Overview
Following a year-long hiatus, international touring stage production The Lion King is heading back to the stage for a limited run. An estimated 100 million people worldwide have seen the six-time Tony award-winning production, and after singing and dancing its way across stages in Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, the Disney classic will finally make its New Zealand premiere from Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Spark Arena.
From Michael Cassel Group, in association with Disney Theatrical Productions, The Lion King is the most successful and highest-grossing musical in theatrical history. Acclaimed director Julie Taymor is bringing a "specially designed theatre-mode layout," to Spark Arena, which is said to outweigh the scale of any other theatre experience previously seen in Auckland.
With the all-clear from New Zealand immigration, Kiwi audiences will be treated to performances by the touring international company. Joining them will be five local performers to be selected by way of an open audition.
The musical is based on the 1994 animated film of the same name, following young lion Simba who is to succeed his father Mufasa as the king of the pride lands, only for his uncle Scar to throw a spanner in the works. Beloved characters Nala, Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa pop up along the way, making memorable appearances and completing the circle of life.
At premiere stage production in Auckland you can expect stunning larger than life costumes, giant puppets and all of the original songs written by composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice.
The Lion King will premiere at Auckland's Spark Arena from Thursday, June 24 for a limited season. To register for tickets, visit lionkinginternational.com/