King Kong – About the Show
Highlights of King Kong – Must-See Moments
A Thrilling Musical Experience Like a Roller Coaster
Highly recommended for families! This spectacular Broadway show feels like riding a roller coaster at a theme park. On a mysterious island, explorers encounter King Kong and capture him, bringing him back to New York as a spectacle. But Kong cannot adapt to city life and breaks free. Amidst the chaos, a bond of trust grows between him and the heroine. The story is easy to follow, full of dazzling Broadway-level singing and dancing, and staged with impressive American flair.Note: Because of the loud sound effects, the show is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Immersive and Innovative Stage Production
This musical introduces stagecraft and technology never before seen on Broadway. It redefines what a musical can be, combining groundbreaking techniques with cinematic excitement. Perfect for audiences looking for a high-energy experience, for visitors eager to feel the thrill of New York entertainment, and for anyone curious about fresh and innovative shows. Even if English is not your strong suit, the straightforward storyline makes it easy to connect emotionally with Kong and become absorbed in the drama.
The script was written by Jack Thorne, known for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With fast-paced storytelling and stunning visuals, the two-and-a-half hours fly by without a single dull moment.
A 20-Foot Animatronic Kong with Astonishing Expressions
The legendary monster comes to life on stage at an extraordinary scale: 20 feet tall and weighing 2,000 pounds. This massive animatronic puppet combines world-class robotics with advanced puppetry, capable of lifelike details such as blinking, wrinkling, and subtle facial expressions.
Kong rises to his full height, charges through the streets of New York, and beats his chest with thunderous power. He blinks, snarls, and even shows sorrow with delicate movements, before unleashing a roar that shakes the theater.
Audiences will be amazed at the artistry behind these lifelike expressions. The theater itself was renovated with massive subwoofers and countless speakers to amplify every breath, growl, and roar. From the monster’s quiet breathing to his earth-shaking cries, the sound design alone is breathtaking. Seeing Kong in action is more than enough reason to experience this Broadway production.
King Kong – Show info
Show details of King Kong
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Theater location： Broadway Theatre 1681 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 (Map) |
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Performance Run: Preview: October 5, 2018 Opening: November 8, 2018 Closing: August 18, 2019 |
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Type of the show: Beginner-friendly Easy to follow Family-Friendly Based on a Movie |
King Kong – Story
The Plot / Summary of King Kong
On a cold day, Ann, an aspiring actress who had been rejected from countless auditions, meets film director Carl at a New York restaurant. He invites her on an expedition to a mysterious southern island said to be home to a creature unlike anything ever seen before. Their destination is Skull Island, a place that does not even appear on the map.
After reaching the island’s dense jungle, Ann is captured by the island’s ruler, the mighty gorilla known as King Kong. Though she fears the enormous and ferocious beast, she realizes his unexpected compassion when he protects her from a giant serpent, even injuring himself in the process.
While Kong sleeps, Ann escapes back to the expedition camp with Carl and the crew. But Kong desperately searches for her. Seeing an opportunity to make a fortune, Carl devises a plan to capture Kong and bring him to New York as the star attraction of a grand spectacle.
Back in New York, a few days later, Ann’s long-awaited dream of becoming a performer seems to come true. She takes the stage, singing and dancing before the show’s headline reveal: King Kong himself. But instead of a triumphant display, the audience sees a broken creature, chained and exhausted, his eyes filled with sadness after days without food or rest.
Horrified, Ann begs Carl to set Kong free, but he and the other showmen refuse, forcing her off the stage. At that moment, fire returns to Kong’s eyes. He breaks his chains and unleashes his fury on those who tried to harm Ann.
Gunfire erupts as Kong rampages through New York, searching for the jungle home he has lost. At last, he finds the tallest tree of all – the Empire State Building. With Ann on his back, Kong climbs the towering skyscraper toward his fate high above the city.
King Kong – Movie
The YouTube trailer of King Kong
This is a promotional video for the Broadway musical “King Kong.” Experience the spectacular stage presence of King Kong.
King Kong – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of King Kong
Top creators joined forces to bring King Kong to the stage
The Broadway production of King Kong premiered with a completely new and world-class creative team, very different from its earlier run in Melbourne. The writing team included Jack Thorne, the acclaimed playwright who co-wrote Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and producer Roy Furman, known for hit musicals such as Hello, Dolly! and Dear Evan Hansen. The score was composed by Marius de Vries, a Grammy and Academy Award-winning producer who has worked with Madonna and created music for films like La La Land and Romeo + Juliet.
Why the Broadway opening was delayed from 2014
King Kong was originally scheduled to open on Broadway in 2014, following its 2013 Melbourne premiere. However, the creative team decided to refine the animatronics of the giant Kong, making its movements and expressions even closer to the original story. This redesign required a delay, but the result was a more powerful and technologically advanced production. Produced by Global Creatures, the larger-than-life King Kong puppet became one of the most talked-about elements of the Broadway show, generating enormous excitement and anticipation.
King Kong – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for King Kong (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about King Kong tickets.
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How much are tickets for King Kong (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical King Kong start at $59 with our discounted prices. See more details for King Kong tickets.
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Is the English in King Kong (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical King Kong is an enjoyable show even if you don’t understand English. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of King Kong (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical King Kong are introduced in the King Kong Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
King Kong – Review
Review by Shoko:
A friend recommended it and I bought tickets through this site.
Since it was closing soon, I went without knowing much about the story, but the production quality was surprisingly high. Even as a casual theatergoer, I was impressed by how powerful American entertainment can be. It felt very different from a typical musical and had a distinctly cinematic quality. The leading actress was graceful, beautiful, and her clear voice was unforgettable. Sad to see it closing.
August 7, 2019
Review by Romeo:
Sad to see it end
Honestly, I went because tickets were cheaper than other musicals, but I ended up having a great time. Even without understanding English, I could follow and enjoy the show, which makes it easy to recommend. I just realized it ends in August, which is a shame. I think audiences everywhere would enjoy it.
July 30, 2019
Review by Odakeiko:
The spectacle was almost overwhelming, and my 7-year-old was a bit scared. I’d say this musical is better suited for adults.
July 27, 2019
Review by Kaminari:
Great for kids
We took our elementary school kids after reading reviews and ratings on this site, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. I was worried my younger son might get restless, but he watched with shining eyes the whole time. For boys especially, it is captivating. Even without English skills, the story is easy to follow just by watching. The production values were impressive, truly Broadway at its best.
July 23, 2019
Review by Maidake:
Incredible sound
You could tell how much money went into the stage design and the giant Kong puppet alone. But I’m not sure if it’s the first show I’d recommend to someone visiting Broadway. It was definitely impressive. Aside from the lead, I found the singing from the rest of the cast fairly average. Maybe it’s because I had just seen Frozen the night before, and the comparison stuck with me.
July 19, 2019
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