This is going to be a very special year for South African audiences who will celebrate The Lion King’s ten year anniversary being a Broadway musical. Most of us saw the animated Disney movie of The Lion King years ago after it came out in 1997.
The production will happen on a Johannesburg stage where a spectacular musical will take place showcasing immensely talented South African musicians. Lebo M, composer and musician who participated in the original New York production, will be part of the musical once again. The music will be all home grown and feature well known songs like “Circle of Life” and “Pridelands” to make it a true South African event.
If your memory is a bit hazy regarding The Lion King’s story line here’s a quick reminder. The lion cub Simba loses his father when his malicious uncle who wants to be king kills him. Simba hides away secretly for many years in the jungle, waiting until he gets older and is more capable to overthrow his cruel uncle and replace himself as rightful king.
The production of Lion King opened on June 6, 2007 at Monte Casino theater, with a capacity of 1900 seats. Casting began the year before in September for the fifty three artists that were needed for the musical. Ever since the movie production, South Africa played a very important role in making it a big hit. It was only fitting that the Broadway Lion King tenth anniversary celebration would occur in the country with so much involvement and influence in it.
Award winning director Julie Taymor, well known producer Thomas Schumacher, experienced theater producer Pieter Toerien, and composer Lebo M, are a few of the highly qualified professionals to make the musical a big success that all can enjoy. Quite a few of the cast members who are participating in the South African production have also participated in many of the Lion King musical versions all over the world. Cast members include Andile Gumbi who plays Simba, Buyi Zama as Rafiki, and Sello Make playing Mufasa. Official sponsors for the memorable event are South Africa Telkom and South African Broadcasting Corporation.
