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The Lion King

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Ages: 6+

Broadway Schedule:

Tuesdays at 7pm
Wednesdays at 7pm
Thursdays at 7pm
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm
Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm

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The Lion King Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More


The circle of life continues on! In one of the most thrilling visual experiences to ever hit Broadway, giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap - the entire Serengeti comes to life. This adaptation of Disney's iconic film transports you to a dazzling world that explodes with colors, stunning effects and enchanting music. Step into the Pride Lands and be swept away!

Based on Disney’s iconic film, The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of life, loss, and leadership on his journey to become king. Featuring unforgettable songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Hakuna Matata,” the musical also adds stunning new compositions by South African composer Lebo M. to enhance its African-inspired rhythms and spirit.

Directed by​ Julie Taymor, The Lion King revolutionized Broadway with its breathtaking fusion of puppetry, mask work, and stagecraft. Taymor became the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical, one of six Tonys the production won, including Best Musical. The creative team also features Michael Curry’s intricate puppets, Richard Hudson’s vivid scenic design, and Donald Holder’s evocative lighting—each element contributing to an unforgettable spectacle.

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), there are currently seven productions of The Lion King around the world: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, and on tour across North America. The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica; its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

Blending timeless storytelling, innovative design, and a deeply resonant score, The Lion King continues to inspire audiences, not just as a retelling of a beloved story, but as a work of art that pushes the boundaries of what is possible on stage.​ Join Simba on his journey and experience the magic of the Circle of Life.


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PREVIEW The Lion King - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Lion King

The Lion King
8 / 10

Come to The Lion King with two pairs of eyes, one ear, and half a brain. You will be bombarded by some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights theater can offer from before and behind, so eyes in the back of the head will come in handy. You will be harangued by second-rate standard-show music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, and also by Lebo Mï's stirring African chants and ululations, to which your active ear should be cocked. Finally, you will be subjected to a well-worn, simplistic children's tale about a lion cub's hard road to adulthood and the throne of the animal kingdom, usurped by his wicked uncle in cahoots with some murderously laughing hyenas.

Cub Comes of Age: A Twice-Told Cosmic Tale
8 / 10

Where are you, really, anyway? The location is supposed to be a theater on 42d Street, a thoroughfare that has never been thought of as a gateway to Eden. Yet somehow you have fallen into what appears to be a primal paradise. And even the exquisitely restored New Amsterdam Theater, a former Ziegfeld palace, disappears before the spectacle within it. Such is the transporting magic wrought by the opening 10 minutes of 'The Lion King.' Unfortunately, it turns out that these glorious opening moments are only the honeymoon part of this fable of the coming of age of a lion with a father fixation. Throughout the show's 2 hours and 40 minutes (as against the 75-minute movie), there will be plenty of instances of breathtaking beauty and scenic ingenuity, realized through techniques ranging from shadow puppetry to Bunraku. Certainly, nowhere before on Broadway has a stampede of wildebeests or a herd of veldt-skimming gazelles been rendered with such eye-popping conviction. But in many ways, Ms. Taymor's vision, which is largely rooted in ritual forms of theater from Asia and Africa, collides with that of Disney, where visual spectacle is harnessed in the service of heartwarming storytelling. There will inevitably be longueurs for both adults and children who attend this show. But it offers a refreshing and more sophisticated alternative to the standard panoply of special effects that dominate most tourist-oriented shows today. Seen purely as a visual tapestry, there is simply nothing else like it.

Video: THE LION KING Celebrates 28 Years on Broadway
by Michael Major - November 14, 2025


The Lion King is now celebrating its 28th year on Broadway. Following its history-making performance last night, actor L. Steven Taylor made a speech to celebrate. Watch the video!

Photos: Gavin Lee as 'Scar' in THE LION KING on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 27, 2025


You can now get a first look at new photos of The Lion King on Broadway, featuring Gavin Lee as Scar. See photos here and learn more about the Broadway production.

Video: THE LION KING Celebrates 11,000 Performances on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 23, 2025


The Lion King celebrated its 11,000th performance on Broadway over the weekend at the matinee on Saturday, September 20th. See footage here and learn more about The Lion King.

Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - September 3, 2025


Watch a video of Tshidi Manye, who played Rafiki in Disney's THE LION KING on Broadway for over 9,000 performances, take her final bow on Sunday after being a part of the production for 25 years.

Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi Returns to THE LION KING as Rafiki
by Stephi Wild - September 2, 2025


The Lion King is welcoming Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi back as Rafiki beginning September 2. Pitjeng-Molebatsi stepped into the role temporarily earlier this year and is now taking it over officially following the final performance of longtime cast member Tshidi Manye.

THE LION KING's Longest-Running Rafiki, Tshidi Manye, to Depart the Show
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 27, 2025


After 9,000 performances as Rafiki in The Lion King, Tshidi Manye is set to depart the Broadway production. Learn more about Manye and about The Lion King here.

Video: How Well Does Gavin Lee Remember His Old Lines?
by Joey Mervis - August 23, 2025


We know him as Squidward, Bert, Scar, and more- but how well does Gavin Lee know those characters? We're putting him to the test in the latest edition of BroadwayWorld's Line Please! In this video, watch as he tries to guess which shows he said each of these lines...

THE LION KING Welcomes New 'Young Simba' and 'Young Nala' Cast Members This Month
by A.A. Cristi - August 19, 2025


Disney’s The Lion King will welcome new cast members beginning Tuesday, August 19. Caleb Beltran and Julius-Raymond Weems IV will perform as Young Simba, while McKenzie Sherie Lewis and Emma Origenes will perform as Young Nala at certain performances.

Video: Gavin Lee Is Exploring His Dark Side In His Latest Broadway Role
by Joey Mervis - August 13, 2025


Gavin Lee is no stranger to the Disney canon. Now playing 'Scar' in the Lion King, Gavin is enjoying his third run in a Disney production (he has also starred in Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast) and he knows he is '#blessed' for the experience. Watch more in this video!

Video: Gayle King Makes Broadway Debut in THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - July 25, 2025


On Thursday, CBS News journalist Gayle King, along with Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman, made their Broadway debuts in The Lion King, appearing in the opening number of the hit musical. Watch footage from rehearsals and the performance here!

Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - July 23, 2025


Gavin Lee has made it to Pride Rock! The Tony nominee has officially joined the cast of The Lion King on Broadway as 'Scar.' Watch a video of his first bow now!

Gavin Lee Joins THE LION KING on Broadway as Scar
by Stephi Wild - June 30, 2025


Two-time Tony nominee Gavin Lee will take on the role of Scar in THE LION KING starting July 22. Discover more about his journey here!

Video: Heather Headley Performs 'Shadowland' From THE LION KING Hollywood Bowl Concert
by Josh Sharpe - February 17, 2025


Disney has debuted a new clip from The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, the concert experience now on Disney+. In the video, original Broadway performer Heather Headley takes the stage to perform her rendition of the powerful song Shadowland. Watch it here!

Interview: Heather Headley Looks Back on 30 Years of THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - February 12, 2025


BroadwayWorld sat down with Heather Headley to discuss the new Lion King concert on Disney+, the ongoing Broadway production, and the legacy of the franchise.

Video: THE LION KING AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL Trailer with Heather Headley, Nathan Lane, & More
by Josh Sharpe - January 30, 2025


Disney has debuted the first trailer for The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, a concert experience filmed at the legendary Los Angeles venue in 2024. The concert celebrating the enduring legacy of “The Lion King” comes to Disney+ on Friday, February 7, 2025. 

THE LION KING to Welcome Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi to the Company Beginning Tonight
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 10, 2024


The Lion King will welcome Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi, making her Broadway debut in the company. Learn more about the cast of The Lion King, and see how to purchase tickets.

Video: Original 'Young Nala' Makes Appearance at THE LION KING 27th Anniversary Performance
by Stephi Wild - November 14, 2024


The Lion King celebrated its 27th anniversary on Broadway.   A surprise guest made an appearance in the show’s curtain call and revealed herself as Kajuana S Marie, who had created the role of Young Nala.

