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Join the circle of life at this stage adaptation of the beloved Disney film, on Broadway for 25 years and counting. Awe-inspiring puppetry and timeless songs like "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" bring alive the story of a lion cub growing up to take his rightful place as a leader.

The Lion King on Broadway - NYC [42]

Family (US New)

Genre: Musical (US and AUS)

The Lion King on Broadway

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Stage performance with puppeteers manipulating animal puppets, including a cheetah and two giraffes, against an orange sun backdrop.

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Stage performance featuring actors in elaborate animal costumes and puppets, set against a blue-lit background, portraying a vibrant scene from “The Lion King” musical.

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A performer in a lion costume stands on a stylized rock set against a purple sky, appearing to sing or gesture in a theatrical production.

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A performer stands center stage in colorful costume, with four dancers in silhouette and grass headpieces, in front of a large tree backdrop against an orange and red background.

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The story of *The Lion King* has become classic in its own right, but it’s actually based on an even older tale. Its plot is loosely based on Shakespeare’s tragic play Hamlet, in which a young prince’s uncle kills his father to take the throne for himself. This version is an uplifting, family-friendly musical, though, so it has a much happier ending than that play!

*The Lion King* first came onto the scene as a 1994 Disney film, which won two Academy Awards and a Best Picture Golden Globe Award. The voice cast featured lots of theatre actors, including Matthew Broderick as Simba, Nathan Lane as Timon, Whoopi Goldberg as Shenzi, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa in one of his most iconic voice roles.

When the stage adaptation premiered three years later, under visionary director Julie Taymor, it was unlike anything that had ever been on a Broadway stage before. *The Lion King* features hundreds of expertly handmade, life-size puppets and masks, designed by Taymor, which feature animal-like details while still showing the actors’ faces. The design was an innovation in stagecraft, and Taymor won both directing and costume design Tony Awards for her work. The show won an additional four Tonys in 1998, including Best Musical.

The stage show also builds on the original movie with additional music by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. So in addition to the fan-favorite tunes, you’ll hear new songs on stage that you won’t get from the movie.

More than anything, the *The Lion King* musical is a classic story of family that will speak to anyone who has ever been a parent or a child. 

## What to watch for

- Six indigenous African languages are sung and spoken in the show: Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Congolese.
- *The Lion King* on Broadway uses 232 puppets, including full-sized, shadow, and rod puppets. Did you know that it took 37,000 hours to build all of the puppets, which encompass 25 species of animals?
- The opening lyrics of “The Circle of Life” in *The Lion King* in the African language Swahili translate in English to: “Here comes a lion, father / Oh yes, it’s a lion.” The Swahili lyrics are, "Nants ingonyama bagithi baba / Sithi uhm ingonyama."
- Most of the main characters’ names are Swahili in origin, too. “Simba,” for example, means “the lion” in Swahili, and “Mufasa” loosely translates to “king.”
- The puppets in *The Lion King* vary in size from five inches (the trick mouse at the end of Scar’s cane) to 18 feet tall (the giraffes in “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King").

__Audio Described / Captioned Performances__ 
On-demand pre-recorded audio description and closed captions are available for every performance through the [GalaPro](https://www.galapro.com/) app on personal devices, or through I-Caption devices at the theatre. This fully automated system displays dialogue, lyrics and sound effects on a handheld display. Devices are available to guests upon arrival at the theater. Please ask an Usher or House Manager for assistance.

*The Lion King* helped usher in a Disney renaissance on Broadway, creating a market of smart, wholesome shows audiences of all ages would enjoy. Whether it’s your first Broadway show or your tenth, *The Lion King* is a wonderful way to spend time at the theatre thanks to its sumptuous design and instantly hummable songs. Based on the award-winning film with new songs and scenes added in to flesh out the world of the Pride Lands, the musical shows how we all play a key role in the circle of life.

## What to watch for

- “Shadowland,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Hakuna Matata” are some of the musical’s well-known hit songs.
- Julie Taymor became the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for her work on *The Lion King*.
- Broadway legend James Earl Jones was the voice of Mufasa in the original film.
- The production uses hundreds of puppets to showcase dozens of different animal species, creating a spectacular and theatrical stage picture.

__Audio Described / Captioned Performances__ 
On-demand pre-recorded audio description and closed captions are available for every performance through the [GalaPro](https://www.galapro.com/) app on personal devices, or through I-Caption devices at the theatre. This fully automated system displays dialogue, lyrics and sound effects on a handheld display. Devices are available to guests upon arrival at the theater. Please ask an Usher or House Manager for assistance.

The Lion King on Broadway [42] - TodayTix

[Media #5] The Lion King 42

Get the best prices on theatre tickets for The Lion King on Broadway - New York on TodayTix. Find the best deals, show information & more.

Join the circle of life and experience the majesty of The Lion King on Broadway, whose unique stagecraft brings the Disney film to life unlike anything else on stage. Get The Lion King tickets now and see the third-longest-running show in Broadway history.

