Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals of all time. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 30 global productions have been seen by over 127 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, The Lion King has made theatrical history with two productions worldwide running 20 or more years and three others running 25 or more years.
The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s
songs 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, Julie 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 resulting sound of The Lion King is a
fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of
Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love
Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.
Elton John, Lebo M and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the
film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone
onto extraordinary worldwide success.