Disney's 'The Lion King' opens at Miller Auditorium

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Disney's "The Lion King" is now open at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium for a limited two-week engagement April 4-15.

Purchase tickets online:
millerauditorium.com

Performance schedule

• Wednesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 6, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 7, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, April 8, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 12, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 13, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 14, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, April 15, 1  p.m. and 6:30  p.m.

Now in its 20th year, "The Lion King" continues to be one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, "The Lion King" is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.

It has been performed in eight different languages including Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese; has won six 1998 Tony Awards and has also earned more than 70 major arts awards.

The show's director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show's ongoing success. The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

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 "Shadowland."

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed "The Lion King" animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay.

"The Lion King" cast features Mark Campbell as Scar, Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa, Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki, Nick Cordileone as Timon, Greg Jackson as Zazu, Ben Lipitz as Pumbaa, Gerald Caesar as Simba, Nia Holloway as Nala, Keith Bennett as Banzai, Martina Sykes as Shenzi and Robbie Swift as Ed.

The role of Young Simba is alternated between Joziyah Jean-Felix and Ramon Reed, and the role of Young Nala is alternated between Danielle W. Jalade and Gloria Manning.

For more information, visit lionking.com.

Tickets

"The Lion King" at Miller Auditorium is part of the Zhang Financial Broadway in West Michigan Series. Tickets are on sale now and range from $32 to $77. They can be purchased online at millerauditorium.com, by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858, or in person at the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office.

A 15 percent discount is available to all WMU faculty and staff, and a 50 percent discount is available to WMU students. Discounted tickets may be purchased by phone or in person, and a valid Bronco ID is required at the time of pickup. Group discounts are available at (269) 387-2312.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Miller Auditorium is the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Miller Auditorium is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

New bag policy

In an effort to enhance the safety of patrons, Miller Auditorium has adopted a bag policy consistent with those being implemented at performing arts centers across the nation. Bags and purses should be no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or approximately the size of small handbag or clutch purse. Anything larger may be subject to search, and patrons may be asked to return larger bags to their vehicles. Backpacks of any kind are strictly prohibited. Direct questions regarding the bag policy or Miller Auditorium tickets to the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.