The Disney musical, which was directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, will play an eight-week limited engagement at the Los Angeles venue. Lion King, which will officially open at the Pantages Nov. 18, will run through Jan. 7, 2007.

The Lion King was the longest-running production ever to play the Pantages. About its return to that theatre, Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher said in a statement, "I am thrilled The Lion King will be coming back to its home in Los Angeles, the beautifully restored Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. We were fortunate to have found eight weeks in our touring schedule to play the Southland during the holiday season."

The Lion King will be part of the Broadway/L.A. Season at the Pantages. Reservations for groups of 15 or more are currently being accepted by calling (323) 463-4367. Tickets, priced $15-$87, will go on sale to the general public at a later date to be announced.

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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. Visit www.disneyonbroadway.com for more information.