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狮子王》，而据说，这也是音乐剧历史上耗资最巨大的一部。
此音乐剧脱离了《狮子王》动画作品的限制，融入了很多非洲元素，音乐也添加了很多新曲目，一些曲目来自《狮子王荣耀大地》专辑，包括He Lives in You，等等，而Endless Night等新曲目也让观众难忘。
由于本音乐剧的精彩，成为当年美国托尼奖的最大赢家，获得了包括最佳音乐剧、最佳导演奖等6项托尼大奖！
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The Lion King is a musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name
with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice along with the musical score created
by Hans Zimmer with choral arrangements by
Lebo
M. Directed by Julie Taymor, the musical features actors in
animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets. The show is produced by Disney Theatrical.
The musical debuted July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Orpheum Theatre, and was an instant success before premiering on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater on October 15, 1997 in previews with the official opening on November 13, 1997. On June 13, 2006, the Broadway production moved to the Minskoff Theatre to make way for the musical version of Mary Poppins, where it is still running after more than 5,350 performances.[1] It is now Broadway's seventh longest-running show in history.
The show debuted in the West End's Lyceum Theatre on October 19, 1999 and is still running. The cast of the West End production were invited to perform at the Royal Variety Performance 2008 at the London Palladium on December 11, in the presence of senior members of the British Royal Family.[2]
Hamburg, Germany: Lion King Theatre
After the success of the Broadway show, the show was produced in the United Kingdom in 1999 by Harrison Lochtenberg, and continues to play at the Lyceum Theatre in London. Taymor led the British production of the show, with Melissa De Melo as the producer. The London Production recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in the West End.
A Canadian production of the show was staged in Toronto and ran for nearly four years at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The show ran from 1999–2004.
A Los Angeles production began performances at the Pantages Theatre on September 29, 2000 with an official opening on October 19, 2000. The show closed on January 12, 2003 after 952 performances.
The show played at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, Australia, from October 16, 2003, until June 26, 2005. The production then ran at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne from July 28, 2005 until June 4, 2006.
The musical had a Korean production from October 28, 2006 to October 28, 2007 at the Charlotte Theater, southern Seoul.
The Dutch production in 2004 was made at the Circus Theater until August 27, 2006, taking place for Tarzan.
Beginning in June 2007, The Lion King Musical debuted its first ever performance on the African continent in Johannesburg, South Africa. Its tenth year anniversary was celebrated in the new Teatro Theatre at Monte Casino in Fourways. The Lion King is the first production to take place in the new theatre. The opening night in Johannesburg, was celebrated with key persons involving the creation of the Lion King Musical, and American talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who had recently opened an educational academy for girls in Johannesburg[3] The show closed on February 17, 2008.
The Lion King Musical debuted in Paris on September 22, 2007 in the Théâtre Mogador.
There is currently one U.S. touring production. (At one time there were 2 US touring productions travelling simultaneously). The tour version is very similar to the original Broadway production; however, certain scenic elements which rise out of the stage floor (such as Pride Rock, the stampede, and the grasslands) were converted to less costly configurations for the touring productions. The sun during the opening is reduced in size for the shorter-lasting tours. Stage sizes are also smaller, and the size of the pit orchestra is decreased.
In August 2008, a production opened in Taipei, Taiwan, closing on August 24, 2009.
The musical had a Mexican production (in English) between January 3 and January 27, 2008 in Mexico City.[4]
A Las Vegas production opened at Mandalay Bay on May 15, 2009 with previews beginning May 5, 2009.[5]
In 2010 the first Spanish production will open at Teatro Lope de Vega in Madrid, produced by Stage Entertainment.[6]
The Lion King, is coming to the Marina Bay Sands Theatre. Base Entertainment and Marina Bay Sands are bringing the Disney Theatrical Group production to Singapore in March 2011.[7] The South-east Asian premiere in Singapore will be a duplicate of the other shows performing in other parts of the world, such as London and New York. It will feature a new company of performers auditioned around the world.
It was announced what musical will come to Russia in near future
Actress Buyi Zama as Rafiki in Taiwan.
As the sun rises, Rafiki the baboon calls the animals to Pride Rock. She greets King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi before presenting their cub to the gathered animals ('Circle of Life'). Elsewhere, Mufasa's brother, Scar, laments on his lost chance at becoming king. Back at her baobab tree, Rafiki asks the spirits to conjure the new prince's name: Simba.
