Getting ready to go or considering buying a ticket to The Lion King on Broadway? We have your guide for everything you need to know ahead of your show at the Minskoff Theatre.
What’s the story?
Adapted for the stage from the animated classic film you know and love, The Lion King on Broadway brings Pride Rock to life through sweeping choreography, awe-inspiring puppetry, and a beloved score by Elton John. Based loosely on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, it follows Simba, a lion who survived his uncle’s attempt to overthrow his and his father’s right to the throne by pushing them into the path of a stampede, which killed his father. Following years of exile, Simba has returned to take back his kingdom.
The Lion King features a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, music by John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and direction by Julie Taymor.
Read: Reflecting on 25 Years of The Lion King on Broadway
Why should I see The Lion King?
Whether you’re an avid Disney fan, a parent of Disney-loving children, or just looking for a unique theatrical experience, The Lion King offers something for everyone. The score is heralded as one of Disney’s most unique, and the puppetry art is unlike any other seen on Broadway. The leading performers are showstopping, but the ensemble is equally strong, carrying the show with impressive grace and skill. The costumes are beautifully steeped in traditional African history and culture. And, hey, if you’re trying to take a crash course in the works of Shakespeare, it’s a fun way to consume an adaptation of his work!
What is The Lion King best known for?
The Lion King has earned worldwide acclaim for its puppetry art, which transforms members of the ensemble into an array of different wild animals, from giraffes to zebras to elk and so many others. Many members of the cast have been with the production for years, establishing a level of familiarity and expertise in their roles that is rare to find in the ever-evolving landscape of Broadway shows.
The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1997, and has since become the third-longest-running show in Broadway history, trailing behind Chicago and The Phantom of the Opera. It received 11 Tony Award nominations in 1998, winning Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, and the coveted Best Musical award.
Watch Now: Broadway Cast of The Lion King Performs “The Circle of Life”
Who is currently in the cast?
The cast currently stars Stephen Carlile as Scar, L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi as Rafiki, Cameron Pow as Zazu, Ben Jeffrey as Pumbaa, Fred Berman as Timon, Vincent Jamal Hooper as Simba, and Pearl Khwezi as Nala.
What are the nitty-gritty details (time, location, etc.)?
The Lion King currently runs six days a week at the Minskoff Theatre on West 45th Street. It offers evening performances every day except Mondays, and additional matinee performances on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. However, it’s important to check the performance calendar, as holiday schedules can vary.
Read: Where to Eat If You’re Seeing The Lion King
The show runs two hours and 30 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission. The bar offers drinks and snacks if you need a quick fix at intermission. It’s best to arrive at the theatre 30 minutes before the performance begins so you have plenty of time to go through security, use the restroom, and find your seat.
If you are driving to the theatre, there are several parking garages located nearby; check out options from our parking partner SpotHero to reserve parking ahead of your show.. If you are traveling by subway, the nearest stop is the 42nd Street station, where the N, Q, W, R, 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, and S trains stop (some on varying schedules). You can depart the station out of the 44th Street exit to walk just across the block, where you’ll find an arched walkway leading to the theatre’s entrance on 45th Street.
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Disney on Broadway?
Does the theatre have accessibility accommodations?
The Minskoff Theatre is fully wheelchair-accessible with limited wheelchair seating available in the Orchestra and Mezzanine, with up to three companion seats per wheelchair seat. There are wheelchair-accessible restrooms on these levels. Prerecorded audio description and closed captioning are available for every performance through GalaPro; ask an usher or house manager for assistance. For those using Telecoil, T-Coil loops are available. ASL-interpreted performances are offered on an annual basis; visit here for more information. The Theatre Development Fund periodically offers sensory-friendly performances of The Lion King.
For non–English speakers, translation through GalaPro is available for Korean, German, Italian, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Japanese speakers.
Watch Now: Behind-the-Scenes of the Giraffe from “Circle of Life”
Is it kid-friendly? Are there any content warnings?
The Lion King is one of Broadway’s best family-friendly options. Please note that children under the age of 2 will not be permitted in the theatre. There will be smoke effects, haze, and flashing lights. If you have further questions or concerns, you can reach out to our Customer Service team at [email protected].