Attention Disney fans, did you know that the stage production of Disney’s THE LION KING is here in Southern California? The Orange County engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING is now at Segerstrom Center for the Arts through November 1st, 2015.
In its 18th year, THE LION KING remains one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 22 global productions have been seen by more than 80 million people and, cumulatively, run a staggering 112 years. And now Southern California has a chance to enjoy the magic.
Last night I took my beautiful daughter to this amazing show, and we were in amazement. The costumes, music and animalistic quality of the performers was incredible. My daughter’s favorite character was Nala, of course; played by Nia Holloway. For me, it is hard to choose a favorite; however Patrick R. Brown was a convincing Scar. His voice and actions mimicked the movie version we love so well.
Pumba and Timon played by Ben Lipiz and Nick Cordileone were quite the pair along with all the performers who portrayed Simba (Aaron Nelson) and Mufasa (Gerald Ramsey). And how can I forget the ever popular Rafiki perfectly performed by Mukelisiwe Goba. Acutally, I preferred Mukelisiwe’s take on Rafiki than the original character in the Lion King the movie.
THE LION KING features some my favorite scores by Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice. Years ago I saw this production in Los Angeles and recall singing through the entire production. The sound of THE LION KING is a mix 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 “Shadowland.”
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. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
In Orange County, THE LION KING tickets will be available for the following performances and start at $31 each:
October 6th through November 1st
- Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m., Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
- Sunday matinees at 1 p.m.
- Please note an additional 2 p.m. performance on October 29.
Premium Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.
Be sure to arrive a bit early to grab your selfie with Lion King banners and the Segerstrom Center back drops.
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa
Box Office: (714) 556-2787 or Online: SCFTA.org
For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, October 17 will include audio description, open captioning and sign language interpretation.
Special thanks to our friends at Segerstrom Center For the Arts for an amazing evening with The Lion King.
