Disney's THE LION KING Celebrates Gala Opening in South Africa

Disney's THE LION KING Celebrates Gala Opening in South Africa

Johannesburg Production Kicks-Off 10th Anniversary Celebration

Charitable Partnerships with Disney and Sponsors also Announced

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Disney's THE LION KING opens tonight in South Africa at the new Montecasino Teatro in Johannesburg. Preview performances have so far been welcomed by cheering and standing ovations from capacity crowds. Guests tonight include Deputy President, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Oprah Winfrey with students of her Girls' Academy, and Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. The South African premiere celebrates and kicks-off the 10th Anniversary of the opening of THE LION KING on Broadway, which will be celebrated Sunday, November 11.

Produced by Thomas Schumacher, President, Disney Theatrical Productions, along with South African co-producers Lebo M, international recording artist and co-composer of THE LION KING, and Pieter Toerien, veteran theatre producer, THE LION KING is directed by Tony Award(R) winning director, Julie Taymor. The production is supported by principal sponsor Telkom (SA Ltd) and media sponsor South African Broadcasting Corporation.

The cast of the new production is entirely made up of South African performers, many of whom have been in other productions of THE LION KING around the world and are now coming home to perform in their native country. To date, THE LION KING has employed almost 100 South Africans in its productions worldwide. Also tonight, Deputy President Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will dedicate the beautiful theatre built by Tsogo Sun. The remarkable 1850-seat Teatro Montecasino was designed specially with THE LION KING in mind and now South Africa has a new, state-of-the-art venue that will welcome Broadway and London shows for decades to come.

"For 10 years, THE LION KING has transformed the lives of people around the world -- not only the over 40 million audience members, but also the countless cast, stage crew, musicians and others that have played a part in making THE LION KING such an enormous success," said Thomas Schumacher, President, Disney Theatrical Productions. "Lebo M's vision and desire to bring this production to his country has been extraordinary, as has the commitment of co-producer Pieter Toerien. We've assembled an amazing, talented cast of native South Africans for this production and can't wait to share this worldwide phenomenon with the people of South Africa."

"In the ten years I've been working on THE LION KING, it has been my dream to bring the show to South Africa," said Julie Taymor, award-winning director of THE LION KING. "For the past decade, South Africa has been my muse -- with its vivid colors, rich culture and powerful music. And now, I hope to inspire the people of South Africa with this very special production."

Telkom, the principal sponsor of the production, is also joining with The Walt Disney Company, The Lebo M Foundation and local producers to make it possible for 38,000 children and teenagers the opportunity to see the show at no charge. Twenty matinee performances will be performed exclusively for students from 40 schools in the townships and communities around Johannesburg. The students will be part of a special theatre and music study program culminating in their visit to the show.

"For 10 years THE LION KING has delighted audiences worldwide and we are excited to share it with children who wouldn't otherwise have had an opportunity to experience this classic Disney tale on stage," said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "It is particularly gratifying to bring THE LION KING to South Africa -- the place that served as its inspiration."

In addition, The Walt Disney Company is working with two initiatives that give back to local communities through a series of related education and training programs. Together with the Market Theatre and Liberty Lab Theatre, Disney is developing a programme where cast members and staff of THE LION KING will work with students by leading workshops in dance, voice, costume and scenic design. Disney is also supporting TBWA South Africa, Business & Arts South Africa and The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund on their "Room 13" initiative. This project hosts art studios within schools with the goal of enhancing creative expression and entrepreneurial skills in students in disadvantaged areas. The Walt Disney Company will make an initial investment in an effort to expand the number of "Room 13" schools in the country.

ABOUT THE LION KING:

THE LION KING follows the adventures of lion cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of manhood and his future role as king. The award-winning stage version of THE LION KING made a spectacular debut when it opened on Broadway in 1997. Expanded from the blockbuster Disney film, the stage version amazed critics and audiences alike with its artistic achievements and stagecraft. The winner of over 70 major awards worldwide, THE LION KING has garnered six 1998 Tony(R) Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a GRAMMY(R) Award for Best Musical Show Album of 1998. In addition to the Broadway production in New York City, THE LION KING can also currently be seen in London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Seoul and two touring companies throughout the United States.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award(R) for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for the show. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, and additional musical material by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.

In the last 10 years, THE LION KING has become a critically acclaimed global success, having been seen by over 40 million people in nine countries and five languages. The South African premiere launches a remarkable year for THE LION KING including the opening of a Paris production in October and the 10th anniversary on Broadway in November. In addition to the Broadway, South African and upcoming Paris productions, THE LION KING can also be seen in London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Seoul and two touring companies throughout the United States.

ABOUT DISNEY'S OUTREACH:

Disney brightens the lives of children in need around the world through global outreach programs, local community initiatives and the Disney VoluntEARS program. Last year, Disney donated more than $170 million in cash and in-kind support to various charities around the world. Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 485,000 hours of service and the company drew upon its unique magic to make wishes come true for children and families. The Disney VoluntEARS program provides opportunities for Disney employees to contribute their time and expertise towards making a positive impact in the communities they serve while furthering the traditions and ideals of The Walt Disney Company. For more information on Disney's outreach efforts, please visit http://www.disneyoutreach.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Disney Theatrical Productions

CONTACT: Chris Boneau, +1-212-575-3030, or Matt Polk, or Susanne Tighe,
stighe@bbbway.com, or Aaron Meier, or Christine Olver, all for Disney
Theatrical Productions, The Lion King on Broadway; or Karena Stewart,
karena@magna-carta.co.za, or Nicholas Scibetta, Nicholas.scibetta@ketchum.com,
both for The Lion King in South Africa

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