Time passes and Simba grows into a lively young cub ('Grasslands Chant'). Mufasa shows Simba the Pride Lands from the top of Pride Rock and explains that everything exists in a delicate balance known as the Circle of Life. Mufasa warns Simba not to stray beyond the boundaries of the Pride Lands, pointing out a shadowy area in the distance. Zazu, a hornbill who acts as Mufasa's advisor, arrives and delivers his daily report on the state of affairs in the King's domain. ('The Morning Report', now cut from the show)
Simba goes to see his uncle Scar. The scheming lion piques the cub's curiosity by mentioning the elephant graveyard, a place where Simba is forbidden to go.
Geoff Hoyle as Zazu
The lionesses go out hunting ('The Lioness Hunt'), and Simba arrives and asks his best friend, a female cub named Nala to come with him to the elephant graveyard, although he does not mention their intended location to his mother- he lies that they intend to go to the water-hole. Sarafina (Nala's mother) and Sarabi allow the cubs to go when Zazu accompanies them. Simba and Nala formulate a plan and manage to lose Zazu, while Simba brags about his future position, ('I Just Can't Wait to Be King').
The cubs journey to the graveyard and begin to explore until Zazu stops them. They are about to leave when they are confronted by the three hyenas Shenzi, Banzai and Ed. The Hyenas intend to have all three of the unfortunates for lunch, and gloat over them eagerly, ('Chow Down'). Mufasa arrives to rescue the cubs and frightens off the hyenas.
Mufasa is disappointed and angry that Simba disobeyed him. Simba says that he was only trying to be brave like his father. Mufasa explains that bravery does not mean recklessly seeking out danger. Simba asks whether he and his father will always be together, causing Mufasa to look up to the night sky and tell Simba about the great kings of the past and how they guide and watch over everything ('They Live in You'). Mufasa says that he will always be there for his son.
Back at the elephant graveyard, Scar tells the hyenas that he will soon be king if the hyenas assist him, and that they will never be hungry again if they agree ('Be Prepared').
Scar takes Simba to a gorge and tells him to wait there. Scar leaves and signals the hyenas, who start a wildebeest stampede down into the gorge ('The Stampede'). Scar tells Mufasa that Simba is trapped in the gorge, and Mufasa races to his son's aid. Mufasa leaps into the stampede and manages to save his son, but as he climbs a cliff, Scar betrays him and throws him down from the cliff, killing him. Scar convinces Simba that his father's death was his fault, as Mufasa died trying to save him, and that he should flee the Pride Lands. As Simba runs, Scar orders the hyenas to chase and kill Simba. The hyenas obey, but when Simba gets too far, they decide to leave him and make Scar believe that Simba is dead. Back at Pride Rock, Scar announces that Mufasa and Simba are both dead, and the lionesses and Rafiki mourn ('Rafiki Mourns'). Scar climbs to the promontory of Pride Rock, claims the throne for himself, and allows the hyenas into the Pride Lands as his executive staff ('Be Prepared (Reprise)'). Rafiki returns to her tree and smears the drawing of Simba, while Sarabi and Nala mourn for the ones whom they have loved and lost.
Out in the desert, Simba collapses from heat exhaustion. Vultures begin to circle, but are scared away by Timon, the meerkat, and Pumbaa, the warthog. The duo take the cub back to their jungle home and show him their relaxed way of life ('Hakuna Matata'). They tell Simba that they are outcasts as well and later introduce him to their diet of bugs and insects. Simba is captivated by the carefree existence, and stays in the jungle with his new friends for a long time.
Zazu, now a prisoner of Scar, listens to the king's woes. First, Scar has delusions of Mufasa's ghost haunting in every shadow. Then, he laments that he is not loved and arrives on the idea of finding a queen and having cubs. Nala arrives to inform Scar that there is no food and no water, just as the hyenas reported the same thing a few minutes ago; Scar attempts to flirt with her. Nala escapes ('The Madness of King Scar'). Utterly frustrated and upset by current events, Nala decides to leave the Pride Lands and find help, vowing that she will never forget her pride. The lionesses and Rafiki offer a blessing ('Shadowland').
