The Lion King – About the Show
Highlights of The Lion King – Must-See Moments
Powerful vocals that shake the theatre
The Broadway performance of the iconic song “Circle of Life” is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The soaring voices of the cast echo through the Minskoff Theatre like a call across the savanna, leaving audiences with goosebumps.
Enjoyable even without perfect English
Like many Disney productions, the Lion King Broadway show is visually stunning, allowing audiences to follow the story even if English is not their first language. Children as young as four or five can enjoy the performance without fear or boredom, making it an ideal choice for families.
Spectacular costumes and lifelike movement
The animal characters leap and run across the stage as if alive, showcasing the performers’ athleticism. The breathtaking vision of the African savanna brought to life on stage is an unforgettable highlight of the Lion King Broadway musical.
Show Info of The Lion King
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Theater Location
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Minskoff Theatre
Address：200 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 (Map) -
Duration (How Long the Show)
- Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes with an intermission
During intermission, you can browse theater-exclusive merchandise or grab refreshments. -
Age Limit
- 2 years and older *Child pricing not available
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Translation/Subtitles
- Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish（Audien）
English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish（GalaPro）
GalaPro = a smartphone app that provides real-time subtitles and translations -
Must-Know Info Before Watching
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- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code. You may want to bring an extra layer, as the theater can feel cool due to air conditioning.
- Bag Policy: Small bags or backpacks that fit under your seat are generally allowed, but large bags and oversized backpacks are not permitted. Please bring only essential items.
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Type of the Show
- Must-see・Classic Beginner-friendly Easy to follow Based on a Movie Stunning Songs Stunning Dance Fun Family-Friendly Tony Award Winner
Show Time of The Lion King
Regular weekly schedule for the Broadway musical The Lion King. Click “Book Tickets” to view the full schedule with upcoming show dates and times.
Please scroll to the right to see the complete schedule.| Performance | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Matinee (Daytime)
Soiree (Night) |
1PM
6:30PM |
Closed |
7PM |
7PM |
7PM |
7PM |
2PM
8PM |
The Lion King – Story
The Plot / Summary of The Lion King
Simba, the only son of King Mufasa, lives a peaceful life while learning the responsibilities of a future ruler from his father.
One day, Mufasa’s jealous brother Scar, bitter about never becoming king, conspires with the hyenas to set a deadly trap. Scar kills Mufasa and deceives young Simba into believing the tragedy was his fault, forcing him into exile from the Pride Lands.
Lost and alone in the desert, Simba nearly dies, but is rescued by a carefree warthog named Pumbaa and a witty meerkat named Timon. They introduce him to their lighthearted way of life and teach him the motto “Hakuna Matata,” meaning “no worries” in Swahili. Through their friendship, Simba grows into adulthood.
Years later, Simba unexpectedly reunites with his childhood friend Nala, who has ventured far from the Pride Lands in search of food. She tells Simba about the devastation caused by Scar and the hyenas, urging him to return and reclaim his rightful place as king.
The Lion King – Cast
Characters in The Lion King
Characters in the Broadway musical The Lion King. You can find today’s cast listed in the Playbill, available inside the theatre.
Simba
The main character of The Lion King and prince of the Pride Lands. He dreams of becoming a great king like his father Mufasa, but grows up carefree and adventurous.
Nala
Simba’s childhood friend and a strong-willed lioness. Braver than Simba in their youth, she challenges him to face his destiny when he hesitates to return to the Pride Lands.
Mufasa
King of the Pride Lands and father of Simba. Wise and noble, he is tragically killed through the betrayal of his brother Scar.
Timon
A witty meerkat who lives in an oasis. He befriends Simba after the young prince flees the Pride Lands, often lifting his spirits with sarcasm and humor.
Pumbaa
A kindhearted warthog who lives with Timon in the oasis. He becomes a loyal friend and trusted companion to Simba during his exile.
Scar
Mufasa’s younger brother and Simba’s uncle. Consumed by jealousy and resentment, he conspires with the hyenas to kill Mufasa and frames Simba for the crime.
Rafiki
A wise mandrill who serves as the shaman of the Pride Lands. Acting as a spiritual guide, he offers Simba wisdom and encouragement in his during moments of doubt.
