Tickets to the spring 2002 Denver engagement of Disney Theatrical Productions' smash hit, The Lion King, go on sale in the Mile High City Nov. 25.

Box office opening festivities — including gift giveaways — will be held at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on Sunday, "rain, shine or snow!," the Buell Theatre announced.

The Tony Award-winning musical directed by Julie Taymor, with a score by Elton John and Tim Rice, takes the hit animated feature film as its source. Five songs from the picture are featured, with John, Rice and others (South African Lebo M and Mark Mancina, with contributions from Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer) filling in the blanks with new songs and musical sequences rich in African flavor and tradition.

Denver is the first stop on the national tour (there are currently North American productions in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles). Lion King roars into Denver's Buell Theatre April 17-June 23, 2002. Subscribers and group sales buyers had first crack at the tickets in recent weeks.

The national tour in Denver will be the show's seventh production worldwide after Tokyo, Osaka, London, Toronto, Los Angeles and Hamburg. Preview performances begin April 17 with opening night set for April 27. Single tickets range $20-$105, with highest ticket prices for VIP seating which includes special services at the theatre. Tickets go on sale 10 AM Nov. 25. Tickets may be purchased at the Denver Center box office, located at 14th and Curtis Streets.

To charge by phone, call (303) 893-4100 or (303) 830-TIXS. Outside Denver, call (800) 641-1222. Tickets may also be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets are available online at www.denvercenter.org.