The Tony-winning musical is scheduled to play the Pantages through Jan. 7, 2007, with an official opening Nov. 18. at 8 PM. Gray is joined onstage by Geno Segers as Mufasa, Gugwana Dlamini as Rafiki, Damian Baldet as Timon, Timothy McGeever as Zazu, Phil Fiorini as Pumbaa, Wallace Smith as Simba, Ta'Rea Campbell as Nala, Rudy Roberson as Banzai, Danielle Lee Greaves as Shenzi and Robbie Swift as Ed. Cameron Ball and Jordan Bratton alternate in the role of Young Simba, while Diamond Curvy and Kenisha Simone Harris share the role of Young Nala.

The Lion King, according to press notes, "follows the adventures of lion cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of manhood and his future role as king."

The Lion King originally opened at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre Nov. 13, 1997. Directed by Julie Taymor — who became the first woman to ever receive a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical — The Lion King has become an international hit with productions playing all around the globe. In fact, 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.

The Lion King will offer performances Tuesday-Friday evenings at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 and 8 PM and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 PM. Tickets, priced $15-$87, are available by calling (213) 365-3500 or (714) 740-7878.

The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, CA.