Original cast & stars of The Lion King
The principal roles of the original Broadway cast of The Lion King, which opened in 1997, are as follows:
| Character | Original Cast |
| Simba | Jason Raize |
| Nala | Heather Headley |
| Mufasa | Samuel E. Wright |
| Scar | John Vickery |
| Rafiki | Tsidii Le Loka |
| Timon | Max Casella |
| Pumbaa | Tom Alan Robbins |
| Zazu | Geoff Hoyle |
| Sarabi | Gina Breedlove |
| Young Simba | Scott Irby-Ranniar |
| Young Nala | Kajuana Shuford |
The Lion King – Theater
Minskoff Theatre – Home of The Lion King
The Minskoff Theatre is located in the heart of Times Square and is easy to spot thanks to its iconic yellow The Lion King sign. Inside, you’ll find massive statues of Mufasa and a dedicated gift shop, making the venue feel like it was designed especially for the Broadway production – an experience you won’t want to miss during your New York visit.The venue is modern and equipped with escalators, offering a comfortable, accessible environment for international visitors. While it doesn’t have the historic atmosphere of some older Broadway theatres, its convenience and welcoming design make it a favorite among tourists.
Is the Minskoff Theatre Area Safe for Visitors?
The Minskoff Theatre is located just a few minutes from Times Square (TSQ), a popular area filled with tourists even late at night. Even after a The Lion King performance ends around 10 PM, you can comfortably return to your hotel.The Lion King – Best Seat
The Seating Chart of the Minskoff Theatre
*Click to view larger image
Seating for The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre is divided between the Orchestra on the first level and the Mezzanine on the second. With a large number of Orchestra seats and a stage that extends deep into the theatre, the Minskoff feels especially spacious and grand.
Best Seats for The Lion King
With its grand stage and massive sets, the middle-to-rear Orchestra seats are ideal for taking in the full scope of the performance. Audience members especially enjoy this section, as the cast occasionally enters through the aisles, creating a memorable Broadway moment.
The Mezzanine is farther from the stage, but it offers a wide, unobstructed view, making it one of the best options for appreciating the breathtaking scale of The Lion King on Broadway.
The Lion King – Movie Trailers
The YouTube Trailer of The Lion King
Here is the official promotional video for the Broadway musical The Lion King. Step into the magnificent world of the animal kingdom brought to life on stage.
The Lion King – Review
Our Local Team’s Review of The Lion King
Our team shares firsthand impressions of The Lion King review and ratings articles. Get real Broadway impressions, seating tips, and exclusive merchandise information available in the theatre.
A feature report highlighting why The Lion King on Broadway is one of the most recommended musicals for families with children.
The Lion King Broadway Show Review #2
A review that compares the Broadway production of The Lion King with other international versions, along with a report on meeting the young cast members at the stage door after the performance.
The Lion King Broadway Show Review #1
Reviews & Ratings for The Lion King
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Audience Feedback & Testimonials for The Lion King
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I was really struggling to decide which Broadway show to see, and decided to go with The Lion King, as I thought I might as well see something I already knew. It was so powerful! The voices reverberated throughout the theater, making me tremble. I ended up wanting to see other productions too (lol), but I'm glad I went, as it was a very satisfying experience!
Since this was my first musical, I don't really know what to expect, but in one word, it was absolutely amazing! Everything from the direction to the costumes and music was fantastic.
As this was my first musical, I was worried about a lot of things, like making reservations, but thanks to Atto New York, they handled everything from making reservations to choosing seats so carefully that I was able to watch the musical on the day with peace of mind!
The theater was so beautiful that I stayed up until the very last moment until the show started, looking at the exhibits. I'd read the theater's page on this website, and it was great! Everyone else headed straight for the stage, but that was a real shame! I was amazed at how new and beautiful the theater was.
I'd seen The Lion King in Japan, but I thought it was just so much more impactful here (sorry!). But I guess it's a racial difference; maybe the deep, resonant singing voices of black people just can't compete.
The production was so wonderful that I was able to see as much as they wanted, but I still felt something different, like the size or scale. It almost made me feel a little frustrated. Tears.
