From Jan 16-Feb 10, Bass Concert Hall is presenting Broadway’s The Lion King. Austinites are getting an opportunity to catch this magical performance as it enters its 16th year on Broadway. The Lion King continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Adults and children alike will appreciate the Oscar-winning score as well as the opportunity to let imaginations run wild at the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.”
The success of this musical is far from slowing and has actually strengthened recently. Its worldwide footprint is absolutely remarkable. With a cumulative gross in excess of $5 billion, the Lion King has already earned more than the biggest hit films in movie history: more than the Lord of the Rings trilogy combined, more than the six Star Wars films combined, and more than Avatar and Titanic, the #1 and #2 highest-grossing films in movie history, combined.
To put it in perspective, The Lion King’s 21 productions will have played in 98 cities in 16 countries on every continent except Antarctica. The Broadway production has played through three Presidential administrations, four mayoral elections, eight New York City team championships and the opening and closing of 536 Broadway shows. The Lion King is the fifth longest-running musical in Broadway history and only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.
In this Austin production, the voices and mannerisms of many of the performers resemble the original movie to such a great extent that you’ll be mesmerized. The artistry, choreography and costumes were impeccable, as was the orchestra and music. This heart warming story through the wilderness appeals to adults and children alike. A notable highlight was the numerous moments of comic relief by Timon, Pumba, and the incredible Rafiki played by the lovely Buyi Zama.
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