Disney's "The Lion King" is not only the most successful musical in the world, but also the most spectacular. Whether it's Elton John's timeless songs, an impressive masquerade and shadow play against a grand backdrop or unforgettable characters like Simba, Rafiki and the team of Timon and Pumbaa: "The Lion King" is a modern myth.
A lion cub named Simba can't wait to finally grow up. His brave father Mufasa would give anything for his son and heir to the throne. In turn, the power-hungry Uncle Scar will stop at nothing to ascend the throne himself. The story about themes such as friendship, true love and the price of growing up is as exciting as it is moving - and can be experienced live with tickets for the musical to Disney's "The Lion King".
The sun rises over the Consecrated Land for the first time when Disney's animated film "The Lion King" conquers the world in 1994. Today, the film is one of the most commercially successful traditional animated films in cinema history. Among other things, Disney has it to thank for the fact that it experienced a revival in the 1990s as a US animation studio that continues to this day.
From the screen to the stage: Disney's "The Lion King" as a musical
Music has always played a central role in Disney animated films. Not only in the early Disney films are there legendary songs that are best remembered by young and old: From "Try it with Comfort" from "The Jungle Book" to "In My World" from "Aladdin" to the unforgettable "Hakuna Matata" from "The Lion King".
The reason for the musicality is the fact that film studios like Disney have their roots in theatre and so also in Broadway musicals. As sound technology becomes film-ready, it is only natural that first sound films like "The Jazz Singer" (1927) are musical films. So by Disney's "The Lion King" making its way from the silver screen to the musical stage three years after its theatrical premiere, the musical has come full circle.
The musical premieres on 31 July 1997 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Since Elton John has already contributed classics like "Circle Of Life" and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" to the moving film soundtrack, it goes without saying that his songs also form the emotional centrepiece in the musical. In addition, audiences will be able to enjoy additional songs not heard in the film version.
After the premiere, directed by Julie Taymor, it takes a few months for the musical to transfer to the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway in New York. There it runs continuously until it moves to the Minskoff Theatre in 2006. Today, the stage show based on Disney's "The Lion King" is shown at various performance venues all over the world - including the Lyceum Theatre in London, the Montecasino in Johannesburg, the Théâtre Mogador in Paris and the Theater im Hafen Hamburg.
A total work of art for young and old
Although the musical "The Lion King" is based on the film of the same name, it takes off the mantle of an adaptation from the very beginning. It is a complete work of art in its own right that outgrows the film in many areas and creates a world all of its own with additional scenes and songs.
A creative stage design that transports the audience to the African savannah with its mixture of minimalism and shadow puppets ensures a unique musical experience. Under the guidance of South African composer and producer Lebo M, who was already involved in the film, a visible choir and African rhythms immediately convey a sense of the world in which Disney's "The Lion King" is set.
The absolute highlight of the musical are the creative masks and costumes by puppet and character designer Michael Curry and director Julie Taymor, which result in a magical fusion of humans and animal characters. Although always visible, the actors transform into lions, giraffes, hyenas, zebras and many other representatives of the African animal kingdom in colourful, original costumes.
Award-winning stage success
As a worldwide musical success, "The Lion King" has enjoyed record-breaking success in audience figures. Already more than 95 million viewers have witnessed the thrilling story of Simba, Nala and their companions in 25 worldwide productions. The list of awards for the elaborate and creative stage production is also impressive. Among the honours with which the Broadway original has been awarded are six Tony Awards and eight Drama Desk Awards.
What makes Disney's "The Lion King" so special?
Whether fixed musical locations like Hamburg, which become veritable pilgrimage sites for fans of Disney's "The Lion King", or a tour of various performance venues in North America and England - one thing is certain: The fascination remains unbroken. Simba's exciting and, above all, heartbreaking journey will continue to thrill many generations of viewers.
