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."
The Lion King Broadway production receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with audiences consistently praising its exceptional costume design, stunning visual spectacle, and outstanding performances by a talented cast. The creative use of puppetry and animal representations, combined with impressive choreography, set design, and powerful music, creates an immersive theatrical experience that captivates audiences of all ages. Reviewers frequently highlight the emotional impact of the show, with many moved to tears by the performances and meaningful storytelling. The production's ability to bring the beloved film to life through traditional theatrical artistry without relying on digital elements is widely appreciated. While the show is universally recommended as a must-see Broadway experience suitable for families and repeat viewings, minor criticisms include the lengthy runtime for younger children and occasional sound mixing issues, though these concerns are vastly outweighed by praise for the production's overall quality, execution, and timeless appeal.
Generated by AI from reviews submitted by verified customers.
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A Great Show
"There was nothing I didn’t like about The Lion King: great show great storyline, performances and costumes. Would be tempted on seeing it again when in NYC."
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Lois R M from Atascadero on Nov 9, 2026
One of the highlights of our trip to New York!
"Great costumes, loved the music and little jokes added in. Absolutely worth it!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 9, 2026
Amazing show
"The show was amazing! It was beyond my wildest expectations. The costumes, the musics, the scenography… literally everything was perfect "
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Piera De S from Kidlington, Cherwell on Nov 8, 2026
Amazing Visual Experience
"This show was AMAZING! The visuals, music and acting was all encompassing. Visually stunning from start to finish!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 3, 2026
Absolutely amazing
"This was my first-ever broadway show. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of it. The cast is perfection, everyone is gifted with an incredible singing voice. The colors, the costumes, the lights. Truly wonderful. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 2, 2026
So Amazing!!!
"The show was amazing! The cast was unbelievable and the production awesome 👏
This is definitely an experience I want to come back to."
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Valeria Q from Fort Worth on Oct 26, 2026
Everything excellent
"I liked the music the singing and the way everything was portrayed."
"I’ve wanted to see this for years, It was everything I expected and more. A do not miss!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 19, 2026
Absolutely loved it
"The show provided a great stage presence with wonderful colorful costumes and set. Totally blew my mind away. "
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Diana K from Richmond on Oct 18, 2026
Phenomenal!
"We loved it and I had three children 7 and under with me! We had such fun! I will say, it was very loud, so sensitive kids may have a hard time, but overall phenomenal performance! The costumes and colors were so fabulous!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 14, 2026
Spectacular performance!
"The set, portrayals of animals + vegetation were amazing! Top notch acting and music. Best Broadway production I have seen. "
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Laura from Kingwood on Oct 14, 2026
The best!
"I absolutely loved this show. I was in awe the entire show. The performance this cast, orchestra and the conductor put on is unlike like any other show I’ve ever seen. "
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Jessica V from Burleson on Oct 11, 2026
Outstanding
"Can’t fault the show, thoroughly enjoyed every aspect. Cast were awesome, funny, amazing singing, costume and dancing. Theatre staff friendly- highly recommended "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 10, 2026
Entertaining from the very beginning.
"The performance completes all angles of expectation. I did not expect the performers to appear from the rear. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 10, 2026
Kid Pleaser
"A spectacular evening with our two sons, 8 and 10. They were enthralled by the whole show. The performance is excellent and engaging throughout. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 10, 2026
A day on the plains
"The whole show was absolutely amazing, the first scenecwas very emotional, loved every minute of it"
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 5, 2026
Spectacular Broadway Performance
"What can I say? The Lion King on Broadway was perfect from the casting to the theatrics. It felt as if I was reliving the Lion King. The Lion King is my favorite Disney movie and to see it on the big stage was a great experience. I would definitely watch it again. "
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Nathan from Nassau on Oct 4, 2026
It was a great show
"Excelent actors, singers, dancers. The set design was really impressive. Truly remarkable."
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 2, 2026
Best show ever
"From costume, lighting, audio (OMG), music, song to all cast are just spectacular."
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 2, 2026
Absolutely stunning
"I loved the show. The costume were unbelievably gorgeous,l and also the setting!! Performers are amazing!"
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isabella s from Milano on Sep 28, 2026
Worth it!!
"When you enter the theater, the staff will guide you to your seat. The entire performance was absolutely amazing epecially the actors who played Scar and Mufasa. Everything else was just perfect, from the props, costumes, and music. It's a show that even adults would love!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Sep 27, 2026
Fantastic
"We especially likes the second act. The actor who plays Simba was the best!"
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Teresa L from Klamath Falls on Sep 25, 2026
Magical
"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
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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.