I guess this is why the African feel was conveyed better than when I saw it in Japan.
I love Gekidan Shiki's The Lion King and had vowed to see it on Broadway someday. My dream came true!! It was amazing.
I was constantly moved by the way the stage was used, the movements of the cast, and the depth of the singing. I could go on and on about it, but I truly believe it was a great experience.
I'm so glad my dream didn't end there and I was able to come to New York! If it comes true, I'd love to see it again.
I was thrilled from the intro of the first song. The stage quickly changed from night to day, and I could tell that the set must have been quite elaborate.
While watching, I couldn't help but wonder how much it cost to make.
Even though I knew the story, it felt like the first time seeing a musical with live people singing in front of me. Thank you!
The Lion King – Explore
Behind the Scenes of The Lion King
The Disney musical that sparked a Broadway hit
The Lion King musical was produced by Walt Disney Theatrical Productions following the success of Disney’s first Broadway show, Beauty and the Beast. It became the company’s second Broadway musical.
The show premiered at the New Amsterdam Theatre on October 15, 1997, and won six Tony Awards the following year, including Best Musical, along with six additional nominations. In 2006, when Mary Poppins was scheduled to open at the New Amsterdam, The Lion King moved to the Minskoff Theatre, where it remains one of Broadway’s longest-running productions.
The massive success of The Lion King became a cornerstone of Disney’s Broadway expansion and revitalized its theatrical presence. It also helped pave the way for later stage productions such as Aladdin and Tarzan, establishing Disney as a major force on Broadway.
Stage design that recreates the African savanna
The Lion King is renowned for its breathtaking stage design. One of its most iconic elements is Pride Rock, a massive structure rising nearly four meters high, symbolizing royal power and leaving a strong impression on audiences.During the show’s early run at the New Amsterdam Theatre, technical limitations required a foldable version of Pride Rock. After the move to the Minskoff Theatre, the production was able to build the full-scale structure, enhancing the show’s sense of scale and grandeur.
The production incorporates modern interpretations of African-inspired art, along with richly detailed costumes and makeup, to evoke the vast landscapes of the savanna. This large-scale artistry gives the musical the feeling of a living work of art, captivating audiences of all ages.
Inside the Minskoff Theatre, which was renovated over a two-year period for this production, visitors can also see an impressive Mufasa mask on display.
Differences between the musical and the animated film
To bring The Lion King to the Broadway stage, the creative team made several changes and additions to the story from the original animated film. One of the most notable was reimagining Rafiki, the wise elder shaman, as a female character to give the story a stronger female presence.The stage version introduces new scenes and eight original songs. To capture the spirit of Africa, South African composer Lebo M. incorporated the Zulu language into both the music and the dialogue.
The famous opening number “Circle of Life” begins with Zulu lyrics: “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba,” meaning “Here comes a lion, Father,” setting the tone for the powerful storytelling that follows.
Songs and Music from The Lion King
The Lion King is filled with unforgettable songs, from the iconic opening chant of “Circle of Life” to Elton John’s classic “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and the joyful anthem “Hakuna Matata” with its famous “no worries” message. Here are some highlights.
“Circle of Life”
“Hakuna Matata”
Original Broadway Cast Recording Soundtrack
The original cast recording of the Broadway musical The Lion King features the first performers.
The Lion King – Buy Show Tickets
Book Tickets for The Lion King
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Buy discounted tickets online
$124～
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| You can instantly buy discounted tickets online. | |
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The ticket link will be sent to the email address you provided when you purchase.
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Group discount ticket order for parties of 10 or more >>
Before You Book: Important Information
| Booking Deadlines |
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| Cancellation Policy |
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| Notes |
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The Lion King – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for The Lion King (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 The Lion King tickets.
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How much are tickets for The Lion King (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical The Lion King start at $124 with our discounted prices. See more details for The Lion King tickets.
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Is the English in The Lion King (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical The Lion King 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 The Lion King (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical The Lion King are introduced in the The Lion King Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
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Who is in the cast of The Lion King (Broadway show)?
You can check the cast of the Broadway musical The Lion King in the Playbill distributed at the theater on the day of the show. The characters of The Lion King are introduced in the The Lion King Characters section.
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