The Lion King arrives at Place des Arts August 09, 2011
On the last Canadian stop of its latest North American tour, one of America’s most successful and longest-running musicals – The Lion King, adapted from the Disney animated movie of 1994 – makes its debut here Tuesday, August 09, 2011 for a four-week run at Salle Wilfrid Pelletier of Place des Arts.
Though slightly smaller than the 2000-2004 production seen by 2.9 million people over 1,560 performances at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, the touring musical is huge. In all, 110 people are involved: a cast of 48 (actors, dancers, singers and puppeteers), plus musicians, sound technicians, carpenters, electricians, wardrobe staff and more.
It’s the seventh-longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only five Broadway and West End productions to play for 10 years or more. It’s won more than 70 theatrical awards around the globe, including six Tonys in 1998 (including best musical, as well as best direction, costumes, lighting, scenic design and choreography). And the original-cast recording snagged a Grammy in 1999 as best musical-show album.
Since its first staging in 1997, The Lion King has gone global. Translated into seven languages, it’s been seen by more than 54 million people in 14 countries on five continents and grossed more than $765 million. Besides the North American tour, it’s now being staged in six productions worldwide: on Broadway, in Las Vegas, in London’s West End, in Hamburg, Tokyo and Singapore. Starting in October, it will be seen in Madrid.
“Montrealers will love the show – it’s full of life,” said violinist Woonkuo Soon, who’s been the touring production’s concertmaster for the last five years. Originally from Singapore, the 42-year-old also plays in the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and lives part time in Montreal.
The Montreal cast of The Lion King includes Jelani Remy as Simba; Syndee Winters as Nala, his best friend and love interest; Nick Cordileone as Timon the meerkat and Ben Lipitz as his sidekick, Pumbaa the warthog; J. Anthony Crane as Scar; Dionne Randolph as King Mufasa; Buyi Zama as the wise baboon Rafiki; and Mark David Kaplan as Zazu the hornbill.
The Lion King runs through Tuesday to September 04 at Salle Wilfrid Pelletier of Place des Arts. Hurry up to book the best Lion King Place Des Arts Tickets. Save $10 off on purchase of Lion King Montreal Quebec Canada Tickets for $350 or more by using the promo code AFF$10.