Back in the jungle, Simba leads Timon and Pumbaa to find a resting place. Timon and Pumbaa want to sleep, but the restless Simba is unable to sleep. Annoyed by Timon and Pumbaa, Simba disappears into the night. Timon and Pumbaa lose their courage and follow Simba through the dark jungle. Simba leaps across a fast-moving river and challenges Timon to do the same. Timon falls into the water and is swept downstream by the current until he reaches a waterfall, where he grabs onto a branch. Simba wants to save Timon but is sent into a flashback of Mufasa's death. Timon falls from the branch and Simba snaps out of the flashback, rescuing his friend. Simba is ashamed that Timon nearly died because of his recklessness.
That night the three friends look up at the stars, wondering what they are. Simba recalls Mufasa's words regarding the great kings of the past, but Timon and Pumbaa dismiss it and laugh at the notion. Simba leaves, looking up at the sky and expresses his bitterness about Mufasa's promise to always be there for him('Endless Night'). At Rafiki's Tree, Rafiki hears Simba's song on the wind and comes to the joyous conclusion that Simba is alive. She draws a mane onto the drawing of Simba on her tree.
In the jungle, Pumbaa is being hunted and chased by a lioness. Simba confronts the lioness and saves his friend. The lioness flips Simba, causing Simba to recognize that the lioness is his childhood friend Nala. Nala is amazed to find Simba alive, knowing that he is the rightful king. Timon and Pumbaa are confused by this, and Simba tells the two to leave so that he and Nala can be alone. Timon realizes what is happening and laments that he and Pumbaa's Hakuna Matata lifestyle has come to an end ('Can You Feel the Love Tonight'). Nala tells Simba about the state of the devastated Pride Lands, trying to encourage him to return and take his rightful place as king. Simba is still guilty about his father's death and leaves.
On his own, Simba meets Rafiki, who explains that his father is still alive ('He Lives in You (Reprise)'). As Simba looks toward the sky, his father appears as a heavenly vision. Mufasa reminds Simba that he is the rightful king and must return home. Simba is persuaded and heads for Pride Rock.
Meanwhile, Nala wakes Timon and Pumbaa to ask where Simba is. Rafiki appears and tells them that he has returned to Pride Rock.
Simba returns to Pride Rock with Nala, Timon and Pumbaa, where he witnesses the ruin that his home has fallen into. Timon and Pumbaa lure some hyenas out of their path by providing a diversion. Timon dresses in drag and does the Charleston. Simba tells Nala to go find his mother while he goes look for Scar.
Scar calls for Sarabi and demands to know why the lionesses are not hunting. Sarabi tells him that there is no food or water and that they need to leave Pride Rock to survive. Scar refuses and when Sarabi snaps at him about not being half the king Mufasa was, Scar strikes his sister-in-law saying that he was ten times the king Mufasa was. At this, an enraged Simba leaps down, startling Scar, who believes his nephew to be dead. Scar forces a confession of murder from Simba and attacks him, forcing him over the edge of Pride Rock. Believing that he has won, Scar whispers to Simba that he was the one who killed Mufasa. Simba, infuriated, leaps up and grabs Scar by the throat, causing Scar to reveal the truth. A fierce battle rages between the lionesses, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki and the hyenas ('Simba Confronts Scar').
Simba corners Scar on the top of Pride Rock, where Scar begs for his life and blames everything on the hyenas. In a repetition of Scar's words to cub Simba, Simba tells Scar to run away and never return. Scar, with the thought of Simba killing him, appears to follow this request, but turns quickly and attacks Simba again. Simba is able to block the attack, making Scar trip and fall over the cliff where the hyenas are waiting below. They surround their former leader and kill him.
The battle having finally ended, Simba's friends come forward and acknowledge Simba as the new and rightful king. Simba climbs to the top of Pride Rock and roars out across the kingdom. The animals gather at the call of their new king and celebrate ('King of Pride Rock'). Rafiki, Nala and Simba ascend Pride Rock where Rafiki lifts Simba and Nala's newborn cub high into the air, thus continuing the Circle of Life and ushering in a new golden age ('Circle of Life (Reprise)').
