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 was the most beautiful production we’ve ever seen. A must see!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 6, 2025
AMAZING
"The creative genius behind this show is incomparable! There are NO words to explain the depth of innovation and emotion!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 6, 2025
Hakuna Matata forever!
"Absolutely magical! 🦁✨ The performance on July 3 was bursting with energy, color, and emotion. The costumes were breathtaking, the music gave me chills, and the cast brought the savanna to life in the most unforgettable way. It’s truly a show that makes you laugh, cry, and sing along — perfect for all ages. Hakuna Matata forever!"
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Lucian M from Municipiul Ramnicu Valcea on Jul 4, 2025
Best Lion King performance EVER !!!
"From beginning to end, the energy was electric. The cast delivered performances so rich and nuanced that it felt less like acting and more like watching lives unfold before our eyes. Every line was delivered with authenticity, every song soared with passion, and every movement on stage was a testament to the hard work and dedication that defines true theatrical excellence."
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Kimberly E from Athens on Jul 4, 2025
Extraordinary
"Beautiful, very original show. Young Simba is incredible!"
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Anna V from Dilsen-Stokkem on Jul 3, 2025
Great show for the whole family
"Went to the matinee. Lots of kids at this show but it is Disney and the afternoon. Had a great experience. "
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Kimberly M from Petersburg on Jul 1, 2025
Fantastic!
"Exceeded my expectations! Did a great job paying homage to the original movie. Music was as great as I remembered. And the costumes/set pieces…wow! Those folks deserve a raise! You will not be disappointed! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 29, 2025
Even better 2nd time around.
"Saw Lion King in the first few months that it opened for my son’s 18th birthday in 1998. Today, we take our granddaughter Julia, age 9. Perfection! Even better the second time around. "
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joanne b from East Quogue on Jun 26, 2025
A beautiful and emotional show
"I lived everything from the beginning to the end. The music, the emotions, the way the service was and how helpful everyone was around. It was one of my top favorite things I did when visiting new york "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 26, 2025
Great family trip to Broadway!
"Fantastic show! The Lion King had something for everyone. The singing, performance and experience was amazing! Thank you."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 26, 2025
Great costumes for each role.
"The costumes were done cleverly and fit each of the roles. The hyenas were absolutely hilarious."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 26, 2025
The Best!!!
"OMG, this was by far the best show I’ve ever seen. The production was amazing!!!"
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Jordan W from Garland on Jun 23, 2025
First and Best Show
"Loved the costumes, the actor's and the singing. So colorful and moving. Orchestra was perfect. I have seen the movie and it was definitely brought to life in this play. Great job everyone "
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Kimberly T from Gray on Jun 22, 2025
Must See
"The costumes, sound, lighting, actors, everything was great. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 21, 2025
Truly incredible
"We all know the classic movie and this was incredible. My mouth was open for probably most of the show. The opening alone brought tears to my eyes with these incredible performers pouring their heart and soul into their craft. I would see it again just because it was so good. From the costume to the makeup to the music. All efforts made it a lifetime experience to remember. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 19, 2025
Amazing experience!
"We loved everything about it! The costumes, the choreography, the music, and the location were amazing!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 17, 2025
First Broadway Show!
"Perfect show for a first-timer! Performers in the aisles, COLOR, fantastic stage effects and so much more made this the highlight of my NYC experience. "
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Karen O from Bloomington on Jun 16, 2025
Best and only show
"This show is perfect. I think kids over about 8 would get more out of it. I've seen other shows on Broadway, but this is the only one I have seen multiple times. "
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Elizabeth B from Sun Valley on Jun 16, 2025
My second time around at The Lion King
"Music and singing were outstanding! Staging was gorgeous too. Actors (ALL OF THEM) were inspiring. I’m visually impaired, so entering the seating area and leaving it during intermission were difficult for me, though not impossible. My 11-year old granddaughter had a blast!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 16, 2025
Best musical around!
"This show was absolutely amazing! Everyone did an amazing job and the singing was phenomenal! Would definitely go see it again! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 15, 2025
Love Animals?
"This show is great! I have seen it several times and took my 7 year old great nephew. He loved it! Story line, funny, costumes and the way the bring animals to life! Recommend for adult as and children."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 15, 2025
Spectacular
"The show was amazing! Probably the best thing I have watched! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 13, 2025
Fantastic
"My first time attending a play and it was amazing. I would go see it again if we lived there"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 10, 2025
One of the Best
"This was the second time I saw the Lion King. The actors are spectacular! Amazing singing and the puppetry is outstanding. I had tears in my eyes when the actors came down the aisles and during the song, Circle of Life. The Best!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 10, 2025
Awesome production
"This production was amazing. I have waited so long to see it and it was worth every penny. The actors were phenomenal. "
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Judy G from Decatur on Jun 10, 2025
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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.
