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Lion King retuning to Orlando’s Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre April 2012
The Lion King is roaring back to Orlando with the return of Disney’s The Lion King to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Lion King returning to Orlando FL for a a four week limited engagement, The performances start with the 8:00 PM show on April 17, 2012 and continue through Sunday May 13, 2012.
Lion King Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre Performances Schedule:
Tuesdays to Fridays – 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays – 2:00 and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Special Matinee on Thursday, May 10 – 2 p.m.
The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
Lion King Musical’s Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre performances continue through May 13, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. Lion King Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre Tickets selling like hot cakes. Buy Lion King Orlando FL Tickets today, Get $10 OFF on Orders over $350! Use Code AFF$10. Use Code HOL2011 for FREE SHIPPING.
Lion King Minneapolis MN Tour Dates and Cast Update
Lion King will leap onto Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Orpheum Theatre stage from Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, February 12, 2012. The Lion King celebrated its world premiere in 1997 at the Orpheum, followed by sold out engagements in 2005 and 2007. Minneapolis becomes the first city in North America to host this landmark musical four times. It is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as part of its 2011/12 Broadway Across America-Minneapolis Season.
Lion King Orpheum Theatre-MN Performances Schedule:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – 8 p.m.
Saturday – 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday – 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 12 and Thursday, Feb. 9 – 2 p.m.
No 6:30 p.m. show on Sunday, Feb. 12.
Casting has been announced for the Minneapolis engagement of Disney’s The Lion King. The sardonic and deviously cunning “Scar” is played by J. Anthony Crane, who grew up in Minneapolis and whose family still lives in the Twin Cities. Dionne Randolph is “Mufasa,” the great warrior and ruler of the Pridelands. Buyi Zama is the wise baboon shaman “Rafiki.” Mark David Kaplan portrays the prim and proper hornbilled bird “Zazu.” Ben Lipitz is the carefree warthog “Pumbaa.” Nick Cordileone, who went to grade school in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park, is the wisecracking meerkat “Timon.” Mufasa’s son, “Simba,” the lion prince born to be king, is played by Jelani Remy and Syndee Winters is the loyal lioness “Nala.”
The three evil hyenas are played by Omari Tau (“Banzai”), Monica L. Patton (“Shenzi”) and Ben Roseberry (“Ed”). The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Niles Fitch and Zavion J. Hill and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Sade Phillip-Demorcy and Kailah McFadden.
The North American touring production of The Lion King has been seen by over 13.5 million theatergoers and grossed over $875 million to date. 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.
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Lion King Musical at Hippodrome Performing Arts Center – Review
The Baltimore return of Disney’s The Lion King opens Friday, December 9 at 7:30 pm at the Hippodrome Theatre for a limited engagement of five weeks through Sunday, January 8, 2012. The show’s 14-week premiere engagement in 2005 played a sold-out run and box office smash at the Hippodrome Theatre.
Judging from all of the smiling children at a recent performance, this show is a wonderful family activity for the holiday season. The kids weren’t the only ones smiling, laughing and pointing, because “The Lion King” knows how to please a crowd.
This theatrical fact is loudly announced in the opening number, “Circle of Life,” in which the performers parade down the aisles and then claim the stage as their own. You plainly see the actors supporting the schematically constructed elephants that majestically march down the aisles.
The birds flying overhead are set in motion by people holding lofty poles; indeed, when one of the birds accidentally got snagged by the overhead balcony, the guy holding that pole earned a round of applause for finding a way to free it without injury to the puppet. And there are performers on stilts that facilitate their angular, forward motion as long-limbed giraffes.
One of the most ingenious design decisions was to create animal masks that do not cover the performers’ faces, but instead hover just above their heads. This presents us with both the animals’ fixed expressions and the more mobile human faces emulating those expressions.
The distinctive look of “The Lion King” is further enhanced by Donald Holder’s lighting design, which bathes Richard Hudson’s spare scenic designs in environmentally evocative splashes of pure color. You don’t doubt that the sun is shining when yellow light suffuses everything in sight.
As for the story, adult viewers will note that it’s a thematically blunt tale about a young male lion, Simba (Niles Fitch, alternating with Zavion J. Hill), that mourns the death of his lion king father, Mufasa (Dionne Randolph), and also contends with Mufasa’s villainous brother, Scar (J. Anthony Crane). Young Simba also takes a friendly interest in a young female lion, Nala (Kailah McFadden, alternating with Sade Phillip-Demorcy).
After spending years growing up on his own, the now-adult Simba (Jelani Remy) returns home to claim his throne. This means jousting with his nasty Uncle Scar, and also taking some time out for a courtship with the now-adult Nala (Syndee Winters).
Although only J. Anthony Crane’s hilariously mean performance as Scar qualifies as a standout performance among the principal roles, this is a vocally capable cast.
