Disney Theatrical Productions and Broadway In Chicago announced the casting today for the Chicago engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. Chicago's most eagerly awaited return engagement will leap onto the Cadillac Palace Theatre stage from Wednesday, September 29 to Saturday, November 27. The show's 39-week premiere engagement in 2003 and 13-week return engagement in 2005 both played sold-out runs at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
On stage, Director Julie Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. The sardonic and deviously cunning "Scar" is played by J. Anthony Crane. Dionne Randolph is "Mufasa," the great warrior and ruler of the Pridelands. Brenda Mhlongo is the wise baboon shaman "Rafiki." Tony Freeman portrays the prim and proper hornbilled bird "Zazu." Ben Lipitz is the carefree warthog "Pumbaa" and Nick Cordileone is the wisecracking meerkat "Timon." Mufasa's son, "Simba," the lion prince born to be king, is played by Adam Jacobs and Syndee Winters is the loyal lioness "Nala."
The three evil hyenas are played by Omari Tau ("Banzai"), Monica L. Patton ("Shenzi") and Ben Roseberry ("Ed"). The role of "Young Simba" is alternated between Jerome Stephen, Jr. and Kolton Stewart and the role of "Young Nala" is alternated between Monique Lee and Madai Monica Williams.
The North American touring production of THE LION KING has been seen by over 12.7 million theatergoers and grossed over $834 million to date. The tour is one of six productions running worldwide, along with New York City, London, Hamburg, Tokyo and Las Vegas. Having already played 60 cities across North America, THE LION KING continues to entertain audiences in new cities. The current schedule is listed below. F or more information and dates, please visit LionKing.com.
THE LION KING continues to reign as one of the most popular shows on Broadway and around the world. The global phenomenon can also be seen on stage across North America and in Las Vegas, London, Hamburg and Tokyo. Now in its 13 th year, THE LION KING is the eighth longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only five musical productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more on both Broadway and the West End.
THE LION KING has been seen by more than 50 million people in 13 different countries and translated into five different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch).
THE LION KING has won more than 70 major awards worldwide, including the 1998 Tony Award and NY Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. Julie Taymor was the first woman in theatrical history to win the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. She is also the winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Costume Design.
Taymor, along with designer Michael Curry, has created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. Scenic design is by Richard Hudson; costume design is by Julie Taymor; lighting design is by Donald Holder. Choreography is by Garth Fagan. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay.
The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" to the haunting ballad "Shadowlands."
For tickets visit ticketmaster.com.