Disney’s award-winning “The Lion King” is coming to Indianapolis from Sept. 30 to Oct.18 at the Old National Centre.
This production, which brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway, has won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Since its premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 32 global productions have been seen by more than 130 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, “The Lion King” has made theatrical history with two productions worldwide running 20 or more years and three others running 25 or more years.
The Recorder talked with Gilbert Domally, who plays Simba in this production, to discuss the musical’s personal and cultural impact.
“I got to know Lion King through the animated film and was just really obsessed with it, so it really does mean a lot to me,” Domally said. “It feels full circle. It feels like my childhood meeting up with my adult life and I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be at this time so that is like a moment of divine destiny and it’s very powerful.”
Domally also spoke about the challenges of being in a production that has been presented with critical acclaim for almost 30 years and the feelings behind being a part of its story.
“This is an established musical that has wowed millions of audience-goers, but I think what adds to it is each individual ensemble member bringing their connection,” Domally said. “A lot of our cast members are from South Africa, so you have that authentic direct connection that is brought into the show that makes it come alive that much more. In the music, storytelling and costumes, it’s like you can’t help but feel what we’re saying and what we’re singing and be really transported into this world.”
Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor’s original vision brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals for guests to relive the classic story from the movie.
“The Lion King” also features music crafted by Tony Award-winning artists like Elton John and Tim Rice. The Broadway score features John and Rice’s songs from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional music and lyrics 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.
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 Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.
‘The Lion King’ has played in more than 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica. Its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.
Tickets start at $91. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit indylionking.com.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
