton engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. Dayton's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Schuster stage from Tuesday, June 7 to Sunday, July 3. The press opening night is Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m.  The show's four-week premiere engagement in 2011 played a sold-out run at the Schuster Center.  

Based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name, The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is supposed to succeed his father Mufasa, as King of Pride Rock. But when Simba's Uncle Scar kills Mufasa, Simba runs away from home after being tricked into thinking that he was responsible. As he comes of age, Simba learns some valuable perspective to go back and take his rightful place as King.