The Lion King musical is a groundbreaking Broadway stage adaptation of Disney's 1994 animated film that revolutionized modern theatrical design through its visionary blend of African rhythm, shadow puppetry, and avant-garde mask design. Directed by Julie Taymor, who became the first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, the production premiered on Broadway in 1997 and stands as one of the most successful and highest-grossing theatrical titles in history. Set against the vast expanse of the African Serengeti, the dramatic story follows young lion cub Simba as he navigates love, tragedy, exile, and his ultimate destiny to claim the throne in the Circle of Life.
Featuring an iconic score with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, complemented by additional choral music and arrangements by South African composer Lebo M, the stage show expands the beloved animated tracklist with rich vocal arrangements and dramatic atmospheric compositions. Global hit songs like 'Circle of Life', 'I Just Can't Wait to Be King', and 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' are seamlessly integrated alongside powerful stage-exclusive pieces like 'Shadowland' and 'Endless Night'. Taymor's design uses over 200 puppets and elaborate masks to bring the animal kingdom to life, allowing actors to embody beasts without hiding their human expressions, creating an immersive experience across Broadway, London's West End, and worldwide touring productions.
Book:Roger Allers, Irene MecchiMusic:Elton JohnLyrics:Tim Rice, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, Hans ZimmerWorld premiere 1997Based on the 1994 Disney animated film 'The Lion King'
Reviews (9)
4.0
Based on ratings from 3 members ·
9 reviews
67% Recommends
33% Maybe
0% Doesn't recommend
Every review here is from a Theatreview member who saw the show. How our ratings work
E
em
@orpheus
West End
Jul 25, 2025 · Stalls, Front Row
Recommends
Bonginkosi Jay Hlatso as Simba was sooooo delightful, absolutely loved the growl in his voice and how playful he was and lethal grade Big Doe Eyes.
Did not catch the name of Nala. Assume it’s a lady who left the show and returned to cover - she did a great job and had a beautiful voice :) Also maybe the tiniest children I’ve ever seen as kid Simba and Nala?? They were still so squeaky and it was unbelievably cute.
Cast this performance
Simba
Bonginkosi Jay Hlatso
Rafiki
Thenjiwe Nofemele
Mufasa
Shaun Escoffery
Scar
George Asprey
E
em
@orpheus
West End
Jul 5, 2024 · Stalls, Front Row · Evening
Recommends
My friend turned around with glee when hyenas came through the audience and got attacked by one. Then at the end when Simba ascended pride rock the sun fell down and everybody cheered. That’s what theatre is all about babey!!!
Merryl’s Shadowlands was the stuff of dreams.
E
em
@orpheus
West End
Jan 11, 2025 · Stalls Front Row · Evening
Recommends
I always want to say something smart about this show and how it made me fall in love with the possibilities in theatre as a small child but then I actually go to speak and all that comes out is WE LOVE OWEN SIMBA
Cast this performance
Simba
Owen Chaponda
Nala
Phindile Nyandeni
Rafiki
Thenjiwe Nofemele
Scar
George Asprey
E
em
@orpheus
West End
Aug 10, 2007 · Evening
vividly remember seeing this at eight years old and being completely mindblown. glad to see it as an adult and seeing eight year old me was right and it completely holds up
E
em
@orpheus
West End
Apr 22, 2026 · Stalls, Front Row · Evening
Recommends
Trains cancelled so ended up stuck overnight and wanted something easy after JPITV. Merryl Ansah Shadowlands forever <3
Cast this performance
Simba
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje
Nala
Merryl Ansah
Rafiki
Thenjiwe Nofemele
Mufasa
Shaun Escoffery
Scar
George Asprey
E
em
@orpheus
National Tour
Dec 27, 2022 · Palace Theatre, Manchester
He Lives in You (reprise) try not to cry challenge
Cast this performance
Simba
Kyle Richardson
Nala
Nokwanda Khuzwayo
Rafiki
Thandazile Soni
Scar
Richard Hurst
P
Peyton LaMorte
@peyton
Broadway
Apr 19, 2024 · Evening
Maybe
P
Peyton LaMorte
@peyton
Broadway
Aug 23, 2015
C
claire
@claire
Broadway
Feb 26, 2005
Recommends
Synopsis
In the Pride Lands of Africa, a young lion named Simba becomes heir to the kingdom, but flees his home when tragedy falls on his family. After years in exile, he decides to return and fight to take his rightful place in the Circle of Life.
The Lion King musical runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Is there an intermission during The Lion King?
Yes, The Lion King includes one 15-minute intermission between Act 1 and Act 2.
What age is appropriate for The Lion King on Broadway?
The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 and up, though children under 4 are not admitted into the theatre. The production contains intense theatrical moments, dark scenes, and loud sound effects during dramatic sequences.
What is The Lion King musical based on?
The Lion King stage musical is based directly on Disney's 1994 animated feature film 'The Lion King', expanding the original narrative with additional songs and traditional African choral arrangements.
How is The Lion King stage show different from the animated movie?
The stage adaptation adds new songs and choral pieces, alters the baboon character Rafiki into a female spiritual guide, and relies heavily on physical puppetry and human mask artistry to depict the animals on stage.
