The New York production, which has played 2,532 performances, originally opened 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.

Worldwide productions that are still going strong include mountings in Tokyo (opened Dec. 20, 1998), London (opened Oct. 19, 1999), Toronto (opened April 25, 2000), and Hamburg (opened Dec. 2, 2001). On Jan. 29, 2004, the production of The Lion King that is now playing in Chicago will move to San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre.

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 plays the New Amsterdam Theatre (W. 42nd Street); call (212) 307-4747 for tickets. Go to www.disneyonbroadway.com for more information.