The first international tour of Disney’s “The Lion King” musical will debut in Manila in March 2018, organizers announced on Tuesday.
The global tour, a project of the Michael Cassel Group and Disney Theatrical Productions, marks The Lion King’s 20th anniversary and the title’s 25th global production.
Aside from the Philippines, the musical will also be staged in Singapore (June 2018), South Korea (October 2018), Taiwan (2019) and South Africa (2020).
Tickets for the Manila show will go on sale in October 2017, while the first round of auditions will start in South Africa this month.
“We’re proud to partner with our long-time friend Michael Cassel to bring the world-renowned stage production of THE LION KING to these vibrant cities,” said Thomas Schumacher, president and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, in a statement.
“Julie Taymor (director) and her extraordinary creative team have realized a production of enormous scale, beauty and heart. I cannot wait for new audiences to join us in the Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa, the show’s creative birthplace,” Schumacher added.
In a statement, Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony Award for direction of a musical, said: “It is wonderful that these countries in Asia will be able to experience this new South African cast of THE LION KING. They’re in for a tremendous treat as the soul of this music will come through these extraordinary performers. Asia is a big part of my life, having spent four years in Indonesia and travelled throughout many countries in the region. It is thrilling to bring this production back to a part of the world that has been a major inspiration in my life.”
The Lion King premiered on Broadway on Nov. 13, 1997 and has been translated into eight languages: Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese.
Interested fans may join the waitlist for tickets here. RAM
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