Photo Coverage: Sneak Peek at Disney's THE LION KING First International Tour

Manila, Philippines--Disney's "The Lion King's" 25th global production and its first international tour since the original Broadway production opened more than 20 years ago officially premieres at The Theatre at Solaire (Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Parañaque City) tonight!

The production, which previewed to full houses and standing ovations at every performance, runs through Sunday, May 6. Book tickets at TicketWorld.com.ph.

"The Lion King" is a worldwide phenomenon, which enjoys a worldwide box-office gross of more than $8.1 billion--exceeding that of any hit Hollywood film or Broadway show.

Brilliantly re-imagined by Tony-winning director Julie Taymor, Disney's beloved 1994 animated musical film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience, which features a global cast and crew from 18 countries,

Its principal cast includes Ntsepa Pitjeng (Rafiki), Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile (Mufasa), Antony Lawrence (Scar), André Jewson (Zazu), Jamie McGregor (Timon), Pierre van Heerden (Pumbaa), Noxolo Dlamini (Nala), and Calvyn Grandling (Simba).

Sharing the role the Young Simba are Julien Joshua Dolor Jr., Gabriel Tiongson, and Omar Sharief Uddin.

Playing the role of the Young Nala are Sheena Kirsten Bentoy, Uma Naomi Martin, and Felicity Kyle Napuli.

It is presented by Michael Cassel Group and Concertus Manila, in association with Disney Theatrical Productions. Co-presenters in Manila are Globe and Visa.

"The Lion King" won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. It has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show's score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from "The Lion King" 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, and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina , and Hans Zimmer.

After its run in the Philippines, the show heads to Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan, plus more venues.

Photos: Erickson Dela Cruz

Calvyn Grandling (Simba) leads Disney's THE LION KING first international tour.

Disney's THE LION KING first international tour

Disney's THE LION KING first international tour

Disney's THE LION KING first international tour

Disney's THE LION KING first international tour

Chacano Baez (Swing)

Jamie McGregor (Timon)

Zolina Ngejane (Ensemble)

Peace Nzirawa (Ensemble)

Lebo M, Michael Cassel

Felipe Gamba (Disney Theatrical Productions)

Noxolo Dlamini (Nala)

Calvyn Grandling (Simba)

Ntsepa Pitjeng (Rafiki)