World’s #1 Musical THE LION KING Singapore Opens At Marina Bay Sands

THE LION KING is a worldwide phenomenon and this production marks the world’s first international tour which premiered in Manila and played to sold-out performances. Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions are proud to announce the hit Broadway musical THE LION KING Singapore is officially here at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. For a strictly limited engagement, tickets for the landmark musical event can be purchased at MarinaBaySands.com and all SISTIC channels.

THE LION KING Singapore – From Film To Theatre 

Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that will redefine your expectations of theatre. Singapore audiences will be treated to unbelievable performances by a truly global cast and crew, representing 19 nationalities, who have come together for the tour.

In its 20th year, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the only show in history to generate six productions worldwide running 15 or more years.

Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Mexico City, Scheveningen, Holland, and on tour across North America, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

“This world-class production is awe-inspiring with incredible artists from around the globe. We are so excited to be bringing a musical of this magnitude back to Singapore”, commented Producer of the international tour, Michael Cassel. 

THE LION KING Singapore – The Cast

The principal cast of THE LION KING includes Ntsepa Pitjeng who returns to the role of ‘Rafiki’, having performed the role in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Switzerland productions. Direct from London’s West End is Jonathan Andrew Hume who returns to the role of ‘Simba’ having played the role in 2011 in Singapore, and Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile in the role of ‘Mufasa’. Also from the United Kingdom is music theatre performer Antony Lawrence as ‘Scar’.

Australian actor André Jewson features as ‘Zazu’; the charismatic New Zealand-born performer Jamie McGregor plays ‘Timon’ and South African favourite Pierre van Heerden returns as ‘Pumbaa’. Rounding out the principal cast are South African performers and up-and-coming star Noxolo Dlamini as ‘Nala’; Candida Mosoma returns to the role of ‘Shenzi’; Björn Blignaut as ‘Banzai’; and Mark Tatham as ‘Ed’.

Joining the company are six actors from the Philippines. Sharing the role of Young Simba are Julien Joshua M. Dolor Jr., Gabriel P. Tiongson, and Omar Sharief L. Uddin; sharing the role of Young Nala are Sheena Kirsten Bentoy, Uma Naomi Martin and Felicity Kyle Napuli.

THE LION KING ensemble is: Chachano Báez, Dayan Kingsley Beukes, Tertia Coetzee-Dippenaar, Viridiana Cortés, Felipe Flores, Jabulani Gambu, Liso Gcwabe, Sheila Hernández, Phumelele Jili, Kudzai Christine Kapswarah, Amanda Kunene, Sfiso Matlala, Lungile Mkhize, Fumane Moeketsi, Noluyanda Mqulwana, Zodwa Mrasi, Lwazi Mzimase, Zolina Ngejane, Thato Nkwe, Thabani Ntuli, Peace Nzirawa, Nonofo Olekeng, Angeles Reyes, Khanyisani Shoba, Phumelele Sikhakhane, Romy Jo Swales, Clifford Tlomatsana, Vuyelwa Tshona, Tlholo Tsotetsi, Benn Welford, Zi-Rong Wu, Daniel Zazueta, Monde Zondi, and Sandile Zondi.

THE LION KING Singapore – Facts & Figures

Here are some interesting behind the scenes facts & figures….

1. It took three years to develop THE LION KING from screen to stage
2. In the animated movie, Rafiki The Baboon was presented as a male character but the musical changed into a strong female character
3. The musical debuted in Minneapolis at The Orpheum Theatre in July 1997
4. The phrase “Hakuna Matata” (meaning “No worries”) is mentioned 25 times in the show
5. Julie Taymor is the first female director in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical (1998) for THE LION KING
6. THE LION KING celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and is the third-longest running show on Broadway.
7. To date THE LION KING has won more than 70 global theatrical awards
8. The show won six Tony® Awards in 1998 for Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Choreography
9. It took 34,000-man hours to build the masks and puppets for the original Broadway production
10. There are more than 200 puppets in the show, including rod, shadow and full-sized puppets
11. 5 meters is the height of the tallest animals in the show — the two giraffes in the “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” scene
12. The elephant nicknamed Bertha by the backstage crew in 1997 is the largest and longest animal measuring 4 meters long and 3 meters wide
13. There are six indigenous African languages spoken in the show: Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa (the click language), Sotho, Tswana, Congolese
14. THE LION KING has been translated into eight languages – Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese

THE LION KING Singapore – Get Your Tickets Now!

Season: From 27 June 2018 | Venue: MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands Singapore | Performance Times: Tuesday to Friday 7.30pm, Saturday: 2pm and 7.30pm & Sunday: 1pm and 6pm | Ticket Price: From $65 (Excludes the booking fee of SGD$3 per ticket) | Booking: Web: www.MarinaBaySands.com/Ticketing or www.sistic.com.sg | Phone: +65 6688 8826 | In Person: Marina Bay Sands Box Offices or any SISTIC Outlet

In 2011, THE LION KING became the longest-running musical in Singapore’s theatrical entertainment history, playing to over 300,000 people during its eight-month season at Marina Bays Sands. After Singapore, the international tour of THE LION KING heads to Korea and Taiwan with more engagements to be announced soon. For further information about THE LION KING, visit TheLionKing.sg