Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film of the same name and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Lion King is the story of Simba, an adventurous and energetic lion cub who is next in line to be king of the Pride Lands, a thriving and beautiful region in the African savanna. When Simba’s father Mufasa is killed by his uncle Scar, though, Simba is led to believe that his father’s death is his fault, and he is encouraged to run away forever. Scar seizes power and with his already unstable mind deteriorating, the Pride Lands experiences a darkness and desolation from which only Simba can save the animals of the kingdom. Featuring classic songs from the film such as “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” The Lion King is a story and a spectacle about identity, family, and responsibility that is enjoyed worldwide by people of all ages.
Show Information
- Book
- Roger Allers , Irene Mecchi
- Music
- Elton John
- Lyrics
- Tim Rice
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Disney's 1994 animated film, The Lion King
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1997
- Genres
- Fairy Tale/Fantasy
- Settings
- Fantasy/Imaginary, Multiple Settings, Spectacle
- Time & Place
- the plains of africa
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Large
- Dancing
- Heavy
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Child Characters
Context
The Lion King is based on Disney’s 1994 animated feature film of the same name, which in turn, is loosely based on William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. After the film received two Golden Globe and two Academy Awards and Disney’s musical version of Beauty and the Beast found success on Broadway, Disney Theatrical Productions decided to try their hand at the medium once again and to adapt The Lion King for the stage. Julie Taymor signed on as director, and the film’s composing team, Sirs
to read the context for The Lion King and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
The curtain rises on the Pride Lands of Africa. Rafiki, a baboon, sings about the natural cycle of life, and she is accompanied by the ensemble of animals who also inhabit the savanna (“Circle of Life”). Rafiki is announcing the birth of Simba, the first child of the king and queen of the Pride Lands, the lion Mufasa and the lioness Sarabi. Rafiki, Mufasa, and Sarabi rise to the top of Pride Rock, the tallest mountain in the savanna, and present the newborn cub to the animals.
to read the plot for The Lion King and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Treble/Boy Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
Songs
Act One
- Circle of Life - Rafiki, Ensemble
- Grasslands Chant - Ensemble
- The Morning Report - Zazu, Young Simba, Mufasa, Ensemble
- The Lioness Hunt - Lionesses, Ensemble
- I Just Can't Wait to be King - Young Simba, Young Nala, Zazu, Ensemble
- Chow Down - Shenzi, Banzai, Ed
- They Live in You - Mufasa, Ensemble
- Be Prepared - Scar, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, Ensemble
- The Stampede - Orchestra
- Rafiki Mourns - Rafiki, Young Nala, Sarabi
- Hakuna Matata - Timon, Pumbaa, Young Simba, Simba, Ensemble
Act Two
- One by One - Ensemble
- The Madness of King Scar - Scar, Zazu, Banzai, Shenzi, Ed, Nala
- Shadowland - Nala, Rafiki, Lionesses, Ensemble
- Endless Night - Simba, Ensemble
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight? - Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Nala, Ensemble
- He Lives in You - Rafiki, Simba, Ensemble
- Simba Confronts Scar - Orchestra
- King of Pride Rock - Ensemble
- Circle of Life (Reprise) - Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A play, musical, or opera that has been adapted from a written work.
A song that uses short stanzas to tell a story about love.
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
Visually striking and impactful elements of a performance.
The language spoken by the Swahili people and an official language in many East African countries. It is a Bantu language, also called "Kiswahili."
The language spoken by the Zulu people, the largest Nguni ethnic group in South Africa. The language is also called "isiZulu," and is a Bantu language.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
