The Lion King - Minneapolis,Minnesota

Unlike most Broadway hits, in the case of The Lion King the film came before the musical. Disney’s animated movie was released in 1994 and its touching story, heart-warming characters and popular soundtrack made it an instant classic. Just three years later it was a Broadway musical. This acclaimed show has already been watched by over 65 million people around the world and is the highest grossing Broadway show of all time. With Disney Theatrical, director Julie Taymor and the musical talents of Elton John, Tim Rice, Hans Zimmer and Lebo M on board it was sure to be a success. Taymor also made Broadway history with The Lion King, becoming the first woman to win a Tony award for ‘Best Director of a Musical’.

Set in the Serengeti Plains of Africa, the story follows the journey of Simba on his quest from Lion cub to Lion King. Deceived by his evil Uncle Scar and mourning the death of his father Simba flees Pride Rock, unwittingly leaving it and The Circle of Life in the hands of the reckless Scar. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. While in the jungle Simba meets Timon and Pumba who show him the carefree side of life, 'Hakuna Matata'.