THE LION KING on Broadway Will Its Celebrate 27th Anniversary Tomorrow
by Stephi Wild - November 12, 2024


The Lion King will celebrate its 27th anniversary on Broadway on Wednesday, November 13th. Learn more about the show and its history, as well as the historic milestone, here!

THE LION KING Will Welcome New Young Simba and Young Nala Next Week
by Stephi Wild - August 13, 2024


The Lion King will welcome Austin Elle Fisher as “Young Nala” and Jacob Pham as “Young Simba” beginning Tuesday, August 20. Learn more about the new members of the cast here!

SiriusXM'S Disney Hits Channel Airs THE LION KING Special With Elton John, Tim Rice, Thomas Schumacher, & More
by Josh Sharpe - June 6, 2024


SiriusXM’s Disney Hits (channel 133) has aired a one-hour special celebrating the making of “The Lion King’s” Film and Original Soundtrack. The making of special features behind the scenes anecdotes in exclusive interviews with Sir Elton John, Sir Tim Rice, Film Producers Don Hahn & Thomas Schumacher, and more. Listen exclusively on the SiriusXM app starting now, and on-air on SiriusXM’s Disney Hits, Saturday, June 8th at 4pm EST. 

The Lion King FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does The Lion King on Broadway have a daily lottery?

Price: $35.00
Where: https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/show/the-lion-king/
When: Lottery entries for each performance will be accepted starting 9AM the day prior to the performance until 3PM the day prior to the performance. At that time, the lottery for that performance will be closed. If you are selected as a winner, you have 60 minutes to pay for your tickets.
Limit: 2 per customer
Information: Seats are assigned at the discretion of the Box Office and cannot be transferred to other people or performances. PLEASE NOTE: Lottery seats may be partial view.

How long has The Lion King been running on Broadway?
The Lion King opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre (Broadway) on Thursday Nov 13, 1997 and has now been running for 26 years.
What are the songs in The Lion King and what's the order?
Circle of Life
Grasslands Chant
The Morning Report
The Lioness Hunt
I Just Can't Wait to Be King
Chow Down
They Live in You
Be Prepared
The Stampede
Rafiki Mourns
Hakuna Matata
One by One
The Madness of King Scar
Shadowland
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Endless Night
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Simba Confronts Scar
King of Pride Rock
There are no gunshots in The Lion King.

The Lion King History

Other Productions of The Lion King

1997   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2002   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2003   Chicago Chicago Production
Chicago
2021   West End London Production
West End

The Lion King Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Irene Mecchi
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Roger Allers
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Tim Rice
1998 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Elton John
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Broadway Musical 0
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Choreography Garth Fagan
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Costume Design Julie Taymor
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Director - Musical Julie Taymor
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Featured Actress - Musical Tsidii Le Loka
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Lighting Design Donald Holder
1998 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Set Design Richard Hudson -
1998 The Hewes Awards Costume Design Julie Taymor
1998 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Donald Holder
1998 The Hewes Awards Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design Julie Taymor
1998 Theatre World Awards Performance Max Casella
1998 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Irene Mecchi
1998 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Roger Allers
1998 Tony Awards Best Choreography Garth Fagan
1998 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Julie Taymor
1998 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Julie Taymor
1998 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Donald Holder
1998 Tony Awards Best Musical Disney Theatrical Productions
1998 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Bruce Fowler
1998 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations David Metzger
1998 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Robert Elhai
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Julie Taymor
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Hans Zimmer
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Jay Rifkin
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Mark Mancina
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Lebo M
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Tim Rice
1998 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Elton John
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Samuel E. Wright
1998 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Tsidii Le Loka
1998 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Richard Hudson
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Garth Fagan
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Julie Taymor
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Julie Taymor
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Geoff Hoyle
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Max Cassella
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical Tsidii Le Loka
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Donald Holder
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical The Lion King
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Bruce Fowler
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations David Metzger
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Robert Elhai
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Puppet Design Julie Taymor
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Puppet Design Michael Curry
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival-Play Richard Hudson
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design Tony Meola

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