The Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King concluded its 20th anniversary festivities with a surprise appearance and performance by Sir Elton John. Following the curtain call, the composer took the stage to the lead the cast in the Oscar-nominated opening number, “Circle of Life.”
Read: WHAT KEEPS THE LION KING GOING 20 YEARS AND COUNTING
Director-designer Julie Taymor, the creative team, and several members of the Disney Theatrical Productions family filled the Minskoff Theatre November 5 as the Tony-winning musical enters its third decade on Broadway. Among the attendees were cast members from Disney’s upcoming Frozen musical and two Tony-winning former Nalas: original Lion King star Heather Headley and Hamilton alum Renée Elise Goldsberry.
The Lion King opened officially at the New Amsterdam Theatre (currently the home of Disney’s Aladdin) November 13, 1997. It went on to earn six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and wins for Taymor’s direction and costume design. The musical subsequently transferred to the Minskoff in June 2006.
Tony, Grammy, and Oscar winner John also composed scores for Broadway’s Billy Elliot, Lestat, and Aida. He is currently at work on a musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada.
