Hear The Lion King’s roar from May 15 to June 9 as the production continues its tour at the Durham Performing Arts Center! Relive the life of Simba (Darian Sanders) in this musical adaptation of Walt Disney’s beloved Shakespearean tale of betrayal, found family, and destiny. Within two and a half hours, audiences will meet familiar faces first seen in the animated film, including the boisterous Timon (Nick Cordileone) and Pumbaa (John E. Brady), the loyal Nala (Syndee Winters), and the nefarious Scar (Peter Hargrave). The Great Circle of Life blooms into its full glory on stage through Elton John’s music, Tim Rice’s lyrics, and Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi’s book, with returning direction by Julie Taymor. Honored with six Tony Awards for its original Broadway show, The Lion King is also sung in six indigenous African languages, with 232 life-like puppets put in action as the story unfolds. Click the “Get Tickets” button to reserve your seats now!
The Lion King Tickets:
“THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT.” – The New York Times
“THE LION KING IS A MARVEL, A THEATRICAL ACHIEVEMENT UNRIVALED IN ITS BEAUTY, BRAINS AND INGENUITY.” – Variety
Journey far into the Pride Lands and bear witness once more to The Lion King’s majesty at the Durham Performing Arts Center! The touring production enters its 22nd year with roaring triumph, having performed in over NINETY cities across North America. Its current timeline of shows extends to September, with a transitional summer engagement in North Carolina’s premier indoor entertainment venue from May 15 to June 9.
Find your place in the Circle of Life alongside Simba in this riveting stage adaptation of the Walt Disney classic! Guilt-stricken by the tragic death of his father, Mufasa, the young lion flees from his kingdom and starts anew, throwing himself into the comforts of a carefree life. But destiny has much in store for the self-exiled heir, and no matter how much he denies it, Simba must confront the dangers ahead in order to restore balance to his long-lost home.
Familiar friends and foes will make their highly anticipated comebacks, from the rambunctious duo of Timon and Pumbaa to Scar and his entourage of laughing hyenas. With more than 232 life-like puppets prancing throughout the stage, this 2 ½ -hour Shakespearean saga will culminate into a fated battle for the future of the Pride Lands that will have you teetering on the edge of your seat!
“THE LION KING CAN MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THEATER NO MATTER WHAT THEATER IT’S IN.” – Entertainment Weekly
“A PERFECT MARRIAGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ART.” – New York Daily News
Across 27 international productions, The Lion King musical has enthralled over 110 million audience members, earning more than 70 major theater awards while keeping its streak as the third longest-running show on Broadway. The story is sung and spoken in 6 indigenous African languages—Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Congolese—masterfully conveyed by some of the country’s finest stars.
- Peter Hargrave as Scar
- Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa
- Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki
- Nick Cordileone as Timon
- Drew Hirshfield as Zazu
- John E. Brady as Pumbaa
- Darian Sanders as Simba
- Syndee Winters as Nala
- Forest VanDyke as Banzai
- Martina Sykes as Shenzi
- Robbie Swift as Ed
- Jaxyn Damasco and Aniya Simone as Young Nala*
- Jackson Hayes and Mason Lawson as Young Simba*
*Actors alternate depending on the date of performance.
Completing our cast are the following dedicated swings, ensembles, and understudies: Kayla Rose Aimable, William John Austin, Iman Ayana, Isaiah Bailey, Samantha Lauren Barriento, Eric Bean, Jr., Layla Brent, Vernon Brooks III, Sasha Caicedo, Thembelihle Cele, Daniela Cobb, Lyric Danae, Camille Eanga-Selenge, Marquis Floyd, Tony Freeman, Joel Karie, Samaree Lawson, Gabisile Manana, Christopher L. McKenzie, Jr., Justin Mensah, Marq Moss, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Aaron Nelson, Sihle Ngema, Jeremy Noel, Sicelo Ntshangase, Erick D. Patrick, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Yael Pineda-Hall, Christopher Sams, Maia Schechter, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Jennifer Theriot, Courtney Thomas, Brinie Wallace, Diamond Essence White, and Jordan Nicole Willis.
The Lion King brings back the rousing music of British music legend Elton John and lyrics by EGOT winner Tim Rice, which features iconic Disney songs such as “Be Prepared,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
“THE MOST EXCITING, MOST INVENTIVE, MOST MOVING THEATER THAT HAS EVER COME TO BROADWAY.” – Newsweek
“THE LION KING REMAINS A WONDERFUL MUSICAL FOR CHILDREN AND FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE STILL CHILDREN AT HEART.” – Maryland Theatre Guide
The book was jointly written by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, co-creators of the original film. Two-time Tony Award winner Julie Taymor will also return to direct, lending her hand to the costume, mask, and puppet departments, as well as additional contributions to lyrics. Rounding up the rest of the creative team are the following behind-the-scenes artists.
- Garth Fagan – Choreography
- Lebo M. – Additional Music & Lyrics, Vocal Score, Choral Direction
- Mark Mancina – Additional Music & Lyrics, Music Produced For The Stage, Additional Score
- Hans Zimmer & Jay Rifkin – Additional Music & Lyrics
- Richard Hudson – Scenic Design
- Donald Holder – Lighting Design
- Michael Curry – Mask & Puppet Design
- Michael Ward – Hair & Makeup Design
- ARC Mark Brandon, CSA – Casting
- Robert Elhai – Associate Producer, Orchestrations
- David Metzger & Bruce Fowler – Orchestrations
- Clement Ishmael – Musical Supervision
- Anthony Lyn – Associate Direction
- Marey Griffith – Associate Choreography
- THE LION KING – Orchestra
- Steve Canyon Kennedy – Sound Design
On July 8, 1997, The Lion King held its world premiere in Minnesota’s Orpheum Theatre, officially opening on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre several months later before moving to the Minskoff Theatre in 2006. The musical grossed over $1 billion, making it the highest-grossing production in Broadway history. Its 1998 run also racked up more than a dozen accolades during award season—eight Drama Desk Awards, one Theatre World Award, and six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In 2014, The Lion King clinched the box-office record for highest earning title in works across both stage and film, displacing the seminal classic “The Phantom of the Opera.”
The groundbreaking success of the original Broadway production spawned numerous local and international replicas, which include a two-time Laurence Olivier Award-winning West End stint, a three-time Molière Award-winning France series, and a four-time Helpmann Award-winning Australian run.
From its darkest dusk to its brightest dawn, experience the latest musical rendition of The Lion King at the Durham Performing Arts Center! Pick a date from May 15 to June 9 and book your seats now before they fill up!