Read the complete review {Via BaltimoreSun.com}
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The Lion King at the Hippodrome – Performance Schedule, Tickets Info
Lion King is currently performing at the Hippodrome Theatre and run through January 08, 2012. The Tony Award-winning and visually captivating musical features music from Elton John and Tim Rice.
Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
12 N. Eutaw St. , Baltimore , MD , 21201
Lion King Hippodrome Performing Arts Center Schedule:
Tuesdays to Fridays – 7:30 PM
Saturdays – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Sundays – 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM
Special Matinee on Friday, Dec 23 – 2:00 PM
Special Matinee on Tuesday, Dec 27 – 2:00 PM
No performances on Sunday December 25.
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Lion King Still Going Strong at Minskoff Theatre
Lion King Broadway is entertaining with the combination of songs, acting, dance, and spoken dialogue. Disney’s The Lion King is still going strong at Minskoff Theatre, New York NY.
Lion King Musical story is based on the Disney film, is undoubtedly familiar to many, the art that occurs in New York theaters may be foreign to some. An extensive amount of dexterity is incorporated into every aspect of the show.
While every actor in the production is undoubtedly talented, two particular actors who cannot be ignored are the young starlets who play Simba and his sidekick Nala, played by 11-year-old Abrey Omari Joseph and 10-year-old Khaail Toi Bryant, respectively.
In addition to having to complete the basic singing, dancing, memorizing, and acting requirements expected from Broadway leads, the starlets must learn to manage the responsibilities and risks of being in the spotlight, while juggling the developmental challenges associated with the preteen years. Because the song’s theme is the celebration of a new life, there are likely feelings of awe, hope and empathy pervading from audience members upon the chanting of the lyrics.
An element of the show that immediately appeals to viewers is the music written by Elton John and Tom Rice. In theatre, each musical piece is essential for helping the storyline progress in an engaging and original manner. The collaboration of other actors’ singing, acting and dancing and catchy African rhythms and their unforgettable exotic costumes — all made of an array of warm colors — contribute to the reasons why The Lion King won six Tony Awards in 1998.
The play’s opening includes a rainbow colored, face-painted Rafiki, a sunrise over an orange and purple lit background, giraffes represented by humans on long stilts, synchronized ballet dancing lions, antelopes, birds and zebras, and humans depicting grass rising from the stage.
Later, audience members are rendered speechless by large expressive puppets, mechanically controlled cheetahs and elephants, intricately designed masks for each lion character, and colorful costumes consisting of African styled beadwork, corsets, armor and cloth.
New York City is home to all forms of entertainment, but for anyone wanting to experience a great musical, The Lion King is a recommended investment.
Read the complete story {Via The Fairfield Mirror}
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Lion King Broadway Tops Box Office – Update for the Week December 04
Lion King Broadway grossed $1,682,555 and had a 95.9% attendance rate, about 4% less than the previous Thanksgiving week. The 33 shows on the boards grossed $23,795,690, slipping around 16.7% from the previous week’s totals.
Below are the Top 13 Grosses from BroadwayWorld.com for the week ending December 04, 2011.
1. The Lion King – (MINSKOFF) $1,682,555
2. Wicked – (GERSHWIN) $1,656,955
3. Hugh Jackman, Back On Broadway – (BROADHURST) $1,520,929
4. Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark – (FOXWOODS) $1,385,685
5. The Book Of Mormon – (EUGENE O’NEILL) $1,374,003
6. Jersey Boys – (AUGUST WILSON) $1,045,834
7. War Horse – (VIVIAN BEAUMONT) $958,523
8. How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying – (AL HIRSCHFELD) $902,752
9. On A Clear Day You Can See Forever – (ST. JAMES) $796,869
10. Sister Act – (BROADWAY) $787,283
11. Mary Poppins – (NEW AMSTERDAM) $784,417
12. Priscilla Queen Of The Desert – (PALACE) $740,283
13. Billy Elliot: The Musical – (IMPERIAL) $728,353
{Via BroadwayWorld.com}
Lion King Sets New Records at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre
Disney’s landmark musical event, The Lion King, set a new house record at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre by grossing $2,079,616 during the sold-out eight-performance Thanksgiving week ending November 27, 2011. This figure also marked the highest single week gross in the show’s 14 year run. The previous records were set week ending 01/02/2011 when The Lion King grossed $1,993,370.
As it enters its 15th year, The Lion King remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 global productions have been seen by more than 63 million people, and grossed over $4.7 billion to date. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only six productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed in 14 different countries on five continents. The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, and in Las Vegas, Tokyo, London’s West End, Hamburg and Madrid.
The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
Read the complete story {Via LaughingPlace.com}
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Lion King Breaks Buell Theatre Records
Disney’s The Lion King celebrated a sold-out, record-breaking engagement at The Buell Theatre, Denver CO. The five-week return engagement concluded on Sunday, December 4, have entertained nearly 110,000 people and grossed over $8.5 million at the box office. The award-winning musical grossed over $2 million during the week of November 21, making it the highest-grossing week of any theatrical production in the venue’s history.
