MINNEAPOLIS—Disney Theatrical Productions and Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of DISNEY’S THE LION KING will go on sale to the public on Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m. Minneapolis’ most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the historic Orpheum Theatre stage (910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) on Tuesday, July 5 for a limited engagement of five weeks through Sunday, Aug. 7. The opening night is Thursday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. The show’s return engagement marks the fifth time THE LION KING has played the Orpheum Theatre. Following its sold-out, world premiere in 1997 before heading to Broadway, THE LION KING has returned in 2005, 2007 and 2012.

The Minneapolis engagement of THE LION KING is presented by arrangement with Hennepin Theatre Trust as part of the Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin Season.

Beginning Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m., tickets will be available at the State Theatre Box Office, by phone at (800) 982-2787 and online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org. Groups of 10 or more should contact MinneapolisGroups@broadwayacrossamerica.com or call 612.373.5665 for information and reservations.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at the Orpheum Theatre. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Orpheum Theatre is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

Ticket prices start at $49.00. All pricing includes a Building Restoration Fee of $4.00.

In Minneapolis, THE LION KING will play Tuesdays to Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Thursday, August 4. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 17 million theatergoers and grossed over $1.2 billion to date. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its Minneapolis return at the Orpheum Theatre. The current tour route is listed below.

ABOUT THE LION KING

In its 19th 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, 21 global productions have been seen by more than 85 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years. Translated into 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; Madrid; Mexico City; and on tour across North America and Japan, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 20 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.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success. The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULE THROUGH OCTOBER 2016:

Schenectady - Proctors Theatre

March 22 – April 17, 2016

Richmond – Altria Theatre

April 19 – May 8, 2016

Madison – Overture Center for the Arts

May 10 – June 5, 2016

Dayton – Schuster Performing Arts Center

June 7 – July 3, 2016

Minneapolis – Orpheum Theatre

July 5 – August 7, 2016)

Portland – Keller Auditorium

August 10 – September 4, 2016

San Diego – San Diego Civic Theatre

September 7 – October 2, 2016

Albuquerque – Popejoy Hall

October 4 – 30, 2016

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST, nonprofit owner of the Orpheum, State, Pantages an New Century theatres, creates positive change through the arts by bringing together people, businesses and organizations to create and enjoy cultural experiences in the WeDo™ MPLS Cultural District. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org and WeDoMpls.org.

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BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include On Your Feet, View from the Bridge, Beautiful, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com

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