Tshidi Manye News

Last year, Miller Theatre inaugurated a new holiday season tradition: Carnival of the Animals, in a surreally playful production designed and directed by Lake Simons.

Entering its 20th year, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 85 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.  Translated into eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway; London's West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Mexico City; Shanghai; Scheveningen and on tour across North America, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe.  Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING's worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.  

Last year, Miller Theatre inaugurated a new holiday season tradition: Carnival of the Animals, in a surreally playful production designed and directed by Lake Simons.

Produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, this year's Easter Bonnet Competition (#BroadwayBonnets) was held at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th Street), home to Disney's The Lion King. Featuring performances by more than 230 Broadway and Off-Broadway singers and dancers, the Broadway Inspirational Voices and a stellar lineup of Broadway favorites, this year's fundraising total was a whopping $5,528,568! 

The 30th annual edition of Easter Bonnet Competition will feature performances by more than 230 Broadway and Off-Broadway singers and dancers, the Broadway Inspirational Voices and a stellar lineup of Broadway favorites, all celebrating six weeks of fundraising efforts by company members of Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring productions.

Miller Theatre inaugurates a new holiday tradition, a playful production that brings to life Saint-Saens' musical 'salute to feathers, fur, and fins' - CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS. A modern twist on Victorian toy theater, this imaginative staging combines music, scenic elements, puppetry, and movement, plus the clever verses of Ogden Nash. Curtain-raisers from the 16th Century to present-day set the stage and kindle the spirit of the holidays. Just about an hour in length, this family-friendly presentation is the perfect December treat to delight imaginative audiences of all ages.

EMPIRE stars Trai Byers and Grace Gealy recently visited Disney's THE LION KING on Broadway, stopping to pose with cast members Aaron Nelson (Simba) and Nia Holloway (Nala) after the show. Scroll down for a photo!

Scroll down to watch THE LION KING's Broadway company experience the 360 virtual reality video for the first time! Featured are Tshidi Manye (who plays Rafiki and is one of the featured soloists in the video), ensemble members Jaysin McCollum and Bravita Threatt, and Chantel Riley (Nala).

Miller Theatre inaugurates a new holiday tradition, a playful production that brings to life Saint-Saens' musical 'salute to feathers, fur, and fins' - CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS. A modern twist on Victorian toy theater, this imaginative staging combines music, scenic elements, puppetry, and movement, plus the clever verses of Ogden Nash. Curtain-raisers from the 16th Century to present-day set the stage and kindle the spirit of the holidays. Just about an hour in length, this family-friendly presentation is the perfect December treat to delight imaginative audiences of all ages.

Audiences in Orange County were treated to live performances of shows featured in the 2015-2016 season at the Segerstrom Center. The shows featured were THE LION KING, CABARET, NEWSIES, CINDERELLA, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and THE ILLUSIONISTS. Scroll for performance photos below!

Segerstrom Center for the Arts presented its annual Season Preview event, highlighting the blockbuster 2015-16 Broadway Series this Monday, August 17 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Scroll down for photos of the performances!

One of Broadway's most popular, best attended shows in history arrives on Broad St. once again to delight young and old.

Kathy Evans, Founding Executive Director of Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, announced the 17 writers and 8 new musicals selected for the fifth summer of weeklong retreats. For eight consecutive weeks beginning July 5th, each writing team will have a residency in Rhinebeck, New York. Writers are provided a private home, transportation, food, and a $400 stipend. This year's writers include Obie winner Kirsten Childs, Tony nominee Elizabeth Davis, and 2015 Jonathan Larson award-winners Charlie Sohne, Tim Rosser, and Sam Willmott, who also just won the Kleban Prize. 

Produced by iTheatrics and sponsored by music theatre international and disney musicals, the junior theater festival is the biggest and best festival dedicated to young people and musical theatre. Check out photo highlights below!

It's only fair to start with a confession: I have purposely avoided seeing 'The Lion King' on stage for seventeen years. You see, when the Disney movie came out (1994) I was raising two small children. (If you need further explanation, ask any parent shepherding tots through Frozen Mania.)

The Memphis return of Disney's THE LION KING opens tonight, Thursday, February 5th at 7:30 PM at the Orpheum Theatre for a limited engagement of 4 weeks through Sunday, March 1st.

The Fort Lauderdale return of Disney's THE LION KING opens tonight, Friday, January 9 at 8:00 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, February 1.

We all know the story of THE LION KING and how audiences all over the world have been intrigued by this impressive onstage production. There is so much to take in and so much to see, you can scarcely catch your breath before another amazing scene unfolds in front of you. The current tour of THE LION KING has hit the San Antonio area and has thrilled audiences in attendance.

Poetry. A show that inspires beyond one's capabilities of speech is described as poetic genius. Disney's Broadway hit musical The Lion King is nothing short of pure poetry. Frankly a loss for words is what this critic is suffering from. Julie Taymor's most renowned claim to fame is a show that has just recently become the highest grossing Broadway production of all time - and for good reason.

The Milwaukee return of Disney's THE LION KING opens tonight, Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm at the Milwaukee Theatre for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, December 7. In Milwaukee, THE LION KING plays Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm. There will be special weekday matinee performances on Friday, November 28 at 2:00 pm and Thursday, December 4 at 2:00 pm. There will not be a performance on Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving). The show's five-week premiere engagement in 2008 played a sold-out run at the Milwaukee Theatre. 'Thus far sales have exceeded our expectations for the return of Lion King in Milwaukee, but there are still great seats available,' said Paul Mathews, President and CEO of the Marcus Center.