A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
"The breathtakingly staged Broadway adaptation of Disney's king of the cartoon jungle is an instant theater classic."
Entertainment Weekly
Chris Willman
"Awe-inspiring! Broadway theater is alive again. [Julie] Taymor's imaginative ideas seem limitless. it's a gorgeous, gasp-inducing spectacle. Most important - against all odds - it has innocence. The show appeals to our primal, childlike excitement in the power of theater to make us see things afresh."
Time Magazine
Richard Zoglin
"Seen purely as a visual tapestry, there is simply nothing else like it. Suddenly, you're 4 years old again, and you've been taken to the circus for the first time. You can only marvel at the exotic procession of animals before you: the giraffes and the elephants and the hippopotamuses and all those birds in balletic flight. Such is the transporting magic wrought by the opening 10 minutes of The Lion King, [director Julie] Taymor has introduced a whole new vocabulary of images to the Broadway blockbuster."
The New York Times
Ben Brantley
"A jaw-dropping magnificent spectacle. The show and the playhouse are enchanting. The unprecedented production is worth every penny. If this is Disney's idea of a theme park, we are delighted to report that the theme is quality."
Newsday
Linda Winer
"Julie Taymor's staging of Disney's The Lion King is a marvel, a theatrical achievement unrivaled in its beauty, brains and ingenuity. Leaping far beyond its celluloid inspiration, the stage version improves upon nearly every aspect of the hit 1994 animated film, from visual artistry and storytelling to Lebo M's score and the newly African-ized pop songs of Elton John and Tim Rice."
"Everything from the talent to the costumes to the mechanics and set. It's the most impressive thing I've ever seen on stage. The quality and magic brought me to tears several times. I left with chills. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2026
So well done!
"Loved how the animals are portrayed. How interactive the performance was. Very funny."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2026
A great show
"Great costumes/puppets. Amazing voices. So fun and entertaining!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 15, 2026
Breathtaking!
"I have seen The Lion King several times, and this performance was absolutely top-notch in every way. I loved everything about it. Thank you, thank you thank you!"
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Colleen H from Cedar Rapids on Jun 12, 2026
Excellent Showing
"Seen the movies, but never this. It was so enjoyable and very talented cast."
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Pandora S from Bridgeville on Jun 7, 2026
Mesmerizing!
"The Lion King exceeded my expectations! It was amazing in every way! The actors, costumes, props all the wonderful scenes and the way they brought in the animals. It was a dream come true, loved every minute. "
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Jo Ann K from Louisville on Jun 7, 2026
Best Animal Costumes
"I love the animal costumes and how they come out into the audience!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 30, 2026
Hakuna Matata, Broadway Magic at Its Best
"The Lion King on Broadway was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment the show began, you were completely immersed in the experience. The costumes were stunning, the music was powerful, and the talent on stage was remarkable.
The choreography and sets were incredible, bringing the story to life in a way that made you forget you were sitting in a theater and not wandering the Pride Lands yourself. Every performer brought energy, emotion, and precision that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
As a first Broadway experience, this set the bar incredibly high. Honestly, after this performance, my living room karaoke sessions may never feel the same again.
Well done to the entire cast and crew. The Lion King was more than a play, it was an unforgettable experience."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 30, 2026
Best show!
"Amazing performance and soundtrack! I would recommend it for all audiences. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 28, 2026
A can’t miss family show
"The show was amazing. How those animals were brought to life was nothing short of incredible. Funny, entertaining, and the cast was so talented"
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Patrick O from Dalton on May 27, 2026
Amazing show
"Even from the last row in the nosebleeds, we were in awe at the spectacle the entire cast, crew, and musicians put together, that we could see and feel the passion for their artistry from the farthest away! The raw talent and technological effects that were utilized were intentional and beautifully set out to depict the story of The Lion King. All ages can fall in love with the story and have an engaging experience the entire time!"
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Carol C from Jacksonville on May 25, 2026
The Lion King
"The entire cast was phenomenal! Loved the colorful outfits and singing, and makeup. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 23, 2026
One to remember
"This was an amazing show. It brought back that childhood feeling of watching the lion king all over again. The actors were amazing and really embodied each character. Would highly recommend for families or even a date night. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 23, 2026
Standing ovation from me!
"From start to finish this play was breathtaking! My son is into theatre so we travelled to see this. There is nothing I did not like and my son’s face was priceless. We got pictures with young Nyla and Simba which made it even more amazing. Kuddos to the director, the performers and the musicians."
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Amber J from Martinsville on May 20, 2026
Lion King on Broadway is Simply Amazing
"The music, the costumes, the extra songs, the acting— everything was absolutely perfect. Blew me away! I would go see it again and again. "
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Carol I from Ooltewah on May 17, 2026
Um show incrível
"O show é espetacular. Mesmo não falando inglês dá para entender a peça. Muito bonito e interessante."
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Diego Carvalho Gomes M from Patos de minas on May 17, 2026
Eye Catching Creative Musical
"From start to finish the show has your attention. The singers voices were strong talented and powerful. The costumes were so creative. I've never seen anything like it, you felt like you were actually looking at the animals. The colors the props, stages, curtains wow! I had been told for several years this is the show to see. I am so grateful I had an opportunity to experience. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 16, 2026
The show of a lifetime
"This show is timeless and legendary. Lives up to its reputation on every aspect."
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Danielle H from Newnan on May 10, 2026
Absolutely brilliant
"A fantastic and imaginative live musical interpretation of the modern classic Disney movie.
The costumes, the set design, the performances - everything was top notch! The moving sets - like Pride Rock and the way they visualized the stampede - were very impressive and feats of engineering.
My only two complaints: 1) The actor voices could have been louder in the mix, because sometimes (in dialog scenes) the sound effects/background music would drown out parts of the dialog. Also, 2) they could have used a soundboard (or one of the live percussionist) to accentuate when the characters bit/slashed/hit one a other, that would have improved the sense of action and also paid homage to the cartoon/Disney origin in a nice way.
In any case - sharp dialog, great musical numbers - just fun and exciting for all ages!"
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Simon H from Stockholm on May 8, 2026
The entertainment in any night
"The music and the costumes are some of the best I have ever seen. Three generations were entertained thru the entire performance. Gave it a 5 start rating only because that was all that was available. It really deserves the highest rankings. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 6, 2026
Everything you want in a Broadway show!
"It told the story we all know perfectly, and it was energetic and moving. Even a few surprises in the audience. I would definitely see it again!"
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Caroline C from Binghamton on May 3, 2026
Amazing!
"Made me feel like a kid again watching the movie for the first time! The whole cast was terrific and the set/props were unbelievable! "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 3, 2026
Fancy
"Una obra muy bien montada que te mantiene entretenido y atento en todo momento , hermosos colores y geniales escenografías móviles "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 1, 2026
Just spectacular
"They play was spectacular. Visited Broadway for the first time. Show you just have to see with your own eyes!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 29, 2026
Amazing!!
"This show was amazing from beginning to end. The costumes and singing were amazing too. A definite must see when in New York."
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Millie J from Fayetteville on Apr 27, 2026
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About
The Lion King
A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands.
When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king.
