Hello, this is Mizuki from At Broadway.
I realized I was the only one in our office who had not seen the world famous musical The Lion King. I rushed to buy a ticket and finally went.
When people talk about Broadway, they often name Aladdin, The Lion King, Chicago, and The Phantom of the Opera. The Lion King was always on my list, so here are my simple impressions of this beloved show.
Table of Contents
The Lion King: story overview
The Lion King opened in 1997 at the New Amsterdam Theatre, where Aladdin plays now. In 2006 it moved to the Minskoff Theatre, where it still fills the house.
The story follows Simba, the young son of King Mufasa. After Mufasa is killed by his brother Scar, Simba runs away and tries to start a new life. Years later he meets his friend Nala again. She tells him the Pride Lands are suffering under Scar. Simba decides to return and face his past to take back his home.
For the full plot, character list, and highlights, please see the show page below.
Inside the Minskoff Theatre
Many Broadway theaters are over one hundred years old. The Minskoff Theatre was built in 1973, so it feels newer and more spacious.
Minskoff Theatre
Address: 200 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
For the seating chart and theater features, please see the detailed Minskoff Theatre page below.
Box office information
I arrived about ten minutes before curtain because the subway was delayed. Staff were already calling out that same day tickets were sold out. The house was completely full, which is common for The Lion King.
Do not miss: The statue of Mufasa
Check out the huge selection of official merchandise
The official merchandise area is large and easy to browse. I could have spent thirty minutes there. You will find mugs and towels, shirts and hoodies, and many small items. The Lion King offers one of the widest selections on Broadway. The yellow and black designs are perfect for gifts. I loved the baby Simba plush for forty dollars. For a small souvenir, the eco bag for ten dollars is my pick.
Click images to enlarge
Must see moments inside the Minskoff Theatre
Before you leave, take a photo with the Mufasa statue above the escalator. A selfie can be tricky, but the photo is worth it. There are many other good photo spots inside the theater.
One highlight is a real Scar costume displayed in a glass case. It makes a great photo. You will also see storyboards, concept art, and costume designs that show how the production came to life.
Our seats for this performance
How to read the ticket: FMEZZ E 107
Row E is the fifth row from the front, seat 107
The mezzanine at the Minskoff is higher than many theaters. From my seat the stage felt a bit far. Performers sometimes appear in the second level aisles, which adds excitement for the mezzanine too.
Recommended seats: front rows of the orchestra level
Even from the fifth row of the mezzanine, the stage felt farther away than I expected. Many performers run up and down the first floor aisles, so the orchestra section gets more energy from close range.
Because the theater is tall and open, sound and movement can feel distant from higher seats. If you want the fullest impact, choose the front orchestra section when possible.
Post show impressions of The Lion King
This is one of the longest running shows on Broadway and a perfect first musical for many visitors. I went in with high expectations and the show delivered.
The puppets and movement are very well studied. The creative team clearly researched real animal motion. From my seat I could also see the percussion booths on both sides of the stage, which made the live rhythms even more exciting.
Comparing it with the Japanese Shiki Theatre version
Before moving to New York, I saw the Shiki Theatre Company production. On Broadway I noticed one big difference. The physicality of the cast feels different. Many performers have athletic builds and powerful movement.
In chase scenes the low posture and long strides feel strong and grounded. The jumps are especially impressive. The ensemble looks ready for an action film, and that energy lifts the whole show.
The young Simba small but unforgettable
I did not have much time after the show, but I waited at the stage door for a few minutes. I was lucky to meet Raymond Reed, who played young Simba that night. He smiled and greeted fans, then left quickly with his manager. A short meeting that made the night even better.
Child Performers to Watch in The Lion King
I had another plan that evening and knew I would not have much time to wait at the stage door. Since I was already there, I went early and hoped to meet someone for a quick photo.
He greeted fans with a sweet smile and then left with a staff member.
Aladdin or The Lion King which should you see?
People often ask which to choose between Aladdin and The Lion King. If you can, see both. If you are visiting with younger children, I suggest The Lion King.
Disney suggests these shows for ages six and up. You may see very young children in the audience. If a child becomes disruptive, staff can ask a parent or guardian to step outside. Aladdin has a few darker scenes that might scare very small children. The Lion King also has scary moments with Scar and the hyenas, but the mood returns to humor quickly, so many children handle it well.
For more on family tips and why The Lion King works so well with kids, please see our second report below.
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