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."
"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 escenografÃas 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
The best show ever made
"The show is one of the most amazing thing I have seen. Must see once in a life time.
The emotions, scenes, athmodphere, messages, etc. Everything is just beyond perfect!"
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Muhammet Kemal A from Istanbul on Apr 26, 2026
0 disappointment
"With a long standing classic and Disney association, a standard is set. That said, the costuming was impeccable at every turn, the casting on point for all major roles with additional delightful surprises in Rafiki, Mufasa, and Scar."
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Felicia Q from Versailles on Mar 9, 2026
What an incredible show!
"Incredible show with colorful costumes, amazing and talented voices, dancers and character actors."
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Robert S from Bristol on Mar 7, 2026
Powerful!!!
"What an incredible show with so much wonderful energy!!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 7, 2026
One of the best experiences of my life!
"I'm a huge Lion King fan, and the performance was absolutely amazing... I honestly cried several times (the usual parts I cry at when I watch the movie and also a couple of other times because I was just so overwhelmed with the music and singing). It was magical! The only thing I didn't understand was Timon's costume... everyone else blended in with their character, but the guy playing Timon wore a green bodysuit, and that was kind of distracting for me. But if I lived in state, I would watch Lion King on Broadway all the time!! I loved it so much!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 25, 2026
Definitely Worth It
"Beautiful and creative version of the classic you already love. Definitely recommend. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 22, 2026
A stunning performance by great performers
"I thought the production was just amazing. They brought Pride Rock to life in a way that’s hard to put in to words. I can’t recommend this show enough for fans of the movie and fans of live theater. "
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Joseph W from Las Vegas on Feb 22, 2026
Loved the performance as a whole! Two thumbs up!
"Loved it! Went with my 19 year old son and he also enjoyed the performance!! "
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Tricia O from Cambridge on Feb 22, 2026
My boys loved it
"We loved the interaction in the audience, the incorporation of the original songs. The 6:30pm start is late for younger children, I wish we would have gone to the afternoon show, but that is the only complaint that we have. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 17, 2026
Fantastic
"The opening scene made us all cry it was amazing!! The whole performance was unforgettable!! "
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Charlotte W from Goole on Feb 16, 2026
Spellbound
"This was my first broadway show experience. I was awestruck with performances and creativity involved in narration. Absolutely loved it !! "
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Thejasvi Narayana L from Camp Hill on Feb 15, 2026
Fantastic show!
"My kids were on the edge of their seats. Perfect for their first Broadway show!"
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Amber H from Atlanta on Feb 2, 2026
If it was a 6th star, I would've chosen it!
"The performance was very entertaining, in my Grandaughter's words. I really enjoyed it was my 3rd time seeing it and I would go again. WE LOVED IT!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 30, 2026
Absolutely breathtaking wonderful
"Loved every minute of this show. It is something that you can watch over and over. The performance is top notch. The costumes are out of this world. Phenomenal! "
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Tara K from Dickinson on Jan 25, 2026
Excellent show as always!
"What a fun time - a late Christmas gift but spectacular as it is everytime. The cast and crew are amazing at what they do! Thanks for the fun evening!"
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Steven U from McKinney on Jan 25, 2026
A Legend lives on....
"An excellent production, the cast and customes are quite impressive to say the least. I predict these play will go on for another 50 years at least. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 24, 2026
Wonderful show, highly recommend
"Great for all ages. My 6-year-old and 17-year-old daughters both enjoyed it very much, which is a rare occurrence."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 19, 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.
