'The Lion King' plays 10,000th Broadway performance
The Disney musical, which celebrated its 25th anniversary on Broadway in November 2022, is only the third show in history to reach this performance milestone.
The circle of life continues! The Lion King on Broadway celebrated its 10,000th performance on Saturday, May 6 at the Minskoff Theatre, just over 25 years after its Broadway premiere.
The Lion King is only the third show in Broadway history to achieve this milestone, following Chicago in June 2022 and the now-closed The Phantom of the Opera in February 2012.
The Disney musical has been on Broadway since November 1997, telling the story of a young lion cub who must defeat his evil uncle to take his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands, succeeding his father.
The Lion King won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction and Costume Design for Julie Taymor, whose unique incorporation of wildlife puppetry into the costume design remains unique on Broadway.
A 20th-anniversary review of The Lion King on New York Theatre Guide reads, "It is no wonder that sold out audiences continue to flock to the Minskoff Theatre 8 times a week, bringing their own legacy of family members that keep this fable alive. The score still maintains its variety of gifts, especially the songs rooted in the African tradition."
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Frequently asked questions
What is The Lion King about?
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.
Where is The Lion King playing?
The Lion King is playing at Minskoff Theatre. The theatre is located at 200 West 45th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is The Lion King?
The running time of The Lion King is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.
What's the age requirement for The Lion King?
The recommended age for The Lion King is Ages 6+..
How do you book tickets for The Lion King?
Book tickets for The Lion King on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote The Lion King?
The Lion King features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. The script is by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, who adapted it from the Disney film's screenplay by Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton.
What songs are in The Lion King on Broadway?
The Lion King's songs include all the film favorites, such as "The Circle of Life," "Be Prepared," "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." There are also multiple songs written specifically for the musical. Learn more about all the songs in The Lion King on Broadway.
Is The Lion King appropriate for kids?
The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 and up. Like the movie, the musical's content is appropriate for all ages, but very young children might get restless due to the show's length. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
When did The Lion King open on Broadway?
The Lion King opened in October 1997. The musical is now the third-longest-running Broadway show of all time.
Who directed The Lion King on Broadway?
Julie Taymor directs The Lion King on Broadway. She won two Tony Awards for her work, which included designing the show's unique puppets.
Is The Lion King on Broadway different from the movie?
The Lion King musical is mostly the same as the movie. The plot is the same, but the musical features multiple additional songs beyond the ones from the film. Additionally, one of the main characters, Rafiki, is a female character, whereas the character was male in the film.
Is The Lion King good?
The Lion King has been running for 25 years and counting and is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide. Our five-star 20th-anniversary review reads, "The Lion King continues to be a wonderful evening at the theatre. You will laugh, cry and marvel at all the beauty around."
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