*=cut from the show as of June 27, 2010
此音乐剧脱离了《狮子王》动画作品的限制，融入了很多非洲元素，音乐也添加了很多新曲目，一些曲目来自《狮子王荣耀大地》专辑，包括He Lives in You，等等，而Endless Night等新曲目也让观众难忘。
由于本音乐剧的精彩，成为当年美国托尼奖的最大赢家，获得了包括最佳音乐剧、最佳导演奖等6项托尼大奖！
第一幕
- Circle Of Life
(生生不息)
太阳自地平线升起，照亮了荣耀石。拉飞奇将草原上的动物召唤在一起，高唱'生生不息'。睿智的拉飞奇向狮子王木法沙和他的王後沙拉碧致敬，随後她在荣耀石顶端高高举起了新生的王子辛巴，为众兽所膜拜。 - Grassland Chant(咏赞大草原)
- The Morning Report
(晨间报告)
几年过去了，辛巴已经长成了一只喜好冒险的小狮子，他总是不停地探索身边的世界。木法沙向他解释自然界微妙的平衡：生生不息的意义。
沙祖飞来，向狮王报告今天早晨发生在荣耀国的事情。他说有土狼闯入了荣耀国。木法沙前去查看。
辛巴邪恶的叔叔刀疤走了过来。他告诉小辛巴在荣耀国国界之外，有一个大象墓园。于是辛巴邀请了他的小伙伴母狮娜娜一起去这个神秘的地方探险。 - The Lioness Hunt(母狮巡猎)
- I Just Can't Wait to Be
King(等我长大来当王)
辛巴告诉娜娜和沙祖，某日他将会统治荣耀国。正兴奋，辛巴和娜娜突然滑倒，一头冲向大象墓园，离开了沙祖。他们两个只能亦步亦趋地探索这个危机四伏的坟墓。 - Chow Down
(大快朵颐)
沙祖最後终于找到了两只小狮子，要求他们快点离开这里，但是，三只土狼，班仔，桑琪，阿德，盯上了他们，决定饱餐一顿。这时，木法沙出现了，赶走了土狼。 - They Live In You
(活在你心中)
回到荣耀国，失望的木法沙训斥辛巴，他差点惹来杀身之祸。辛巴说他只是想让自己变得像父亲一样勇敢。木法沙教导他，莽撞不等于勇敢。
辛巴接下来问他的父亲，他们是不是可以永远在一起。木法沙望了下夜晚的天空，回答说，虽然他不能永远和自己的儿子在一起，但祖先的灵魂会永远保护辛巴。 - Be Prepared
(快准备)
与此同时，场景转回大象墓园，土狼们正舔拭他们的伤口，刀疤出现了。刀疤告诉他们，木法沙之死就要到来，而他则将登上王座。 - The Stampede
(惊逃狂奔)
刀疤叫辛巴去峡谷里找木法沙，那里会有一个惊喜。刀疤一走开，旋即给土狼发出信号，让他们触发牛羚狂奔。为了求生，辛巴竭力狂奔。
刀疤继续他的阴谋，刀疤找到了木法沙告诉他辛巴正陷于狂奔的牛羚群中间。木法沙冲入峡谷，把辛巴送到了安全处，但他自己却处于危险之中，只能用爪子攀在峡谷峭壁上。刀疤出现在峭壁上，将爪子刺入自己兄弟的臂膀，看着他坠落死去。
当狂奔的牛羚散去，辛巴看见了他父亲的尸体。刀疤欺骗他说，木法沙的死是他造成的，他最好离开荣耀国，永远不要回来。 - Rafiki Mourns (拉飞奇的悲叹)
- Hakuna Matata
(哈库拉马塔塔)
狂奔逃离荣耀国之後，筋疲力尽的辛巴昏倒了。当秃鹰在他的头上盘旋时，猫鼬丁满，和野猪彭彭，赶走了秃鹰。两只友善的动物很快就和辛巴成为了朋友，并把他带到丛林。丁满和彭彭把他们简单的哲学'Hakuna Matata'，也就是'无忧无虑'传授给辛巴。辛巴很快学会了如何在丛林生活，并长成一只青年狮子。
第二幕
- One By One (非洲灵韵) 在刀疤的统治下，荣耀国变得荒瘠，动物纷纷离开。万物的循环已经被打破。
- The Madness Of King Scar (刀疤王的疯狂)
即使木法沙死去，刀疤仍被他害死兄弟的记忆所困扰。为了延续他的血脉，他决定要一个自己的孩子，并盯上了漂亮的娜娜。他尝试强占娜娜，但娜娜奋力反抗，逃出了荣耀国。
丁满和彭彭跟着辛巴走在丛林里，辛巴要找一个歇息的地方。他们到了一条小河边，辛巴轻而易举就过去了，丁满跟了上去，却被水冲到了瀑布。朋友处于危机的场景触及了父亲之死的记忆。丁满冲到了瀑布边缘，但最终还是安全了。 - Shadowland (阴暗大地)
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight (安睡的狮王)
- Endless Night
(夜无止尽)
到了夜晚，辛巴，丁满，彭彭仰望星空，思考他们的存在。辛巴想起了他父亲的话语：祖先永远在守护他。 - Can You Feel The Love Tonight (今夜感觉我的爱)
第二天早上，彭彭在丛林里狂奔，一只饥饿的母狮子正着追逐他。辛巴冲过去帮助他的好友，与母狮扭斗在一起。在打斗中，辛巴发现这只母狮正是他青梅竹马的娜娜。一段共处以後，他们坠入了爱河。
娜娜将荣耀国的悲惨现状告诉了辛巴，祈求他能重返故地，拿回原本属于他的王位。辛巴，始终内疚父亲的死，拒绝了娜娜的请求，跑开了。 - He Lives In You [reprise]
(活在你心中－旋律重现)
正当辛巴在丛林中徘徊，他遇见了拉飞奇。她告诉辛巴木法沙并不是真正死去；他的灵魂仍在。正当辛巴拒绝相信时，星星组成了木法沙的样子。辛巴听到了父亲的声音，告诫他一定要记住自己在万物循环中的使命。辛巴于是决定，重返荣耀国。 - Simba confronts Scar (直面刀疤)