This is the Lion King’s third visit to Denver. The North American Tour launched in Denver in April 2002 where it played a sold-out 10-week engagement at The Buell Theatre. The production returned to The Buell Theatre in September 2006 where it played a seven-week sold-out engagement. From here Lion King moves to Baltimore MD for performances starting from Wednesday, December 07, 2011 at Hippodrome Performing Arts Center.
It is estimated that by the conclusion of the engagement The lion king will have generated a $30 million economic benefit to Denver from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff. This figure is based upon a report from the Touring Broadway League, the official trade organization for Broadway and their North American Tours. The report states that on average, Broadway tours contribute to the local metropolitan area’s economy an economic impact 3.5 times the gross ticket sales.
“The return of The Lion King to Denver and its overwhelming success is a tribute to the entire Disney Theatrical team and the incredibly talented people involved in the creation of the show,” said President and COO of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Randy Weeks. “Additionally, it is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Disney company maintaining their productions at the highest possible standards. Is it possible that Lion King is better now than it was when it first opened here? I believe so.”
{Via BroadwayWorld.com}
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Disney’s The Lion King Celebrates 14 Years on Broadway
The Tony Award-winning Disney musical The Lion King celebrates 14 years on Broadway Nov. 13 at the Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45thStreet, NYC.
As it enters its 15th year, The Lion King remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 19 global productions have been seen by more than 63 million people, and grossed over $4.7 billion to date.
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only six productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more both on Broadway and in the West End.
The Broadway company of The Lion King currently includes Gareth Saxe as Scar, Alton Fitzgerald White as Mufasa and Tshidi Manye as Rafiki.
The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from “The Lion King” animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.
The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed “The Lion King” animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor).
Directed by Taymor — who became the first woman to ever receive a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical — The Lion King has become an international hit with productions playing all around the globe. In fact, the Elton John-Tim Rice musical has won over 30 major awards. Those include six Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical; eight Drama Desk Awards; six Outer Critics Circle Awards; two Sir Laurence Oliviers; the Evening Standard Award for Best Theatrical Event; and three Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards.
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Lion King Denver CO Review
Lion King Musical is currently showing at The Buell Theatre and running through December 04, 2011.
Disney’s “The Lion King” creates many expectations – and the national touring production, now showing at Denver’s Temple Buell Theatre, meets all of them.
From the moment the curtain and a dazzling sun rises to a parade of exotic African animals, you realize these characters are tactile, dissectible and very real. Each of the 25 different types of mammals, birds, fish and insects portrayed in the show reveal their human actors, breathing life and realism into every movement. Down the aisles life-sized elephants, stilted giraffes, cheetahs, jumping antelope propelled on wheels, women covered in flocks of beautiful white birds and men waving overhead high-flying winged fowls envelope the audience. Its effect: instant awe and a smile that is hard to wipe from your face for the remainder of the show.
Being able to see inside the animals, with a look at the actor’s faces and movements, pays homage to worldwide art forms of African mask rituals (where wearers’ faces are meant to be seen) and Japanese Bunkaru puppetry. “The Lion King” also delves into shadow puppetry, with its origins in Ancient Greece, China and Indonesia celebrating a blend of cultures and compelling storytelling.
Lion King Buell Theatre Performances Schedule:
Tuesdays through Saturdays – 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 2 p.m.
Sundays – 1 and 6:30 p.m.
The obvious stars are the costumes, which still feel innovative and cutting edge despite the stage show’s own 14-year “circle of life” on stages worldwide.
The story is all about Simba, and his coming-of-age tale amid tragedy and self-discovery, at times so accurately mimics its animated inspiration that the script, actors’ voices and even set designs take audiences back to a nostalgic place of watching the animated film for the first time.
The cast masterfully brings to life the costumes, sets and effects; their characters are just as, if not more, charming than the animated originals. This is attributed to the creative call by director Julie Taymor in costuming the characters as human and animal. This further creates a sense of identification with the story.
Actor J. Anthony Crane’s character Zazu, the hornbill bird, is a standout with perfect comedic relief that isn’t quite delivered from classic favorites Pumba and Timon.
Perhaps their scenes are the only distraction, where Timon’s puppeteer and actor Nick Cordileone is dressed and painted all in green and maneuvering a more than 4-foot-tall fabric Timon puppet. Amid the organic and abstract animals, Timon remains stuck in cartoon form and his actor often clashes amid the browns and reds of the savannah. Cordileone’s acting is still superb, making all he can of the character, but the jaunting visual contrast of Timon and his peers detracts from his scenes and serves as a distraction.
With audiences wildly cheering on their feet at the ensemble’s first bow, they match “The Lion King’s” Broadway tour with their own triumphant roar.
Read the complete review {Via Coloradoan}
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