Originally scheduled for a nine-month engagement, the L.A. production of the Elton John-Tim Rice musical was extended three times after its opening on Oct. 19, 2000. With a total of 952 performances, it is now the longest running musical in Pantages Theatre history. The famed musical will reopen in Chicago in May 2003. Directed by Julie Taymor — who became the first woman ever to receive a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical — The Lion King has become an international hit with productions in London, Toronto, Tokyo, Fukuoka and Hamburg. Worldwide, the Elton John-Tim Rice musical has won over 30 major awards. Those include six Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical; eight Drama Desk Awards; six Outer Critics Circle Awards; two Sir Laurence Oliviers; the Evening Standard Award for Best Theatrical Event; and three Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards.

In New York, The Lion King plays the New Amsterdam Theatre (West 42nd Street); go to www.disneyonbroadway.com for more information.