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."
"Loved it! The music, the set design, the costumes, the puppetry, the acting, the staging and the voices were all wonderful. At the very beginning, the microphones did not seem to be set just right and it was hard to understand some of the dialogue in the first act, but it was soon rectified. The creative whimsy really came through. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 23, 2026
A moment to remember
"As a kid, I watched The Lion King with my cousin who sadly died last year. Watch it live at Broadway was a way to honour his life and our childhood memories at their best. It was not only emotional and touching, but also funny and light to see characters that I have loved for years come to life in front of my eyes. A special shout out to the appreciation of the African culture, its colors, languages and sounds. The respect and pride was present in the lyrics, clothing, setting, textures and instruments. A joy for my soul."
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Mariana Reis M from São Paulo on Sep 21, 2026
An amazing experience
"This show was an amazing experience. A must see. From the actors, the music and special effects . It was worth every single penny."
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Floyd A from Norristown on Sep 13, 2026
Outstanding
"This show was absolutely amazing. The acting was great with fantastic energy, and the singing blew me away. Would recommend to anyone, no matter the age. "
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sally-anne w from Lichfield on Sep 13, 2026
Brilliant show
"Awesome, mind blowing performance with wonderful music and costumes. Everyone has to experience this masterclass."
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Nithin Kumar M from Eindhoven on Sep 12, 2026
Special night
"The Lion King performance was so very special. Having seen it before, I wasn't prepared to be " dazzled" but I was ! It reminded me of how wonderful it is to see a Broadway show again."
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Punkie S from Papillion on Sep 10, 2026
Lion King was the best
"What a wonderful Broadway production. An excellent first show for kids.
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Don S from Pflugerville on Sep 9, 2026
My daughters were thrilled, the magic in their eyes was amazing to see.
"As a parent of 3 young children, this was an incredible experience. My wife and I were in tears seeing how happy the kids were. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 8, 2026
Great show
"Great show. So much movement and activity. Beautiful costumes and dancing. Great story telling and even funny at points. A visual treat. "
"The costuming is incredible. The animal props are incredible. The humor and music were incredible. I had seen this show with its original cast after winning the Tony and was mesmerized. My first Broadway show. I've always wanted to go back and it was just as wonderful as the 1st time. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 31, 2026
Simply Breathtaking! 🦁✨
"I came all the way from Mexico to see The Lion King, and it was absolutely magical! The music, costumes, performances, and staging were breathtaking. An unforgettable experience from beginning to end 🦁✨"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 24, 2026
A really great anniversary
"I took my wife for our anniversary, and it was great. I wasnt expecting what i seen and i was amazed by it. The stage almost feels like an animation and it pops out at you. We talked about it for days after. I will absolutely take my son to see it next. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 24, 2026
Excellent and Creative
"Everything was just amazing...acting, singing, costuming, lighting, scenery, the adaptable stage...all was just creative"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 22, 2026
FREAKING EXTRAORDINARY
"This was one of the best things I have ever seen in my life. Dream come true."
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Ruth Arino R from Los Angeles on Aug 22, 2026
The songs move...
"Although the songs are the same, they sound different when were sang by different singers and listened in the theater and loved them."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 20, 2026
My new favorite broadway show!'
"It was soooo good! The actors, the dancers, the props, the live music, everything was incredible! Will be buying a ticket to see it again each time I come back to New York.
-Tia🌸💕"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 20, 2026
Fantastic family show
"Very imaginative representation of the animated classic- amazing colors and wonderful cast. At points in the performance they come and play amid the audience. Be prepared to spend money if you come with little ones."
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 17, 2026
Amazing a beautiful story
"Unbelievable, all of it ! The colors, the sets, costumes, performances. The entire cast did a fabulous job. We would definitely love to see the show again when in NYC. "
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CINDY A from Waterloo on Aug 16, 2026
The best of the best!
"Other than a whole family with small children talking with their outside voices behind us the whole time, the show was absolutely spectacular!! I had very high expectations for the show, since it was my first Broadway show and my life-long dream, and the show absolutely exceeded my expectations!!! The costumes, the vocals, musicians, everything! You can just feel the energy in the room!! 10/10 recommended!!!"
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Maria P from Concord on Aug 13, 2026
Amazing!
"A great family show. It was enough like the cartoon to allow us Millenials to happily relive our childhood while being different enough to keep our attention. My 6 year old clapped louder than us and he never seemed to like the cartoon, if that says anything! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 10, 2026
Absolutely Amazing
"The Lion King was fantastic from beginning to end. The costumes, music, performances and especially the scenery are just incredible. One small tip: I’d probably recommend not sitting too close to the stage, as being a little further back gives you a better view of the beautiful sets and all the visual effects. An amazing Broadway experience!"
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Stefano C from Olgiate Olona on Aug 9, 2026
Absolutely wonderful
"We had an amazing time and the show was incredible. Highly recommend seeing it and I’m looking forward to more Broadway shows. The cast did an incredible job"
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Broadway.com Customer on Aug 9, 2026
Excellent performance.
"Excellent performance by all. Really kept us all captivated during the show. We strongly recommend people to go and watch for themselves.,"
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Julio Y from edinburg on Aug 8, 2026
Amazing and funny show!
"Costumes and stages are amazing. From the first second you are taken into the savanna. Jokes adapted to current times. A must see show when you are in New York!"
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Michael v from Zoetermeer on Aug 8, 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.
