The Lion King stage musical is one of the most popular and beloved Broadway shows of all time. Ever since it opened in 1997, it has been a top ticket and a must-see for theatergoers visiting New York City. But with premium ticket prices and plenty of other great shows to choose from, you may be wondering if Lion King on Broadway is really worth it. Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect from the show to help you decide.
The Story and Score
Lion King on Broadway follows the same beloved story and characters from the 1994 Disney animated film. It brings to life the tale of Simba, the lion cub who is heir to the Pride Lands throne. After his evil Uncle Scar orchestrates the death of Simba’s father Mufasa and drives Simba into exile, the young lion must grow up and reclaim his destiny as king. The musical includes iconic songs from the movie like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
The Spectacular Sets and Costumes
One of the biggest draws of Lion King on Broadway is the incredible theatrical elements that bring the savanna to life on stage. Director Julie Taymor pioneered a new form of storytelling on Broadway by blending together extravagant puppets, masks, and sets with traditional theatrical techniques. Some highlights include:
- Giant animal puppets like giraffes, elephants, and gazelles that parade down the aisles
- Elaborate tribal masks and headdresses for the ensemble cast
- A soaring 18-foot circle of life giraffe that gazes over the audience
- The iconic Pride Rock formed through set pieces and actor movement
The visuals are constantly shifting as actors manipulate puppets and sets to create a living, breathing representation of the African savanna. The production won multiple Tony Awards for its revolutionary costume and set design.
The Moving Musical Performances
In addition to the stunning visuals, Lion King features powerful singing and dancing by an enormously talented cast. Disney has spared no expense finding top-tier Broadway talent for each production around the world. Expect vocalists that will give you chills singing numbers like “The Circle of Life” and “They Live in You.” And the choreography during numbers like “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” and “Hakuna Matata” will blow you away.
It Appeals to All Ages
Lion King stands out because it offers entertainment for all ages. Little kids are mesmerized by the colorful animals and music. Adults appreciate the more complex themes about growing up and becoming a leader. And the nostalgia factor tugs at the heartstrings of millennials who grew up watching the ’90s Disney classic. The musical stays relatively faithful to the animated film while fleshing out the storylines in a creative way.
It’s a Great Date Night or Family Outing
Going to Lion King makes for a special night out, whether for a date, family time, or celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. The music is romantic enough for date night – just listen to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” And the intergenerational appeal makes it perfect for parents to bring younger kids. The experience feels grand and epic in a way that will create lasting memories.
Downsides and Considerations
There aren’t many downsides to Lion King, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’s one of the priciest shows, with tickets starting around $100 and frequently over $200 for premium seats.
- The runtime is about 2.5 hours, which may be long for little kids (though most are enthralled the whole time).
- Seating around the back edges of the mezzanine have the most obstructed views.
- Being such a popular long-running show, crowds at the theater can get hectic.
Tips for Attending
To ensure you have the best possible experience seeing Lion King on Broadway, keep these tips in mind:
- Book tickets early. This show sells out all the time, so booking 1-2 months in advance ensures you’ll get good seat selection.
- Consider a weekday matinee if possible. You’ll get the lowest ticket prices and avoid the biggest crowds.
- Check the website to see if there are lottery or rush tickets available the day of. You may luck out and score partial view seats for cheap.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up tickets and get settled.
- Bring little ones early – they often invite kids on stage before the show starts.
- Sit in the center orchestra section for the most head-on view. The mezzanine offers a unique bird’s eye view.
Conclusion
For more than two decades, the magical Lion King stage adaptation has cemented itself both as a Broadway legend and a beloved family classic. The soaring music, dazzling costumes, talented cast, and timeless coming of age story come together to create a profoundly moving theatrical experience. While the ticket prices may give pause, seeing Lion King on Broadway really does live up to the hype – it should absolutely be on your NYC bucket list, especially if you have fond memories of the animated classic. Just be sure to come prepared with tissues – the music combined with seeing Simba’s journey in living color makes for some serious waterworks.