The production will have played 31 months and over 1,000 performances at the conclusion of its run. Apart from the still-running Broadway mounting, this marks the longest run of the show in any American city, eclipsing the record-breaking 27-month Los Angeles engagement, which concluded in 2003. "We are proud beyond measure of the way that Las Vegas has embraced The Lion King and we anticipate a strong final 14 months of performances, given the continued strengthening in the Vegas economy,” stated Thomas Schumacher, producer and president Disney Theatrical Productions. "We look forward to opening two new productions in the coming year – one in Singapore next March and another international production we’ll be announcing soon."

Since its Broadway opening on Nov. 13, 1997, The Lion King has been seen by 45 million people worldwide. 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. 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.

At Mandalay Bay, the show is performed Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:30 PM with weekend shows at 4 PM and 8 PM. For more information visit www.lionkinglasvegas.com.