“Astonishing in 1997, and—yes—just as astonishing today.”
MusicalOriginal
MUSICALORIGINALNOW PLAYING
The Lion King
Minskoff Theatre · 2h 30m · Opened Nov 13, 1997 · 28+ years on Broadway
Critics' Take
Critics hail Julie Taymor's staging as a theatrical marvel, with stunning puppetry and visual spectacle that transcends its animated source. A few find it more dazzling than emotionally engaging, but most call it breathtaking.
Critic Scorecard
27 reviewsSort:
“Playful and warm, funny and exciting, “The Lion King” will enchant children and adults in equal measure.”
“To say the effect is breathtaking is an understatement, it is overwhelming.”
“Make no mistake: The Lion King is a rare theater experience.”
“The Lion King is a spectacular rendition of the animated film, a brilliant theatrical adaptation that stands on its own.”
Audience Scorecard
23.0K audience reviews
A
Loving It
Awards Scorecard
1997-98 season87
Decorated
Won Best Musical + 5 more
Drama Desk:10 winsOuter Critics:6 winsDrama League:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicweek of 8/2/2026 · rank #3 on Broadway
6.4% market sharethis wk
This Week
All Time
Showtimes
This Week(Aug 3–9)
Get Tickets from $102
Schedule via bwayrush.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about The Lion King?
Critics hail Julie Taymor's staging as a theatrical marvel, with stunning puppetry and visual spectacle that transcends its animated source. A few find it more dazzling than emotionally engaging, but most call it breathtaking. (CriticScore 84/100 from 27 reviews.)
Is The Lion King worth seeing?
Absolutely — The Lion King is one of the season's most acclaimed shows, earning a rare 84/100 from 27 critics. Don't miss it.
What is the CriticScore for The Lion King?
The Lion King has a CriticScore of 84/100 based on 27 professional reviews. This is considered a "Critical Gold" show.
Is The Lion King still running on Broadway?
Yes, The Lion King is currently playing at Minskoff Theatre on Broadway.
Where is The Lion King playing on Broadway?
The Lion King is playing at Minskoff Theatre, located at 200 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036.
How long is The Lion King?
The Lion King has a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including 1 intermission.
Is The Lion King appropriate for children?
The Lion King is recommended for Ages 6+.
Socials Scorecard
last 7 daysRank
#20
of 30
STEADY
in Broadway social buzz
23 mentions this week
10
3
10
“Blerd Birthday of the Day — Leon Thomas III (August 1) Happy birthday to Leon Thomas III (born August 1, 1993)! 🎉…” — u/Haunting-Map-3475
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Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueA modern, well-equipped theater with clean sightlines from most sections. The contemporary design lacks the ornate character of older Broadway houses but delivers reliable sound and adequate comfort. Home to The Lion King since 2006.
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Current Cast
- Fred BermanTimon
- Ben JeffreyPumbaa
- Pearl KhweziNala
- Gavin LeeScar
- Mduduzi MadelaSimba
- Ntsepa Pitjeng-MolebatsiRafiki
- Cameron PowZazu
- L. Steven TaylorMufasa
Original Broadway Cast
- Eugene Barry-HillEnsemble Singer
- Gina BreedloveSarabi
- Camille M. BrownEnsemble Dancer
- Kevin CahoonEd
- Iresol CardonaEnsemble Dancer
- Max CasellaTimon
- Tracy Nicole ChapmanShenzi
- Mark Allan DavisEnsemble Dancer
Notable Replacements
- Tshidi ManyeRafiki
- Don DonohueScar
- Bonita J. HamiltonShenziBroadway debut
- Felipe AbrigoEnsemble Dancer
- Michelle Aguilar CamayaEnsemble
- Caleb ArcherYoung SimbaAlternate
- Damian BaldetTimon
- Kyle R. BanksEnsemble Dancer
Creative Team
- Elton JohnMusic
- Tim RiceLyrics
- Roger AllersBook
- Irene MecchiBook
- Julie TaymorDirector
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 84/100 (27 reviews)
- Status
- Now Playing
- Opened
- Nov 13, 1997
- Running
- 28+ years on Broadway
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Intermissions
- 1
- Age
- Ages 6+
- Synopsis
- Disney's award-winning musical brings the African savanna to Broadway with stunning puppetry and masks. Young Simba must embrace his destiny to become king after tragedy strikes the Pride Lands.
- Data Last Updated
- August 9, 2026