The Lion King on Broadway roared onto the scene in 1997, just three years after the release of the animated classic. The plot of the film remains the same on stage: Simba, a young lion cub, must defeat his evil uncle Scar and take his rightful place as King of the Pride Lands.

The Lion King opened at the <a href="/theatres/new-amsterdam-theatre">New Amsterdam Theatre</a>, the home base of Disney on Broadway, in November 1997, transferring to the Minskoff in 2006.

The successful reimagining&nbsp;of The Lion King on stage is largely thanks to the creative genius of director and costume designer Julie Taymor. In 1998, she won two Tony Awards in those respective categories, and the production itself picked up a total of six Tonys, including Best Musical. Her costumes incorporate various theatrical traditions of puppetry, with headdresses that portray the animal character each actor represents while never hiding the actor's face. They are highly detailed, merging textiles and fabrics with elements of African traditions and customs. As much as the timeless story, the stagecraft is one of the main reasons The Lion King on Broadway is iconic on its own.

## Who wrote the music for *The Lion King*?

Elton John and Tim Rice wrote the music for *The Lion King* musical and movie. All the beloved songs from the animated classic remain in the musical, including "Circle of Life," "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," "Be Prepared," "Hakuna Matata," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Lebo M, Hans Zimmer, Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin also wrote additional songs for the musical, such as "They Live in You," "Shadowland," and "Endless Night."

## How long is *The Lion King* on Broadway?

*The Lion King* runs 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.

The Lion King is the perfect introduction for kids to the wonders of live theatre, and its themes and stylistic maturity are timelessly appropriate for theatregoers of all ages. So feel the love tonight and see why The Lion King in New York remains the pride of Broadway.

(Photos by Joan Marcus)

Come take part in the circle of life: *The Lion King* on Broadway is a singular sensation based on the Oscar-winning Disney film and featuring beloved songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, from “Circle of Life” to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” This Broadway blockbuster tells the story of Simba, a young lion whose destiny is to rule the Pride Lands. With rich storytelling and dazzling puppets that animate favorite characters, *The Lion King* is a rich production that allows young ones to sit in awe of the design and adults to marvel at the combination of singing, staging, and spectacle. Get *The Lion King* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

The Lion King - NYC - New York Theatre Guide

The Lion King Broadway Quick Buy Image Square

Get tickets to The Lion King on Broadway from the official New York Theatre Guide. Join the circle of life at this Disney show with music by Elton John.

The Lion King Broadway Tickets | The Official NY Theatre Guide

Based on the animated Disney classic, *The Lion King* features hit Elton John songs like "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Witness the story of a lion cub following in his father's royal footsteps, brought to life with awe-inspiring puppetry evocative of the African savannah. Learn more about tickets to the six-time Tony-winning Best Musical.

Gavin Lee stars as Scar in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre).

Lee is best known for originating the roles of Bert in *Mary Poppins* and Squidward Q. Tentacles in *SpongeBob SquarePants*, as well as playing Thénardier in *Les Misérables*, all on Broadway. He has also appeared in numerous productions in London's West End, including the world-premiere run of *Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends*, reprising his performance in the Broadway transfer.

Gavin Lee - NY

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Pearl Khwezi stars as Nala in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre). She joined the production in May 2022. She previously performed in *The Lion King* in Madrid from 2016-2018 and toured with the KZN Youth Choir from 2012-2015, competing in Poland and Italy, where she won best female soloist in the Florence International Choir Festival in 2013.

Pearl Khwezi - NYC

pearl khwezi

Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi stars as Rafiki in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre), making her Broadway debut in December 2024. Originally from Mokopane in Limpopo, South Africa, she earned a National Diploma in Drama from Tshwane University and performed in children's theater shows including Peter Pan and Little Red Riding Hood. Her extensive Lion King experience includes performances in Las Vegas (ensemble and Rafiki understudy), Brazil, China, the West End, UK tour, and Paris productions.

Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi - NYC

ntsepa

L. Steven Taylor stars as Mufasa in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre). Taylor has performed the role since 2015 after previously playing it on the national tour. He first joined the Broadway production in 2005 as an ensemble member covering Mufasa and Scar and performed at The White House during the national tour. Other stage credits include *Ataria*, *Cutman*, *G word*, *Miss Saigon*, *Songs For A New World*, *Godspell*, and *A Chorus Line*.

L. Steven Taylor - NYC

l steven taylor

Ben Jeffrey stars as Pumbaa in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre), making his Broadway debut. He holds an MFA in Acting from Rutgers University, where credits included *Antigone*, *Romeo and Juliet*, and *In the Sawtooths*, and a BFA in Acting/Musical Theatre from Abilene Christian University, where credits included *Jane Eyre* and *Seussical*.