辛巴开始寻找刀疤复仇，而刀疤正喝令母狮们猎取更多的猎物。沙拉碧告诉刀疤食物和水都已经消耗殆尽。恼怒中，刀疤殴打了沙拉碧。灯光闪耀之中，辛巴出现了，直面刀疤。刀疤很快就从辛巴的突然出现造成的震惊中恢复过来。他逼迫辛巴在众兽面前承认，他要为木法沙的死负责。因为恐惧和迷惘，辛巴被一步步逼迫到荣耀之石的边缘，眼看落入悬崖，这时刀疤悄声袒露，是他杀了木法沙，而不是辛巴。
愤怒之下，辛巴扑向刀疤，要他说出真相。在荣耀之石的顶端，刀疤乞求饶命，辛巴心软了，命令他的叔叔永远离开荣耀国。为了保住自己的王位，刀疤再次袭击了辛巴，而辛巴将刀疤打入悬崖，刀疤发现围在他身边的正是一群饥饿的土狼。 - King Of Pride Rock/Circle Of Life (荣耀石之颂 /
生生不息－旋律重现)
新的一天来临了，荣耀国迎来了真正的国王，辛巴。辛巴登上了荣耀石的顶峰，一声有力的咆哮将所有的动物唤回到了巨石之下。娜娜为辛巴的胜利而欣喜，和新国王走在一起，拉飞奇跟随其後。拉飞奇高举着新生的小狮子，开始了新一轮的'生生不息'。
The Lion King (musical)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search
| The Lion King | |
|---|---|
 Poster from the Broadway Production |
|
| Music | Elton John |
| Lyrics | Tim Rice |
| Book | Roger Allers Irene Mecchi |
| Basis | Disney animated film The Lion King |
| Productions | 1997 Minneapolis Tryout 1997 Broadway 1998 Tokyo 1999 London 1999 Toronto 2000 Los Angeles 2001 Hamburg 2002 U.S. National Tour 2003 Sydney 2004 The Netherlands 2005 Melbourne 2006 Seoul 2007 Paris 2007 Honolulu 2007 Johannesburg 2008 Mexico City 2008 Taipei 2009 Las Vegas 2010 Madrid 2011 Singapore |
| Awards | 1998 Tony Award for Best Musical |
The musical debuted July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Orpheum Theatre, and was an instant success before premiering on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater on October 15, 1997 in previews with the official opening on November 13, 1997. On June 13, 2006, the Broadway production moved to the Minskoff Theatre to make way for the musical version of Mary Poppins, where it is still running after more than 5,350 performances.[1] It is now Broadway's seventh longest-running show in history.
The show debuted in the West End's Lyceum Theatre on October 19, 1999 and is still running. The cast of the West End production were invited to perform at the Royal Variety Performance 2008 at the London Palladium on December 11, in the presence of senior members of the British Royal Family.[2]
Contents[hide] |
U.S. and international productions
Hamburg, Germany: Lion King Theatre
After the success of the Broadway show, the show was produced in the United Kingdom in 1999 by Harrison Lochtenberg, and continues to play at the Lyceum Theatre in London. Taymor led the British production of the show, with Melissa De Melo as the producer. The London Production recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in the West End.
