THE LION KING Opens Tonight At The Majestic

The San Antonio return of Disney's THE LION KING opens at 8 p.m. tonight Friday, December 11 at the Majestic Theatre for a limited engagement of 4 weeks through January 3, 2010. The show's 6-week premiere engagement in 2006 played a sold-out run at The Majestic Theatre. This San Antonio engagement is currently one of seven productions running worldwide along with New York, London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Paris and Las Vegas.

In San Antonio THE LION KING began performances this past Wednesday and this week plays through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m., with matinee performances Saturday at 2 p.m., and on Sunday at 1 p.m. Week two performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday at 6:30 p.m., matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Week three performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m., and on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m., and on Sunday at 1 p.m. Week four performances are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m., and matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The sardonic and deviously cunning "Scar" will be played by Nicholas Carriere. Dionne Randolph will play the role of the regal lion king "Mufasa." Phindile Mkhize-a native of Durban, South Africa-is the wise baboon shaman "Rafiki." The wisecracking and hyperactive meerkat "Timon" will be played by Tyler Murree, Tony Freeman will portray the prim and proper hornbilled bird "Zazu," and Ben Lipitz will play the warm-hearted warthog "Pumbaa." Mufasa's son, "Simba," will be played by André Jackson. Marja Harmon is the courageous and loyal lioness "Nala." The three hyenas will be played by: Omari Tau ("Banzai"), Andrea Jones ("Shenzi"), and Ben Roseberry ("Ed"). Performances in the role of "Young Simba" will be alternated between Chaz Marcus Fleming and Jerome Stephens, Jr.. And performances in the role of "Young Nala" will be alternated between Sadé LouAnn Murray and Jamariana Tribble.

Now in its second sold-out decade in New York, 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 50 million people in 13 different countries.

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 LION KING. 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 for THE LION KING. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.

Ticket prices start as low as $34.25. Additionally, Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. To charge tickets, call Ticketmaster at (800) 982.ARTS (2787); purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com or at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Theatre Box Office. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly, call (210) 226.333 to verify. Ticket orders of 12 or more qualify for group discounts and may be placed by calling Sherrie Villani at (210) 226.5967.

The San Antonio engagement of THE LION KING is presented by arrangement with Arts Center Enterprises and is a subscription offering of the Majestic Theatre Broadway Across America San Antonio Series. For venue information please visit www.MajesticEmpire.com.

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