THE LION KING Begins 11/1 in San Francisco

Casting has been announced for the San Francisco return engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. San Francisco's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the SHN Orpheum Theatre stage from Thursday, November 1, 2012 to Sunday, January 13, 2013. THE LION KING returns to San Francisco for the first time since its triumphant 43-week run at the SHN Orpheum Theatre in 2004.

In response to the overwhelming demand for tickets, a new performance has been added and will occur on Friday, January 4 at 2:00pm.

The production features Derek Smith as "Scar", Dionne Randolph as "Mufasa", Buyi Zama as "Rafiki", Mark David Kaplan as "Zazu", Ben Lipitz as "Pumbaa", Nick Cordileone as "Timon", Jelani Remy as "Simba", Syndee Winters as "Nala", Keith Bennett as "Banzai", Rashada Dawan as "Shenzi" and Robbie Swift as "Ed."

The role of "Young Simba" is alternated between Zavion J. Hill and Adante Power and the role of "Young Nala" is alternated between Sade Phillip-Demorcy and Kailah McFadden.

Tickets for all performances of THE LION KING in San Francisco are on sale now and can be purchased at the SHN Orpheum Theatre Box Office, online at shnsf.com and by phone at SHN Audience Services at 888-746-1799.

The performance schedule for THE LION KING will be Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm, Saturday matinees at 2pm and Sunday matinees at 1pm. Select Wednesday matinees at 2pm and Sunday evenings at 6:30pm. Visit shnsf.com for complete performance schedule including holidays. Ticket prices start as low as $32.50. Additionally, Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.

SHN Audience Services hours are Monday 10 – 6, Tuesday through Friday 10 – 8, Saturday 10 – 6 and Sunday 10 – 4. When in performance, SHN Audience Services will remain open until ½ hour past curtain time. Please visit shnsf.com for current Box Office hours. Groups of fifteen (15) or more may order by calling 888-746-1799, Press 3. The only official and approved websites for ticket purchases for THE LION KING at the Orpheum in San Francisco are lionking.com and shnsf.com.

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 14 million theatergoers and grossed over $928 million to date. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its San Francisco return at the SHN Orpheum Theatre.