A Canadian production of the show was staged in Toronto and ran for nearly four years at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The show ran from 1999–2004.
A Los Angeles production began performances at the Pantages Theatre on September 29, 2000 with an official opening on October 19, 2000. The show closed on January 12, 2003 after 952 performances.
The show played at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, Australia, from October 16, 2003, until June 26, 2005. The production then ran at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne from July 28, 2005 until June 4, 2006.
The musical had a Korean production from October 28, 2006 to October 28, 2007 at the Charlotte Theater, southern Seoul.
The Dutch production in 2004 was made at the Circus Theater until August 27, 2006, taking place for Tarzan.
Beginning in June 2007, The Lion King Musical debuted its first ever performance on the African continent in Johannesburg, South Africa. Its tenth year anniversary was celebrated in the new Teatro Theatre at Monte Casino in Fourways. The Lion King is the first production to take place in the new theatre. The opening night in Johannesburg, was celebrated with key persons involving the creation of the Lion King Musical, and American talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who had recently opened an educational academy for girls in Johannesburg[3] The show closed on February 17, 2008.
The Lion King Musical debuted in Paris on September 22, 2007 in the Théâtre Mogador.
There is currently one U.S. touring production. (At one time there were 2 US touring productions travelling simultaneously). The tour version is very similar to the original Broadway production; however, certain scenic elements which rise out of the stage floor (such as Pride Rock, the stampede, and the grasslands) were converted to less costly configurations for the touring productions. The sun during the opening is reduced in size for the shorter-lasting tours. Stage sizes are also smaller, and the size of the pit orchestra is decreased.
In August 2008, a production opened in Taipei, Taiwan, closing on August 24, 2009.
The musical had a Mexican production (in English) between January 3 and January 27, 2008 in Mexico City.[4]
A Las Vegas production opened at Mandalay Bay on May 15, 2009 with previews beginning May 5, 2009.[5]
In 2010 the first Spanish production will open at Teatro Lope de Vega in Madrid, produced by Stage Entertainment.[6]
The Lion King, is coming to the Marina Bay Sands Theatre. Base Entertainment and Marina Bay Sands are bringing the Disney Theatrical Group production to Singapore in March 2011.[7] The South-east Asian premiere in Singapore will be a duplicate of the other shows performing in other parts of the world, such as London and New York. It will feature a new company of performers auditioned around the world.
It was announced what musical will come to Russia in near future
Act I
Actress Buyi Zama as Rafiki in Taiwan.
As the sun rises, Rafiki the baboon calls the animals to Pride Rock. She greets King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi before presenting their cub to the gathered animals ('Circle of Life'). Elsewhere, Mufasa's brother, Scar, laments on his lost chance at becoming king. Back at her baobab tree, Rafiki asks the spirits to conjure the new prince's name: Simba.
Time passes and Simba grows into a lively young cub ('Grasslands Chant'). Mufasa shows Simba the Pride Lands from the top of Pride Rock and explains that everything exists in a delicate balance known as the Circle of Life. Mufasa warns Simba not to stray beyond the boundaries of the Pride Lands, pointing out a shadowy area in the distance. Zazu, a hornbill who acts as Mufasa's advisor, arrives and delivers his daily report on the state of affairs in the King's domain. ('The Morning Report', now cut from the show)
Simba goes to see his uncle Scar. The scheming lion piques the cub's curiosity by mentioning the elephant graveyard, a place where Simba is forbidden to go.
Geoff Hoyle as Zazu
The lionesses go out hunting ('The Lioness Hunt'), and Simba arrives and asks his best friend, a female cub named Nala to come with him to the elephant graveyard, although he does not mention their intended location to his mother- he lies that they intend to go to the water-hole. Sarafina (Nala's mother) and Sarabi allow the cubs to go when Zazu accompanies them. Simba and Nala formulate a plan and manage to lose Zazu, while Simba brags about his future position, ('I Just Can't Wait to Be King').
The cubs journey to the graveyard and begin to explore until Zazu stops them. They are about to leave when they are confronted by the three hyenas Shenzi, Banzai and Ed. The Hyenas intend to have all three of the unfortunates for lunch, and gloat over them eagerly, ('Chow Down'). Mufasa arrives to rescue the cubs and frightens off the hyenas.
