Dashaun Young is Simba in the musical "The Lion King." (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Tickets are on sale now for the West Michigan premiere of Disney's "The Lion King" at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium April 4 to 15.
Purchase tickets online:
millerauditorium.com
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.
Buyi Zama is Rafiki. (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)
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."
Nia Holloway is Nala. (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)
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.
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.
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.
For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.