The Lion King premieres in Brisbane tonight

Opening tonight in Brisbane, The Lion King remains one of the most popular stage musicals in the world, from its beginnings as a Disney animated feature in 1994. Since then, the stage production has been seen by 70 million people in 16 different countries.

With music and Lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, the Australian tour marks the 10^th concurrent world-wide production of The Lion King. It’s interesting to note that the stage production has now amassed a total over over $6 billion in box office revenue, raking in more than all of the biggest hit films in movie history: more than the Lord of the Rings trilogy combined, more than the six Star Wars films combined, and more than Avatar and Titanic, the two highest-grossing films in movie history, combined.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the first ever presentation of Disney’s The Lion King in Queensland has been a long term goal and is the result of developing a strong relationship with Disney Theatricals.

“Our Lyric Theatre has been specially modified to accommodate this phenomenal musical and our production team has worked tirelessly to bump in this show which required no less than 25 semitrailers to transport it to Brisbane”.

Adapted from Disney’s animated film of the same name, The Lion King follows lion cub prince, Simba, as he grows up in the African heartland until tragedy forces him into exile. After struggling with the responsibilities of manhood and his role as king, he returns to overthrow his wicked uncle Scar, taking his rightful place in the animal kingdom.

In a tribute to the beautiful costumes and scenery by Julie Taymor, Director and Mask/Puppet Co-Designer along with designer Michael Curry, please enjoy our photo feature of The Lion King.

The Lion King – Grasslands rendering; Sketch: Julie Taymor; Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney

The Lion King – Sketches: Julie Taymor; Photos: Michelle Aboud ©Disney

The Lion King – Buyi Zama (Rafiki), Australian Production, Photo: Deen van Meer ©Disney

The Lion King – Tsidii Le Loka (Rafiki) in the Original Broadway production; Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney

The Lion King – Julie Taymor; Photo: Kenneth Van Sickle. ©Disney

Nick Afoa as Simba and Josslynn Hlenti as Nala in The Lion King. [image supplied]

The Lion King – Australian Production; Photo: James Morgan; ©Disney

The Lion King – Original Broadway Production; Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney

The Lion King

The Lion King – Buyi Zama (Rafiki), Australian Production, Photo Michelle Aboud ©Disney

The Lion King – Original Broadway Production; Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney

The Lion King – Australian Production Photo: Deen van Meer ©Disney

The Lion King will play at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC till January 2015. An audio described performance is available on Sunday 11 January 2015, 1pm (limited seats).  For more information, visit the QPAC website: The Lion King at QPAC

Other Sites to explore:
www.lionking.com.au
facebook.com/thelionkingAU