Ben Jeffrey - NYC

ben jeffrey

Fred Berman stars as Timon in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre), marking his Broadway debut. His Off-Broadway credits include *Bury the Dead*, *Room Service*, *Shockheaded Peter*, *The Normal Heart*, and *The Vocal Lords*, while his national tour work includes *The Buddy Holly Story*. His regional theatre credits span North Shore Music Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, O'Neill Theater, Geva Theatre, Huntington Theatre, New Repertory, and Cleveland Play House. His television appearances include *Law & Order* and *Law & Order: Criminal Intent*, and he is an award-winning narrator of more than 50 audiobooks.

Fred Berman - NYC

fred berman

James Brown-Orleans stars as Banzai in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre). He is known for originating the role on *The Lion King* Gazelle Tour and later joining the Broadway company. He founded Protected by Imagination Inc. and appeared as Doc Motors in Disney's *The Princess Diaries*. He also received Helen Hayes Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in *My Children! My Africa!* and *Master Harold...and the boys*.

James Brown-Orleans - NYC

james brown orleans

Bonita J. Hamilton stars as Shenzi in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre). She has been with the production for 17 years. She is a graduate of Alabama State University and Brandeis University (MFA) and her credits include *Mandela the Musical* (staged reading), *The Color Purple* (workshop), *Guys and Dolls*, *The Piano Lesson*, *The Old Settler*, and *In the Blood*. She is also a voiceover artist heard on film, podcasts, commercials, and animated series.

Bonita J. Hamilton - NYC

bonita j hamilton

Robb Sapp stars as Ed in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) on Broadway at the [Minskoff Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/minskoff-theatre). He previously appeared in the First National, North American, and Las Vegas touring companies. Other Broadway credits include Boq in *Wicked* and Pinocchio in *Shrek the Musical*. Additional stage credits include *Saturday Night Fever* (First National Tour) and work at regional theatres including Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed, The MUNY, and Syracuse Stage.

Robb Sapp - NYC

robb sapp

Located in the heart of New York City's bustling Times Square, the Minskoff Theatre is a thriving beacon of Broadway culture and performance. With a seating capacity of 1,621, this impressive venue not only allows for a broad audience but also embodies an intimate atmosphere that truly connects the audience to the performance. Dedicated to bringing the very best of Broadway to life, the theater boasts a rich history of hosting critically acclaimed shows, making it a dynamic platform for world-class entertainment. One cannot miss its distinct architectural design, a creation of Arata Isozaki, a renowned Japanese architect, which further adds to the structural beauty of Manhattan. Inside, the theatre exhibits grandeur par excellence, decked with a sunburst-like contoured ceiling, plush seating, and exceptional acoustics that together create a truly immersive theatrical experience for every patron.

**Directions to the Venue**

The Minskoff Theatre is conveniently located at 200 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA. The Theater District in Manhattan is well connected by public transportation. If using the subway, you can take the N, Q, or R trains to 42nd Street and Broadway. Another option is to take the A, C, and E trains to 42nd Street and 8th Avenue. It's just a short walk from those stations to the theater. Parking garages, although expensive, are also available nearby for those who prefer to drive.

Minskoff Theatre - NY

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Minskoff Theatre

Minskoff Theatre - TodayTix

Designed by Kahn and Jacobs, the Minskoff Theatre is located on the third floor of the One Astor Plaza office tower. The Minskoff Theatre is named after Sam Minskoff and Sons, who built and own the high-rise building, and it officially opened on March 13, 1973, with a revival of Irene starring Debbie Reynolds. The theatre also held the Miss Universe 1981 pageant.

## How to get to the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway

The Minskoff Theatre is closest to the 42nd Street - Times Square subway stop on the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S lines. The closest bus stop is the 7th Ave/W. 44th St. on the M104 line.

## Restaurants near the Minskoff Theatre

Popular restaurants near the Minskoff Theatre include Junior's (American), the Hard Rock Cafe (American), Carmine's (Italian), and Havana Central (Cuban).

[Learn more about popular pre- and post-show restaurants in the Theatre District.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/where-to-eat-before-and-after-a-broadway-show)

## Where is *The Lion King* on Broadway playing?

*The Lion King* performs at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. The show has played in New York since 1997, making it Broadway's third-longest running show of all time. *The Lion King* originally opened at the [New Amsterdam Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/new-amsterdam-theatre) but moved to the Minskoff in 2006.

Minskoff Theatre - New York Theatre Guide

The Minskoff Theatre, located in the One Astor Plaza office tower, was opened in 1973. It is conveniently placed near multiple subway and bus stops with various dining options nearby and currently hosts Broadway's third-longest running show, The Lion King.

Seating chart showing the stage at the top, followed by labeled Orchestra and Mezzanine sections with lettered and numbered rows.

Minskoff Theatre Seating Plan - NYC - 1033 x1368 px

The Minskoff Theatre is a vibrant Broadway venue in New York City, known for esteemed performances and its prominent architect-designed structure. It's easily accessible by public transport or car.

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