Disney’s The Lion King returns to the Hennepin Theatre District for a special five week engagement of the 1998 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, running from Oct. 25 to Nov. 25, 2007 at the Orpheum Theatre. Following a world premiere at the Orpheum Theatre in 1997 and a sold out engagement in 2005, the magic continues as Minneapolis celebrates the production’s 10th anniversary and becomes the first city in the country to host this inspiring production three times. The musical tells the story of a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually returns to reclaim his proper place. Whether for the first time or for multiple viewings, this is a must-see Broadway sensation that Newsweek calls, “A landmark in entertainment.” Visit HennepinTheatreDistrict.org for tickets and information.
Now in its tenth sold-out year on Broadway, The Lion King is the winner of six Tony Awards (including Best Musical), eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. This United States national tour is currently one of seven productions running worldwide along with New York, a second U.S. national tour, London, Hamburg, Tokyo and Seoul. Other international productions include a run in Johannesburg, South Africa and a French-language version opening in Paris.
“We are proud to bring The Lion King to venues across the country as part of Disney on Broadway on Tour,” said producer Thomas Schumacher. “The Lion King has been thrilling audiences on Broadway and across the world, and we are excited that theatergoers across the U.S. will have the opportunity to enjoy the same goose-bump experience in their home towns.”
Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for The Lion King. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design by Richard Hudson, costume design by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for The Lion King.
The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice and additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.
Disney selected Minneapolis for the world premiere of The Lion King in 1997 because of the city’s reputation for an intelligent and supportive theatre audience. Once the show opened, it was an instant success that laid the groundwork for the international acclaim that followed. The world premiere of The Lion King played a key role in solidifying Minneapolis as a major player in the Broadway marketplace, and the city, home to the Hennepin Theatre District, maintains its reputation as a premier locale for the hottest Broadway shows.
TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets are on sale now and range from $26 to $81. Premium ticket packages, which offer the best seats, a commemorative ticket, souvenir program and a show merchandise item, are available for $140 including handling fees. All prices include applicable facility fees. Additional charges may apply. Tickets may be purchased in person at the State Theatre Box Office
(805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55402), online at HennepinTheatreDistrict.org or through Ticketmaster: 612-673-0404 or ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available through the flexible “Pick Your Own Package” at the State Theatre Box Office, by calling the Season Ticket Hotline at 1-800-859-7469 or online at HennepinTheatreDistrict.org.
Performance dates for The Lion King are Thursday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 25 at the Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis. Show times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will be an additional performance on Monday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. because there will not be a performance on Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 22).
Groups of 20 or more call 612-373-5665 for information and reservations.
HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST
Hennepin Theatre Trust is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural and economic vitality of the Hennepin Theatre District. With a focus on engaging community members in a diverse array of live performances and educational experiences, the Trust’s annual presentations include the M&I Bank Broadway Across America – Minneapolis Season, National Geographic Live! Speaker’s Series and an eclectic range of variety entertainment including theatre, dance, comedy and music. The Trust’s additional community programming includes the SpotLight Musical Theatre Program, Reel to Real, Critical View (a student reviewer program), the Starbucks Ticket Access Program and Kids’ Night on Broadway. Over 500,000 patrons visit the Trust’s State, Orpheum and Pantages Theatres annually.
BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA
Broadway Across America presents first-rate touring Broadway shows, family productions and other live theatrical events throughout a network of over 40 North American cities. A leader in subscription series programs and group ticketing, Broadway Across America is dedicated to creating memorable and accessible experiences for all guests, selling over five million tickets to over 3,000 performances each year. As a producer, current and recent Broadway productions include: Hairspray, Chicago, Monty Python’s Spamalot and The Producers. It also manages, operates or consults in the operation of 13 theatres across North America. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
