One of Broadway’s most popular and enduring hits is making its theatrical 2012 premiere at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Disney’s The Lion King will roar across the stage May 15-June 10, 2012.
This landmark show featuring the music of Elton John and lyrics of Tim Rice is one of the most memorable shows to hit the Great White Way. Director Julie Taymor’s incredible vision brought this musical to another level. It wasn’t merely a show of performers in animal costumes; it became a true and genuine experience unlike any other. The show is visually stunning and a technical marvel. As Pride Rock emerges from the mist, birds fly, giraffes walk, the world of the King comes to life. Over 40 actors bring the Savannah to life and transport the audience into the heart of the African plains. The North American touring production of THE LION KING has been seen by over 13.5 million theatergoers and grossed over $875 million to date; having already played more than 60 cities across North America. Since its premiere on Broadway in November 13, 1997, The Lion King is the seventh longest running musical in Broadway history and only one of six productions in theater history to play for ten years or more both on the Great White Way and in the West End. The show has been translated into seven different languages (German, Japanese, French, Korean, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin), and has been performed in 14 different countries on five continents.
THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. It is truly an amazing show for the entire family. Join the Arsht Center for this once in a lifetime performance. Yes, I will be there too front and center.
Being the Elton John fan that I am and have been since my early teens I have witnessed the rise and falls of his career over the years. Upon hearing that he was going to score a Disney animated film I was a bit skeptic to say the least. However, knowing Elton as I do I was confident if anyone could do the music justice it would be him. Complimented by writing partner Tim Rice I wasn’t wrong. John and Rice proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that even an animated feature that was basically geared towards a children’s audience could still rock with the best CD’s on the market. My personal favorite song from the soundtrack is the sweeping “Cirlce Of Life.” It’s one of the few songs that upon first listen at the viewing of the film gave me goosebumps. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” won John and Rice an Academy Award for Best Song From a Motion Picture. Not bad for the kid from Middlesex Pinner, England. I can’t wait to see how Julie Taymor transformed these great songs to fit the Broadway stage.
For more information about tickets you can visit the following site:
http://www.arshtcenter.org/
http://www.lionking.com/
http://ziffoperahouse.com/Events.php?search_text=Lion+King+MIami/&gclid=CJrWk9zK8q0CFQOR7QodYCnPug