Mufasa is disappointed and angry that Simba disobeyed him. Simba says that he was only trying to be brave like his father. Mufasa explains that bravery does not mean recklessly seeking out danger. Simba asks whether he and his father will always be together, causing Mufasa to look up to the night sky and tell Simba about the great kings of the past and how they guide and watch over everything ('They Live in You'). Mufasa says that he will always be there for his son.
Back at the elephant graveyard, Scar tells the hyenas that he will soon be king if the hyenas assist him, and that they will never be hungry again if they agree ('Be Prepared').
Scar takes Simba to a gorge and tells him to wait there. Scar leaves and signals the hyenas, who start a wildebeest stampede down into the gorge ('The Stampede'). Scar tells Mufasa that Simba is trapped in the gorge, and Mufasa races to his son's aid. Mufasa leaps into the stampede and manages to save his son, but as he climbs a cliff, Scar betrays him and throws him down from the cliff, killing him. Scar convinces Simba that his father's death was his fault, as Mufasa died trying to save him, and that he should flee the Pride Lands. As Simba runs, Scar orders the hyenas to chase and kill Simba. The hyenas obey, but when Simba gets too far, they decide to leave him and make Scar believe that Simba is dead. Back at Pride Rock, Scar announces that Mufasa and Simba are both dead, and the lionesses and Rafiki mourn ('Rafiki Mourns'). Scar climbs to the promontory of Pride Rock, claims the throne for himself, and allows the hyenas into the Pride Lands as his executive staff ('Be Prepared (Reprise)'). Rafiki returns to her tree and smears the drawing of Simba, while Sarabi and Nala mourn for the ones whom they have loved and lost.
Out in the desert, Simba collapses from heat exhaustion. Vultures begin to circle, but are scared away by Timon, the meerkat, and Pumbaa, the warthog. The duo take the cub back to their jungle home and show him their relaxed way of life ('Hakuna Matata'). They tell Simba that they are outcasts as well and later introduce him to their diet of bugs and insects. Simba is captivated by the carefree existence, and stays in the jungle with his new friends for a long time.
Act II
The chorus, dressed in colorful clothes with ornate bird puppets and kites, begin the Second Act ('One by One'). As the song ends, however, the beautiful birds are replaced by vultures and gazelle skeletons. A drought has hit the Pride Lands under Scar's tyrannical rule.Zazu, now a prisoner of Scar, listens to the king's woes. First, Scar has delusions of Mufasa's ghost haunting in every shadow. Then, he laments that he is not loved and arrives on the idea of finding a queen and having cubs. Nala arrives to inform Scar that there is no food and no water, just as the hyenas reported the same thing a few minutes ago; Scar attempts to flirt with her. Nala escapes ('The Madness of King Scar'). Utterly frustrated and upset by current events, Nala decides to leave the Pride Lands and find help, vowing that she will never forget her pride. The lionesses and Rafiki offer a blessing ('Shadowland').
Back in the jungle, Simba leads Timon and Pumbaa to find a resting place. Timon and Pumbaa want to sleep, but the restless Simba is unable to sleep. Annoyed by Timon and Pumbaa, Simba disappears into the night. Timon and Pumbaa lose their courage and follow Simba through the dark jungle. Simba leaps across a fast-moving river and challenges Timon to do the same. Timon falls into the water and is swept downstream by the current until he reaches a waterfall, where he grabs onto a branch. Simba wants to save Timon but is sent into a flashback of Mufasa's death. Timon falls from the branch and Simba snaps out of the flashback, rescuing his friend. Simba is ashamed that Timon nearly died because of his recklessness.
That night the three friends look up at the stars, wondering what they are. Simba recalls Mufasa's words regarding the great kings of the past, but Timon and Pumbaa dismiss it and laugh at the notion. Simba leaves, looking up at the sky and expresses his bitterness about Mufasa's promise to always be there for him('Endless Night'). At Rafiki's Tree, Rafiki hears Simba's song on the wind and comes to the joyous conclusion that Simba is alive. She draws a mane onto the drawing of Simba on her tree.
In the jungle, Pumbaa is being hunted and chased by a lioness. Simba confronts the lioness and saves his friend. The lioness flips Simba, causing Simba to recognize that the lioness is his childhood friend Nala. Nala is amazed to find Simba alive, knowing that he is the rightful king. Timon and Pumbaa are confused by this, and Simba tells the two to leave so that he and Nala can be alone. Timon realizes what is happening and laments that he and Pumbaa's Hakuna Matata lifestyle has come to an end ('Can You Feel the Love Tonight'). Nala tells Simba about the state of the devastated Pride Lands, trying to encourage him to return and take his rightful place as king. Simba is still guilty about his father's death and leaves.
