The Lion King is fantastic family fun

Dionne Randolph as Mufasa and Adante Power as Young Simba in The Lion King
photo: Kazu D. Hishida

The Lion King is far and away the most fun you can have indoors thus summer. The spectacular and amazing production of Disney’s The Lion King is running through June 2 at TPAC in downtown Nashville. If you have never seen it before, if you have seen the animated movie, or even if you haven’t, this is a must-see for anyone with a heart.

It’s the timeless story of a ruler whose evil brother covets his throne, combined with the coming-of-age, lost-in-the-world story of a youngster unaware of just how to go about fulfilling his destiny. It’s the love story of two destined to be together. It’s all merge perfectly in this thrilling and amusing presentation. Set in Africa, the cast is full of incredibly talented (mostly Black) cast members who bring this record-breaking global phenomenon to life in an unforgettable fashion.

Disney’s The Lion King is in line to be Nashville’s best-loved musical following its record-breaking 2006 engagement.

“The response and excitement we’ve received for the The Lion King’s return to Nashville has exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited to be raising the curtain again on this wonderful show,” said Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC president and CEO. “Don’t miss your chance to see The Lion King for the first time or to experience it again.”

You will definitely marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you will remember forever. You will thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning song, ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ and ‘Circle of Life.’ Let your imagination run wild as you immerse yourself into a hauntingly beautiful tale of African pride, love, and family as told through the experiences of a family of the most iconic of animals—the king of the jungle, the proud and noble lion. The Lion King may be seen as an allegory of the tribal life of the original men and women who developed on the African savannah. But it can also be enjoyed regardless of your own interpretations.

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards, including: 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 (Taymor became the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor). 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.

All guests require a ticket, regardless of age. It is recommended that children be at least six years old to attend a performance of The Lion King. You must make sure to be early, and get in your seat before the performance begins. The breathtaking spectacle of the opening number is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life—or hate yourself if you miss it!

For tickets, call 615-782-4040, or go to the official website at www.tpac.org.

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