On his own, Simba meets Rafiki, who explains that his father is still alive ('He Lives in You (Reprise)'). As Simba looks toward the sky, his father appears as a heavenly vision. Mufasa reminds Simba that he is the rightful king and must return home. Simba is persuaded and heads for Pride Rock.
Meanwhile, Nala wakes Timon and Pumbaa to ask where Simba is. Rafiki appears and tells them that he has returned to Pride Rock.
Simba returns to Pride Rock with Nala, Timon and Pumbaa, where he witnesses the ruin that his home has fallen into. Timon and Pumbaa lure some hyenas out of their path by providing a diversion. Timon dresses in drag and does the Charleston. Simba tells Nala to go find his mother while he goes look for Scar.
Scar calls for Sarabi and demands to know why the lionesses are not hunting. Sarabi tells him that there is no food or water and that they need to leave Pride Rock to survive. Scar refuses and when Sarabi snaps at him about not being half the king Mufasa was, Scar strikes his sister-in-law saying that he was ten times the king Mufasa was. At this, an enraged Simba leaps down, startling Scar, who believes his nephew to be dead. Scar forces a confession of murder from Simba and attacks him, forcing him over the edge of Pride Rock. Believing that he has won, Scar whispers to Simba that he was the one who killed Mufasa. Simba, infuriated, leaps up and grabs Scar by the throat, causing Scar to reveal the truth. A fierce battle rages between the lionesses, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki and the hyenas ('Simba Confronts Scar').
Simba corners Scar on the top of Pride Rock, where Scar begs for his life and blames everything on the hyenas. In a repetition of Scar's words to cub Simba, Simba tells Scar to run away and never return. Scar, with the thought of Simba killing him, appears to follow this request, but turns quickly and attacks Simba again. Simba is able to block the attack, making Scar trip and fall over the cliff where the hyenas are waiting below. They surround their former leader and kill him.
The battle having finally ended, Simba's friends come forward and acknowledge Simba as the new and rightful king. Simba climbs to the top of Pride Rock and roars out across the kingdom. The animals gather at the call of their new king and celebrate ('King of Pride Rock'). Rafiki, Nala and Simba ascend Pride Rock where Rafiki lifts Simba and Nala's newborn cub high into the air, thus continuing the Circle of Life and ushering in a new golden age ('Circle of Life (Reprise)').
Songs
| Song | Written by | Performed by | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circle of Life | Elton John and Tim Rice | Rafiki and Ensemble | |
| Grasslands Chant | Lebo M | Ensemble | |
| The Morning Report* | Elton John and Tim Rice | Zazu, Young Simba and Mufasa | |
| The Lioness Hunt | Lebo M | Ensemble | |
| I Just Can't Wait to Be King | Elton John and Tim Rice | Young Simba, Young Nala, Zazu and Ensemble | |
| Chow Down | Elton John and Tim Rice | Shenzi, Banzai and Ed | |
| They Live in You | Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Lebo M | Mufasa and Ensemble | |
| Be Prepared | Elton John and Tim Rice | Scar, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed and Ensemble | |
| The Stampede/Rafiki Mourns | Hans Zimmer and Lebo M | Ensemble and Rafiki, Ensemble | |
| Hakuna Matata | Elton John and Tim Rice | Timon, Pumbaa, Young Simba, Simba and Ensemble |
| Song | Written by | Performed by | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| One by One | Lebo M | Ensemble | |
| The Madness of King Scar | Elton John and Tim Rice | Scar, Zazu, Banzai, Shenzi, Ed and Nala | |
| Shadowland | Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, and Mark Mancina | Nala, Rafiki and Ensemble | 
sample (help·info) |
| Endless Night | Julie Taymor, Lebo M, Hans Zimmer and Jay Rifkin | Simba and Ensemble | |
| Can You Feel the Love Tonight | Elton John and Tim Rice | Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Nala and Ensemble | |
| He Lives in You (Reprise) | Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Lebo M | Rafiki, Simba and Ensemble |
sample (help·info) |
| Simba Confronts Scar | Mark Mancina and Robert Elhai | Instrumental | |
| King of Pride Rock/Circle of Life (Reprise) | Hans Zimmer and Lebo M/Elton John and Tim Rice | Rafiki, Simba, Nala, Pumbaa, Timon, Zazu and Ensemble |